March 16, 2022
Boise, Idaho –
Today Athlos Academies announced a leadership transition, signaling optimism for the future of Athlos Academies schools and continued growth for the burgeoning charter school network that serves students in three states with more schools planned.
Superintendent Darin Knicely has resigned effective March 25 to pursue other opportunities. Mr. Knicely joined Athlos Academies in 2018 and oversaw many exciting developments for Athlos schools, including the launch of a tutoring service for students in Athlos Academy of Jefferson Parish designed to address learning loss from school closures during the COVID pandemic.
Athlos Academies co-founder Jason Kotter expressed gratitude for Mr. Knicely, saying, “We appreciate Darin Knicely’s grit and creativity as we worked through the challenges of the past few years. We wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.”
Effective April 11, Athlos Academies is excited to welcome a new CEO, Dr. William Bressler. Ed.D. “We are full of optimism as we move forward with Dr. Bressler’s’ leadership. His experience and vision will benefit hundreds of students, staff, and families in the Athlos school community,” said Ryan Van Alfen, one of the Athlos Academies co-founders.
Dr. Bressler has more than twenty years of PK-12 education administration experience. He is known for his transformational leadership approach, helping develop others and effectively managing, guiding, and motivating groups to create, implement and execute innovative strategies and structures.
He has developed teams and processes that consistently produce exceptional academic, financial, and operational results. He has a record of accomplishment providing student-centered learning environments that academically challenge students to their fullest potential while ensuring they are healthy, safe, engaged, and supported.
Dr. Bressler started his career in education as a high school guidance counselor. Later, served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, superintendent, chief academic officer, and executive director.
Dr. Bressler earned his doctorate in education leadership and management from Capella University, his master’s degree in education administration and supervision from Arizona State University, and his bachelor’s in social work from Arizona State University. He is also a state-certified superintendent and principal.
Dr. Bressler stated, “There is a consensus that improving our nation’s quality of education is a priority. Throughout my professional career, I have been motivated to positively contribute to our nation’s education improvement efforts for the better good of the school community and society in general. As I recently learned about the Athlos model and its innovative education pillars, I was truly inspired to see an education organization adopt research-based strategies that work. I chose to work for Athlos Academies because I believe we will have a beneficial impact and see excellent results by executing the model with fidelity. The opportunity to join a team of committed educators who feel the same is exhilarating.”
Dr. Bill Bressler, Ed.D.
About Athlos Academies
Athlos Academies is a social venture started in 2006 to provide sustainable solutions to many of the struggles charter schools face today. The organization offers a range of services to charter schools, including charter application development, facility construction, leasing, bond marketing assistance, operational support, research-based curriculum, staff and student recruitment, and teacher training. It currently partners with schools in Louisiana, Utah, and Minnesota, with more schools looking to join the partnership in the next few years.
For more information on Athlos Academies and their innovative charter school model, visit athlosacademies.org.
