#50 Building Systems & Culture from Day 1, featuring Dermoth Mattison,
What does it really take to build a charter school from scratch—and do it well? In this milestone 50th episode, we sit down with Dermoth Mattison, founder of South Shore Charter School, to explore how intentionality in the early days can lay the groundwork for a thriving school culture and academic excellence. From rigorous SUNY authorizer expectations to community-driven design, Dermoth walks us through the highs and hurdles of opening a school that serves both heart and head. Discover how systems and culture are inseparable, how South Shore hit a 99% student success rate in its first year, and why your Plan B (and C) might be the key to unlocking long-term success. If you're a school leader, executive, or founder planning your next move—this is the episode you didn’t know you needed. Interested in sponsorship? Reach out to us at podcast@buyq.org