Authorizers
School boards act as the legal authorizers in most districts, yet few receive targeted training on what effective charter oversight involves. This session provides practical guidance for authorizers on how to support boards in managing their roles confidently and effectively. Presenters will share how Colorado districts are working with CACSA to clarify board responsibilities, improve decision-making, and align practices throughout the charter lifecycle. Attendees will leave with resources to foster coherent and sustainable governance in their districts
Alex Medler is Executive Director of the National Network for District Authorizing. Medler was previously the Chair of the NN4DA Governing Council and Executive Director of the Colorado Association of Charter School Authorizers (CACSA). He also served as the National Coordinator of the Tri-State Alliance to Improve District-Led Authorizing, which was a precursor to the NN4DA. This previous effort was a collaborative comprising CACSA, the Florida Association of Charter School Authorizers (FACSA), and the California Charter Authorizing Professionals (CCAP).
He previously led the National Charter School Resource Center; and directed policy, research, and technical assistance initiatives for the National Association of Charter School Authorizers (NACSA); the Colorado Children’s Campaign; the U.S. Department of Education’s Charter Schools Program; and the Education Commission of the States. He is a founding board member and former chair of the board of the Center for Learner Equity, he served on the board of NACSA, and he founded and chaired the board of the Colorado Charter School Institute.
Medler earned a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Colorado Boulder and graduated from the University of California Santa Cruz. He lives in Boulder, Colorado with wife, where he enjoys being in the mountains and playing music with friends.
Melissa is NACSA’s Senior Manager of Instructional Design. She supports authorizers by designing and developing professional learning opportunities that enhance their knowledge and professional practices.
Her experience in libraries and higher education give Melissa the ability to approach professional learning with a strong focus on accessibility, user engagement, and measurable outcomes. These skills support NACSA’s mission by ensuring that authorizers receive well-designed, impactful resources tailored to their unique needs.
Melissa holds a Master of Arts in Learning Design and Technology from the University of Colorado, a Master of Library & Information Science from the University of Denver, and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Media Studies from Rutgers University.
When she is not designing and facilitating professional learning, Melissa enjoys exploring creative projects and spending time with her family.
