Sequoia Grove Charter Alliance’s Executive Director, Jenell Sherman, and Director of Accountability and Governance, Darcy Belleza, were recently featured in an article released by California Charter Authorizing Professionals, a group of education leaders that work to provide insight and resources to charter authorizers. 

This hometown highlight celebrates the practical yet personal partnership Jenell and Darcy have formed with Winship-Robbins Elementary School District Superintendent Dawn Carl.

With Feather River Charter School being nearly twenty times the size of the modest but mighty Winship-Robbins Elementary School District, their authorizing relationship may come as a surprise. Yet this partnership demonstrates how effective charter oversight is grounded not in size, but in trust, communication, and shared purpose.

In the often polarizing world of charter schools, transparency and trust are essential. Jenell and Darcy have made these principles foundational to their leadership at Feather River Charter School, prioritizing openness, collaboration, and accountability while maintaining a deep respect for the families they serve. Working closely with the Winship-Robbins Elementary School District, they engage in ongoing communication with Superintendent Dawn Carl, regularly seeking and sharing input, feedback, and detailed reporting to support transparent and effective charter oversight in practice.

This approach strengthens the relationship between Feather River Charter School and its authorizer while setting an important precedent, affirming that homeschool charter schools can—and do—meet the highest standards for financial stewardship and governance. Jenell and Darcy’s leadership has positioned Feather River as both a trusted partner to its authorizing district and a model of ethical leadership within the broader charter community.

Through carefully reviewed systems, consistent communication, and genuine partnership, Jenell and Darcy demonstrate how doing the right thing—and doing it well—creates stronger schools, stronger relationships, and better outcomes for students. Their partnership with Winship-Robbins Elementary School District stands as a powerful example of how collaboration rooted in integrity can transcend size or scale while keeping both organizations aligned in purpose and committed to student success.

Click here to read the article!