Kari Flitz

Kari Flitz is the Chief Instructional Officer responsible for the complete instructional program for K4-12th grades the The Lincoln Academy.

Previously, Kari was the Chief Academic Officer of a high-performing charter network of schools for the past eight years. She had previously led the original campus as Elementary Director and has 13 years of classroom elementary teaching experience.

The charter network has four campuses that serve 2000 scholars in K4-8th grades in the inner city of Milwaukee. Throughout different years, the Wisconsin Department of Instruction has recognized each network campus as a Five Star School that Far Exceed Expectations on the State Report Card.

Her leadership skills were developed through participation in the Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP) School Leadership Program. She earned her B.A. from Cardinal Stritch University in Education and her M.A. from Alverno College,and another M.A. from National Louis University in Administrative Leadership. She has made national presentations on assessment practices and systems. Kari has previously served as a consultant on two Critical Friends Visit teams with the Achievement First Accelerator Team.

Kari has led a network of schools serving over 2,000 low socio-economic status scholars. Various campuses were consistently able to beat the Wisconsin averages of proficient/advanced on state assessments. Proving that your zipcode doesn’t determine your destiny is something that Kari has been very proud to accomplish.

She is also proud of the network professional development model that she created. She designed and led content PD for all grade and content bands. Teachers attended as network teams and worked collaboratively to refine their content skills and expertise. Academic Deans then supported teachers with implementation at campuses. Kari also coached principals on the instructional strategies presented at her network PD. Kari currently serves as a council woman on the WI Early Literacy Curriculum Council.

While not working, Kari most enjoys taking long runs with her Border Collie, Daisy, and going on long bike rides through the country. She also enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters.