Ed. Note: the following is a news release courtesy of SCVi Charter School, iLEADS Schools.

SCVi Charter School officials have hired a new director for the Kindergarten through 8th grade.

Lisa Latimer arrived on the Hasley Canyon Road campus this month after 17 years teaching kindergarten through fifth grade, followed by 10 years as campus director of a private school in Lancaster. She said she’s excited about her new role, particularly because the educational philosophies of SCVi and iLEAD are a perfect match for hers.

“When I walked onto the iLEAD campus in Lancaster, and spoke with the directors there, I knew that these were ‘my people,’” said Latimer, whose role as SCVi campus director is equivalent to that of a principal. “The whole philosophy, the mission and the pedagogy are everything I believe in.”

SCVi and iLEAD emphasize a project-based, collaborative approach to learning, designed to prepare learners to succeed and lead as adults. SCVi is a tuition-free public charter school with approximately 900 students, about 650 of whom are enrolled as learners on the lower campus, which offers transitional kindergarten through eighth grade.

“It was a perfect match from the beginning,” Latimer said. “I’ve already experienced project-based learning and I’ve seen firsthand how well it prepares learners for their futures.”

Latimer replaces the previous lower campus director, Kim Shaw, who has taken on new responsibilities as the director of student support for iLEAD Schools.

Amber Raskin, co-founder of SCVi and iLEAD Schools, agrees that Latimer and SCVi are a great match.

“Lisa’s enthusiasm and her deep understanding of the benefits of collaborative, project-based learning really make her the ideal person to lead our lower campus,” Raskin said. “Thanks to her experience both as a teacher and campus director, she understands the needs of everyone involved — children, our facilitators and parents alike.

”Latimer added that she’s looking forward to getting to know SCVi’s learners when the school year begins on Sept. 1.

“I want to be able to challenge those students and further support them, and my door will always be open to parents, too,” Latimer said. “SCVi is doing it right: We’re doing what needs to be done to prepare students for college and the work force. I’m excited to be a part of that.”