The mission of the Educational Empowerment Group is to promote knowledge, wisdom and understanding to all stakeholders that empowers success in our global society.
Vision
The vision of the Educational Empowerment Group is to elevate the experience for students and stakeholders by positively changing the landscape of charter school education.
A Message from the CEO
Happy New Year to each of you! I trust you all enjoyed a rejuvenating holiday break spent with loved ones. As we embark on the second half of this academic year, let us renew our commitment to fostering a culture of unwavering academic pursuit. We bear the sacred responsibility of guiding our students on a transformative journey of continuous growth and improvement.
Let us inspire within our students a mindset of striving for excellence and believe in their boundless potential. The path to greatness is paved with ambitious goals and the unwavering dedication to achieving them. While each student’s unique journey will unfold differently, we must cultivate within them the intrinsic motivation to embrace challenges and celebrate every milestone along the way.
May the second half of the school year be a time of growth, discovery, and remarkable achievements for all!
Wendy Rydarowicz
EEG Founder
“Excellence in education is when we do everything we can to make sure they become everything they can.” –Carol Ann Tomlinson
EEG Celebrates the Holidays with a Festive Gathering and Awards
The Educational Empowerment Group celebrated the holiday season with its annual gathering on December 20. EEG team members gathered for an afternoon of team-building activities, games, lunch and camaraderie. The festive atmosphere was filled with holiday cheer, as the team enjoyed some fun before the winter break.
During the gathering, our CEO, Wendy Rydarowicz, recognized several team members for their outstanding contributions in Elevating the Experience. Congratulations to the following award recipients!
The EEG Experience Award
Principal Monica Jones, Innovation Academy West
Principal Renee Holt, The Steel Academy
Maria Hejnal, Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Stephanie Groscost, Director of School Operations
The Innovation Award
Principal Randall Printup, Bridge Gate Elementary School
Jonathan Hejnal, Director of Food Service
The Perseverance Award
Principal Kelly Brodzenski, Beacon Academy
Holly Hatcher, Operations Program Manager
Robert Hale, Project Manager of Facilities
The Professionalism Award
Principal Marvis Meeks, Miami Valley Academies
Principal, Dr. David Fant, The Bessie Sherrod-Price Preparatory Academy
Nick Vera, Senior Director of Accounting
Tina Davenport, Vice President of Business Oversight
The Can-Do Spirit Award
Principal Sherwin Ealy, A+ Arts Academy, Maybury Campus
Principal Ryan Dewees, Southern Ohio Career Academy
Cami Lewis, Executive Director of Special Education
The Unsung Hero Award
Principal Carly Hart, Stark High School
Howard Fox, Manager of Student Services
Tracy Carter, Senior Director of Community Engagement, Partnerships & Marketing
The Dream Team Award
Ohio Construction Academy – Principal Matt Demosky and Dean DeShannon Butler
The EEG State Reporting Team – Pam Martin, Howard Fox, Leida Shuluga, Kim Scott and Temeah Ross
The EEG CEO Award
Principal Jamie Martin and Dean Marquita Dixon, South Side Academy
Mike Wenger, Director of Facilities
We are immensely proud to collaborate with such a dedicated and talented team. Every member is valued. We look forward to recognizing many more outstanding achievements throughout the year.
A New Author on the EEG Team
EEG is excited to congratulate Monica Jones, Principal of Innovation Academy West, on the recent publication of her book, “Back to the Basics Teaching Guide: A Practical Guide for Teaching in the Urban Community.”
Driven by her passion for education, Ms. Jones authored this valuable resource to support teachers navigating the unique challenges of the urban classroom. Recognizing that many aspiring educators face significant hurdles despite rigorous academic preparation, Ms. Jones created this guide to provide practical guidance and support.
This book offers invaluable insights for teachers working in urban communities. We are highly impressed by Ms. Jones’ dedication to empowering educators through her knowledge and experience. Congratulations, Monica!
Akron Career Tech High School (ACT) recently had the distinct honor of hosting Chef Todd Whitman, an extraordinary chef with a remarkable story of redemption. Chef Whitman, the executive chef at Sérénité Restaurant & Culinary Institute in Medina, shared his inspiring journey with ACT students.
Like many of the students at ACT, Chef Todd faced significant challenges in his youth, including addiction, homelessness and legal issues. However, in 2015, he made a life-altering decision to change his trajectory for himself, his wife, and his children. Through unwavering determination, he overcame addiction, sought training at the Edwins Leadership & Restaurant Institute and ultimately achieved his dream of becoming a successful chef.
Chef Whitman not only shared his culinary expertise with the students, but also imparted valuable life lessons about overcoming adversity and achieving personal and professional success. The students were captivated by his presentation and deeply inspired by his story.
EEG extends its sincere gratitude to Principal Leeanna Simmons and the faculty and staff for hosting this impactful event. Special recognition goes to Sandy Calvert, Director of Community Engagement and Legislative Advocacy, for forging this valuable partnership.
Charter School Facts – Did You Know?
Ensuring Legal Compliance and Financial Transparency
Legal Collaboration
EEG prioritizes strong legal and financial oversight for all schools within our network. Each school within our network has access to dedicated board attorneys who specialize in education law. These dynamic legal professionals collaborate closely with school boards to navigate the complex legal landscape, ensuring compliance with numerous state and federal regulations.
Further, these attorneys play a vital role in upholding sound governance practices. They advise school boards on proper meeting procedures, ensuring adherence to open meetings laws and the fulfillment of their fiduciary responsibilities.
Financial Transparency
To maintain the highest standards of financial transparency, EEG conducts an annual audit of company expenses. This rigorous process ensures strict adherence to Ohio Revised Code Section 3314.024 and aligns with the requirements of the Ohio Auditor of State and the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. This commitment to transparency and accountability reinforces our dedication to responsible financial management.
EEG will continue to prioritize transparency and honesty in all endeavors, working collaboratively with stakeholders to“Do What’s Best for Kids.”
The Health Corner
Discover the benefits of Dry January, a month-long alcohol-free challenge, in this month’s wellness newsletter. We also delve into winter skincare essentials and ways you can contribute to National Blood Donor Month. Read on for valuable insights!
Volume 29 | January 2025 EEG News & UpdatesMissionThe mission of the Educational Empowerment Group is to promote knowledge, wisdom and understanding to all stakeholders…
