Global_Content.Members_Area_1
Miles Durfee
Mdurfee@vistacharterps.org
Miles Durfee is an accomplished professional with over two decades of experience in public education, advocacy, and leadership. He is the Founder and Principal Consultant of Community Leadership Strategies, a firm specializing in leadership strategies, community engagement, and tailored advocacy for nonprofit and educational organizations. His work emphasizes fostering organizational growth through leadership strategies that align with community needs. Prior to founding his consulting firm, Miles served as Vice President of Local Advocacy and Member Support at the California Charter Schools Association (CCSA), where he championed policies to advance the growth and sustainability of charter schools across the state. His extensive experience includes working directly with school leaders, community leaders, elected officials, and other public officials to ensure student success and operational excellence in public education. Miles’ dedication to advancing public education is further exemplified through his earlier roles, including his tenure as Manager of Administrative and Legislative Services for the San Diego Unified School District. In this role, he championed legislative and regulatory policies that positively impacted 125,000 students and collaborated with district leadership to implement forward-thinking strategic initiatives. Holding a Master’s in Public Administration from The George Washington University and a Bachelor’s in Political Science and Business Economics from UC Santa Barbara, Miles has consistently demonstrated his commitment to lifelong learning and applying these lessons to better serve his community. Beyond his professional contributions, his involvement with organizations such as the Copley-Price YMCA and the Old Mission Rotary Club underscores his dedication to fostering community growth and support. Miles’ leadership continues to shape the public education landscape, advancing innovation and equity for students and communities alike.
Miles Durfee
Mdurfee@vistacharterps.org
Miles Durfee is an accomplished professional with over two decades of experience in public education, advocacy, and
leadership. He is the Founder and Principal Consultant of Community Leadership Strategies, a firm specializing in leadership strategies, community engagement, and tailored advocacy for nonprofit and educational organizations.
His work emphasizes fostering organizational growth through leadership strategies that align with
community needs. Prior to founding his consulting firm, Miles served as Vice President of Local Advocacy and Member Support at
the California Charter Schools Association (CCSA), where he championed policies to advance the growth and
sustainability of charter schools across the state. His extensive experience includes working directly with school leaders,
community leaders, elected officials, and other public officials to ensure student success and
operational excellence in public education. Miles’ dedication to advancing public education is further exemplified through his
earlier roles, including his tenure as Manager of Administrative and Legislative Services for the San
Diego Unified School District. In this role, he championed legislative and regulatory policies that
positively impacted 125,000 students and collaborated with district leadership to implement forward-thinking strategic initiatives. Holding
a Master’s in Public Administration from The George Washington University and a Bachelor’s in
Political Science and Business Economics from UC Santa Barbara, Miles has consistently demonstrated his commitment to lifelong learning and
applying these lessons to better serve his community. Beyond his professional contributions, his
involvement with organizations such as the Copley-Price YMCA and the Old Mission Rotary Club underscores his dedication to
fostering community growth and support. Miles’ leadership continues to shape the public education landscape, advancing innovation and equity for students and
communities alike.
Geronimo Gaytan
ggaytan@vistacharterpublicschools.org
Mr. Gaytan is a founding parent of Palm Lane Elementary Charter School, the second parent trigger school in the State of California. Mr. Gaytan worked tirelessly to help the parents of Palm Lane convert the school into a charter school. He has served with dedication and loyalty on the school board since that time and continues to be a powerful advocate for parents at all Vista Charter Public Schools. Mr. Gaytan is a proud employee of Disneyland where he has worked formany years and is held in high regard by his supervisors and employees in the food services division. Mr. Gaytan has a child enrolled at Palm Lane Elementary Charter School.
Current Term Expiration Date: 6/30/2025
Michael Hoover
mhoover@vistacharterps.org
Michael Hoover is a seasoned educational leader with over a decade of experience in shaping equitable school culture and advancing student success. As the Vice President of School Culture at Bright Star Schools, he has played a pivotal role in developing and implementing strategic plans that promote positive behavioral interventions, social-emotional learning, and multi-tiered support systems across nine schools. His leadership has led to significant improvements in school practices aimed at fostering inclusive and supportive environments for all students.
A former Teach for America Corps member, Michael began his career as a secondary mathematics teacher and quickly rose to leadership roles, including founding dean and director positions at public charter schools in Los Angeles. His expertise in strategic planning, coalition building, and restorative practices has been showcased in national conferences, where he has presented on sustainable school culture development and classroom management strategies. With advanced degrees in educational policy and administration, Michael is deeply committed to improving educational outcomes through equitable policies and practices.
