Dr. Kia Sweeney-Scott
President
Dr. Kia Scott serves as the Senior Director of School Choice Services for Orange County Public Schools in Orlando, Florida. In this capacity, she oversees a broad portfolio of school choice initiatives, including the authorization of 41 charter schools, administration of the Home Education Program, and coordination of the state’s Opportunity Scholarship transfer process within the district.
Currently, Dr. Scott is the president of the Florida Association of Charter School Authorizers (FACSA). With over three decades of experience in public education, she has contributed across traditional school systems, the Department of Juvenile Justice, and Alternative Education settings. Her leadership extends to state-level service as an appointed member of the Florida Charter School Appeal Commission and as a grant evaluator for both the U.S. Department of Education and the Florida Department of Education’s Office of Independent Education and Parental Choice.
Dr. Scott holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Howard University, a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Fairleigh Dickinson University, and a Doctorate in Education Administration from Walden University. She recently completed a post-doctoral fellowship at MIT, where she focused on the issue of declining student enrollment.
Dr. Valerie Hyer
Vice-President
Dr. Valerie Hyer currently serves as the Vice-President on the FACSA board. Dr. Hyer has worked with Charter Schools in the School District of Manatee County since 2015. She currently evaluates new charter applications, monitors current charters and coordinates charter contract renewals.
Valerie has served as an Elementary School Counselor in Hillsborough County Public Schools and has spent 20 years as a secondary school counselor in the School District of Manatee County in middle and high schools.
Additionally, Dr. Hyer has also served as an Assistant Professor in the College of Education at Argosy University, Sarasota, where she taught in the School Counseling and Educational Administration programs and in the Department of Teaching and Learning.
During her 28 years in public education in Florida, Dr. Hyer has served as a charter school authorizer, a school counselor and music educator. She has also previously taught General music, Orchestra and served as adjunct violin and viola instructor at State College of Florida. She is a lifetime member of Delta Omicron, an honorary music fraternity for women, and Phi Delta Kappa.
Dr. Hyer has also conducted extensive professional development workshops for teachers, counselors and leaders in public education in Assessment Literacy as it relates to Curriculum and Instruction. Valerie has mentored teachers, school counselors and leaders in the public schools as a Clinical Educator and through Professional Learning Communities.
Valerie received her EdD in Organizational Leadership in 2005 from Nova Southeastern University; EdS in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University in 2002; MA in School Counseling from the University of South Florida in 1997; and Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Indiana University of PA in 1977.
Rhonda Stephanik
Secretary
Rhonda Stephanik is the Secretary for FACSA and has previously served as a Director on the FACSA Board. Rhonda represents Broward County Public Schools as a Coordinator in the Charter Schools Management/Support Department for the last 14 years. She is primarily responsible for monitoring charter school operations as well as the application and renewal processes.
Rhonda has been involved in public education in Broward County since 2001. Prior to her work in authorizing, she was a high school classroom teacher, ESOL Contact, and school administrator. As an administrator, Rhonda worked closely mentoring teachers who were aspiring administrators.
Additionally, Rhonda has ten years of experience in higher education as an adjunct professor of Spanish at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and Broward College.
Rhonda received her Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Kent State University and a Master of Arts in Spanish from Wichita State University. Rhonda studied abroad in Puebla, Mexico through Wichita State University during several summer sessions to immerse herself in the language and culture. Having a love for languages, she has also studied Portuguese and German. She earned a Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University.
Stephen Ayres
Treasurer
Stephen Ayres is a Director on the FACSA board and is Director of School Choice, Student Assignments, and Records for Marion County Public Schools. Stephen has been an active member of FACSA since 2017.
As Director of School Choice, Student Assignments, and Records Stephen is responsible for the coordination of all Choice Programs, including charter schools, and attendance boundaries of all schools in the Marion County Public School System. Stephen also is the custodian of records for the district. During Stephen’s 26 years in public education, he has served many roles from a paraprofessional to a high school principal to his current district administrative position.
Stephen earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership, both from Saint Leo University. Stephen is a native of Florida, graduating from Marion County Public Schools. Stephen is married to Liana and the proud father of two daughters.
LaTroy Strappy
Director
LaTroy's journey of serving others and creating opportunities began in his early years as an athlete. Through his experiences, he discovered the importance of teamwork and helping others, which ignited his passion for making a difference. This drive led him to pursue extensive academic studies and engage in community service, refining his skills and deepening his commitment to serving others.
Transitioning into his post-academic and athletic career, LaTroy found his calling in the field of education and social service. As a transformational leader, he has dedicated himself to inspiring others and positively impacting the lives of everyone he encounters. LaTroy has assumed various roles throughout his professional journey, including teacher, academic advisor, guidance counselor, Principal, and multi-sport coach. Presently, he holds the esteemed position of Director of School Choice, further solidifying his dedication to education.
Over the past 18 years, LaTroy has maintained an unwavering enthusiasm for developing others and uplifting his community through fostering relationships and partnerships and developing aspiring leaders. He continuously nurtures his professional growth, consistently seeking new opportunities for learning and development. LaTroy's highest academic achievement is a Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Florida. He is also a certified guidance counselor and a 6-12 Science Instructor.
LaTroy actively contributes to the community and the field of education by serving on non-profit boards such as Made for More and Mirror Image Leadership Academy. During his leisure time, he finds joy in spending quality moments with his family, engaging in physical fitness, and playing golf.
Debra Bele
Director
With extensive experience in educational compliance, Debra serves as a Compliance Specialist in the Educational Choices and Innovation Office for the School District of Osceola County. In this role, she monitors and assist charter schools and staff with compliance related to federal and state requirements, as well as provisions of the charter contract. Her responsibilities include supporting pre-opening requirements for new charter schools, disseminating information to charter school leaders, management companies, and charter governing boards, and preparing essential district and state reports. (Yes, that’s code for “a lot of paperwork—but she loves it!”)
Debra guides charter school administrators and staff on laws, regulations, and policies, while also monitoring compliance with established guidelines and procedures. Additionally, she provides technical assistance for completing the Monitoring Checklist, ensuring yearly compliance with charter contracts and federal grants, and the Annual Accountability Report for Charter Schools. As a liaison between charter schools, the Educational Choices Department, and the district, Debra strives to develop meaningful relationships with stakeholders to promote accountability and success.
In addition to these responsibilities, Debra proudly serves as a member of the district’s threat management team, where she contributes to the safety and security of our schools. It’s serious work, but she likes to think of it as channeling her inner superhero (cape not included).
Married to her high school sweetheart, Debra is the proud mom of two daughters, ages 15 and 12, who keep her on my toes with their activities and endless snacks. Debra is also a lifelong Buffalo Bills fan—yes, the kind of fan who thinks every year is our year.
