Educator Brenda Scholl: Achieving Her Mission
By Jo Ann Kirby
As the executive director of River Islands Academies, Brenda Scholl can say she has built a school community from the ground up. It was an invitation the long-time educator initially was not sure about accepting because it was such a daunting project in the quickly growing master-planned community in Lathrop, California.
It all began when she was asked to lunch by Susan Dell’Osso, the president of River Islands Development, one of the largest master-planned communities in California. With room for 15,000 homes, it would need schools. “She asked me if I would open the charter school they envisioned for River Islands,” said Brenda, who was an elementary vice principal in Manteca Unified at the time. “I was happy, I was fine in my career and I had my babies, but this sounded like a rare opportunity for an educator. Then I didn’t hear from Mrs. Dell’Osso for a year, but then she called again.”
It was a huge ask, but Brenda answered the call. Today, the charter school system boasts three K-8 campuses and a new high school, River Islands High School.
The Response
From a tiny trailer, Brenda put plans in motion to open River Islands’ first school. She immediately got to work, developing a curriculum, hiring teachers and inviting the public to learn about what would become River Islands Technology Academy. The trailer was located on the edge of the San Joaquin River, next to the offices of River Islands. “I started doing promotional events in 2013 to generate some interest in our school. I invited families and encouraged them to sign up if they were interested,” she said. “Well, after three events, we had all our spots for kindergarten to sixth grade filled up.”
River Islands Technology Academy opened for the 2013-2014 school year with Brenda as its principal. As the school was under construction, she held her first staff meeting for the 14 newly hired teachers around her parents’ dining room table. “My mom is a longtime educator, and it’s in me to continue that,” she said. “She was very involved in helping me. She still is very involved in River Islands Academies. She and Susan along with Michelle Crippen, who joined in year two, have been by my side this entire time and were there, with their amazing support, while I was hiring new teachers and developing policies and procedures.” It is agreed that Brenda put together a really great team of people who genuinely love working together and are committed to their mission of having “the best schools in the world” for their community.
Cooperation for Success
Close to 400 children enrolled that first year in grades kindergarten to sixth grade. Pulling off the feat was a team effort, Brenda said, among teachers, staff, the River Islands Development team, volunteers and the families. “Really, it’s our job but not only do we love it, we kinda do life together. Everyone is important and goes above and beyond.”
Brenda affirmed her mom has been instrumental in helping her succeed at River Islands Academies. “My mom is considered the grandmother of River Islands Academies, and she’s still visible throughout RIA as a devoted resource after 12 years.” She also credits Susan as a major influence in helping RIA succeed. “She is so helpful and supportive,” Brenda said. “And she’s so generous in sharing resources and information. It’s been a great journey.”
Now, as the executive director of River Islands Academies, Brenda oversees a growing school system that is highly regarded. She is extremely passionate about her vision for the schools and the role they play in the community. School events, such as harvest festivals, science nights, multicultural events and movie nights, are well attended. And now, the new high school has sports and academic teams that will draw the community’s support as they come out to watch their athletes compete.
Getting Started
Brenda grew up in Manteca and attended Utah State University, where she competed as a gymnast at the NCAA Division 1 level and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree; she earned her master’s in education from the University of La Verne, La Verne, California. She was an elementary school teacher before beginning her career as a public-school administrator. She’s the mother of two children who have grown and flown; her daughter will graduate from University of California at Santa Barbara this spring and her son followed in his mother’s footsteps to be a D-1 athlete. He is playing baseball at the University of San Diego.
In January, Brenda was nominated for the Association of California School Administrators Administrator of the Year award. Susan praised her, saying she could not be more deserving of the award. “I could not support her more. Brenda almost single-handedly created the River Islands Academies charter program. Brenda performs her responsibilities with grace and calm. She makes thoughtful and well-reasoned decisions. Her staff is loyal and dedicated to her.”
Proof of Success
As evidence of that loyalty, she was nominated by the RIA Administrator team for the Administrator of the Year honor. “Since founding River Islands Academies in 2013 with just one school and approximately 400 students, Brenda has transformed the educational landscape of our community,” Christine Usis, principal of River Islands’ EPIC Academy, wrote in her nomination letter. “Under her visionary leadership, the charter schools academies have expanded to include three K-8 schools and one high school, now serving over 3,500 students. This remarkable growth is a testament to her dedication, hard work and unwavering belief in the potential of every child.”
The future is bright for Brenda and the community she serves. As River Islands continues to grow, the school system she has launched will continue to grow as well. “We are getting big, but my goal is to keep that small family feeling in which everyone feels loved, appreciated and taken care of while providing the very best academic program for our students,” she concluded.
