Board Candidate Interview Summary: Sally Guadagno

Background:
Sally Guadagno is a veteran educator with over 31 years of teaching experience and a strong background in educational leadership and program design. She currently works with Mass Insight Education and Research as the English Content Director for STEM and English programs, supporting over 90 schools across Massachusetts. Her mission-driven work focuses on expanding AP access for historically underrepresented students. She also serves as an adjunct at Wheaton College, supervising student teachers weekly.

Interest in FRCS:
Sally expressed deep interest in serving on the FRCS Board due to her passion for education, equity, and community engagement. She admires FRCS’s mission and values the opportunity to contribute her expertise in teaching, learning, and nonprofit leadership.

Strengths and Value to the Board:

Strong academic background and nonprofit experience

Deep understanding of DEI and equitable access in education

Skilled in listening, problem-solving, and collaborative decision-making

Experience with strategic planning and organizational oversight

Educational Perspectives:
Sally discussed the evolving role of technology and AI in education, emphasizing the need to balance innovation with the preservation of critical thinking. She supports teacher autonomy while acknowledging the importance of accountability and evolving state guidance (e.g., MCAS).

Leadership and Governance Style:
She prioritizes clear communication, collaboration, and integrity, stating she would support Board decisions once made, except in cases of moral conflict. She is confident in seeking advice and building consensus.

Commitment and Availability:
Sally is flexible with in-person attendance and virtual participation. She expressed interest in the 

Academic Excellence, Governance, and DEI Committees, while open to learning more about Finance/Facilities.

Overall Impression:
Sally would bring extensive educational experience, a DEI-centered perspective, and a thoughtful, collaborative approach to the FRCS Board. Her insight into curriculum, instructional improvement, and teacher development aligns well with the school’s strategic priorities.

Board Candidate Interview Summary: Andrea Alberto

Background:
Andrea Alberto is an alumna of Foxborough Regional Charter School (attended grades 6–9 beginning in 1998) and the parent of a current 9th-grade student who is thriving academically and socially at FRCS. Andrea currently serves as the Executive Director of an international nonprofit organization supporting girls’ education in Afghanistan, managing school operations abroad and working closely with a Board of Directors. She also serves on the Board of a domestic violence organization in Brockton, demonstrating her commitment to advocacy and community engagement.

Interest in FRCS:
Andrea expressed a deep personal and professional connection to FRCS and a desire to give back to the community that shaped her early educational experience. Her motivation stems from both her role as a parent and her belief in the power of charter public schools to provide meaningful school choice and innovative educational pathways.

Strengths and Value to the Board:

Extensive nonprofit governance and leadership experience

Expertise in fundraising, grant writing, and organizational management

Strong commitment to educational equity and school choice

Cross-cultural leadership experience and deep understanding of diverse communities

Educational Perspective:
Andrea believes education is shifting post-pandemic toward more nontraditional and individualized learning models. She highlighted that charter schools are uniquely positioned to innovate quickly and respond effectively to student needs.

Leadership and Collaboration:
She described herself as an empathetic, collaborative leader who values open communication, mutual respect, and balance between governance oversight and administrative autonomy. Andrea emphasized her awareness of the dual perspective she would bring as both a parent and board member, ensuring decisions are made for the benefit of all students.

Commitment and Availability:
Andrea works remotely and is able to meet the time commitments required for monthly Board meetings (preferably in person) and committee participation (virtual options available).

Overall Impression:
Andrea brings a rare combination of personal connection to FRCS, nonprofit executive leadership, and a global educational perspective. Her skills in fundraising, governance, and equity-driven leadership would add meaningful depth and capacity to the Board of Trustees.

Post-Interview Deliberation Summary: Board Candidate Discussion

Following the interviews with Sally Guadagno and Andrea Alberto, the committee agreed that both candidates are strong prospects who would bring valuable experience and perspective to the FRCS Board of Trustees.

Overall Assessment:

Both candidates possess fundraising experience, which aligns with the Board’s emerging focus on development and external partnerships amid declining enrollment and the need to diversify funding sources.

Sally offers deep expertise in education, curriculum, and teacher development, along with established relationships in higher education through her work at Wheaton College.

Andrea brings a multifaceted background in nonprofit leadership, advocacy, and fundraising, and her experience as both an FRCS alumna and current parent offers a unique lens. She could also help strengthen the connection between the FRCS Foundation and the Board.

Discussion Points:

The Board should continue recruiting additional candidates to balance expertise across areas such as legal, real estate, education, and strategy.

Fundraising remains a key area for growth; both candidates could help advance this priority.

The Board recognized that not every skill needs to exist internally—experts can be engaged as needed for specialized guidance.

The third candidate withdrew, but follow-up will continue to maintain the connection.

Annual Board self-assessment will help identify remaining skill gaps and guide future recruitment.

Consensus:
Both Sally and Andrea are strong candidates with complementary strengths. There is room on the Board for both to serve, and their appointments would meaningfully enhance the Board’s overall capacity and perspective.