Victory Collegiate Academy
A Community of Growth
NICK SCHUERMAN
Executive Director
Nick Schuerman is the Founder and visionary behind Victory Collegiate Academy. With 17 years of educational experience, Nick has spent most of his career in leadership serving as a Principal in three different school districts across two states with all but one of these years in Title 1 schools. Each of Nick’s schools has had astounding results with his most notable work in Douglas, AZ, where he took over a school that was labeled by the Arizona Department of Education as a “Turnaround” and “Failing” school for ranking in the lowest 3% in the state. In just two years, Nick took this school (that was only 12 blocks from the Mexican border) and jumped two spots on the Arizona Accountability System and earned the school a “Performing” label for the first time in the school’s history.
Most of Nick’s career has been in the district world until in 2013, he moved to Queen Creek, AZ where he took the leadership role as Principal of a charter school at the Leading Edge Academy’s San Tan campus. Nick fell in love with the charter idea of choice for all students and, in 2014, Nick began the planning process for a high quality charter school in the Phoenix Urban Core with a focus on Healthy Body-Healthy Mind, Whole Child.
Nick’s innovative approach to educating the whole child and his “out-of-the-box” thinking, gained him a Fellowship with the New Schools for Phoenix Fellowship Program in 2015. Nick shares NSPF’s philosophy that education is greater than poverty. Here, Nick launched his vision of a school that would support elevated levels of academic growth among children in the Phoenix Urban Core.
Nick’s passionate, energetic, innovative and student centered approach towards learning provides an extraordinary education experience for all of his students. Nick is committed to his school leadership role in helping to build and refine the social, emotional, physical, nutritional, and academic skills students need to victorious in today’s society.
CHERYL KLOCK MCNEILL
Chairman
Cheryl Klock McNeill comes to the Board with 20 years of political, business and non-profit management, executive leadership and public relations experience. Cheryl has coordinated major fundraising efforts, led the advance work and, in many cases, been a strategic partner for major presidential candidates, numerous congressional and statewide candidates and state and local organizations throughout the country. She has sat, and currently sits, on numerous non-profit boards in various capacities. Cheryl has received several awards for her many leadership roles and achievements, has had her work published and considered a “Rising Star” in her field. Cheryl has also successfully run her own campaign and was elected to public office in her own right.
Cheryl is also no stranger to the corporate world. She served as one of 3 managing members for Mills Associates, LLC., a company that oversees a $110 million professional office building next to the White House in Washington, D.C. Cheryl successfully helped facilitate and guide the company through a major corporate and financial restructuring, which had not been done since the 1960s. Cheryl also runs a successful manufacturing company whose work has been recognized by industry leaders and published in the book, “Art Glass Today”.
Whether it is through her philanthropic endeavors or volunteering, Cheryl has made a point to reach out and assist those in need. With her professional expertise, compassion, drive and desire to see children succeed in their academic lives, she is a perfect fit for VCA.
BRAD LINSDAY
Vice Chairman
Brad Linsday comes to the Board with over 25 years of educational experience with half of that time in Title 1 schools. Most of his time as a teacher was spent in the Central Valley School District in Spokane, WA. During his 19 years in Spokane, Brad taught 5th and 6th grade self-contained classes. In 2002, Brad’s love of basketball launched the school’s basketball programs where he coached students by acquiring funding from private individuals.
Prior to retiring in 2013, Brad relocated to Douglas, AZ and taught 6th grade remedial reading, 7th grade self-contained classes and 8th grade social studies. He was the Head Coach for the 6th, 7th and 8th grade boys’ and girls’ basketball program for 2 years. When budget cuts eliminated the program, Brad stayed on and ran the intramural programs.
Brad is most recognized for his ability to connect and motivate students with genuine care for their personal and academic success.
SCOTT KIES
Treasurer
Scott has more than 18 years of experience working with public schools, including 4 years as managing partner of a regional public accounting firm, and the last 5 years as co-founder of a firm providing strategic consulting services to charter schools and non-profit organizations. His expertise in financial management and strategic planning makes him a sought-after resource for many large and small charter schools and non-profits.
Scott speaks at many national and local conferences and continuing education sessions on various topics, including public school finance, governance and management, financial reporting, fraud prevention, and budget development.
JOE GARCIA
Director