November 11, 2024. James Goenner, Ph.D. of the National Charter Schools Institute, interviews Dick DeVos, Founder of West Michigan Aviation Academy in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Dick DeVos, founder of the West Michigan Aviation Academy, discussed his journey from an uninspired student to a champion for educational freedom. He emphasized the importance of attitude, effort, and discipline in education. The Aviation Academy, which he founded, is recognized as one of Michigan’s top-performing high schools, despite not being able to select its students. DeVos highlighted the need for deregulation in education to foster innovation and student success. He also shared his experiences in politics and philanthropy, advocating for parental engagement and unique educational opportunities to prepare students for diverse careers.
Transcript
Outline
Dick DeVos’ Early Education and Personal Background
- Jim Goenner, Ph.D., introduces the interview with Dick DeVos, founder of a charter school.
- Dick DeVos shares his lack of inspiration in traditional education, living at the intersection of minimal effort and acceptable GPA.
- The Aviation Academy aims to inspire students, using aviation as an organizing principle to broaden horizons and emphasize diligence and attention to detail.
- Dick DeVos emphasizes the importance of attitude, effort, and discipline, encouraging students to bring their A game to school.
Dick DeVos’ Personal Identity and Faith
- Dick DeVos describes himself as a man of faith, a husband, and a father, driven by his Christian faith to help make the world a better place.
- He views the Aviation Academy as a way to provide more opportunities for students to be all they were created to be.
- Jim Goenner, Ph.D., praises the school’s role in developing character and skills in students.
- Dick DeVos reflects on his childhood education, influenced by his mother’s role as an educator and his father’s practical business background.
Dick DeVos’ Educational Journey and Career Path
- Dick DeVos recounts his initial lack of motivation in college, leading to a decision to drop out before it became permanent.
- He later completed his business degree at a school that aligned with his interests, finding meaning in his education when it connected to his passion for business.
- The Aviation Academy connects students to their future goals, motivating them to learn regardless of their career paths.
- Jim Goenner, Ph.D., and Dick DeVos discuss the importance of purpose and passion in achieving greatness.
Dick DeVos’ Involvement in Public Policy and Politics
- Dick DeVos shares his experiences in international business, serving on the state board of education in Michigan, and his political involvement.
- He emphasizes the importance of citizen involvement in the political process and considers public service and politics as part of their philanthropic efforts.
- Dick DeVos discusses the challenges of improving public education, advocating for parental engagement and relevant educational experiences.
- The Aviation Academy is highlighted as an example of a successful educational model that engages parents and motivates students.
Challenges and Successes of the Aviation Academy
- Dick DeVos explains the challenges of obtaining a charter for the Aviation Academy, including the capped number of charters in Michigan.
- The Bay Mills Community College provided a charter, allowing the school to operate beyond the state cap.
- The Aviation Academy is recognized as one of the top-performing high schools in Michigan, despite not being able to select its students.
- Dick DeVos attributes the school’s success to its culture, team focus, and the organizing principle of aviation.
Dick DeVos’ Transition from Founder to Board Member
- Dick DeVos discusses the transition from founder to board member, emphasizing the importance of appointed boards in charter schools.
- He contrasts the political nature of elected boards in traditional public schools with the business-like approach of charter school boards.
- The focus on customer service, student success, and parental engagement is highlighted as a key difference in charter schools.
- Jim Goenner, Ph.D., and Dick DeVos discuss the accountability and performance-based nature of charter schools.
Firsts and Milestones at the Aviation Academy
- Dick DeVos shares the pride in teaching students to fly, including high school seniors flying alone.
- The school’s first female pilot and students attending military academies are celebrated as significant milestones.
- The diversity of career paths pursued by graduates, including a professional ballet dancer and a mortuary science student, is highlighted.
- The school’s commitment to safety and the preparation of students for various careers is emphasized.
Dick DeVos’ Reflections on Education and Leadership
- Dick DeVos reflects on the importance of surrounding oneself with talented individuals and the value of a shared vision.
- He credits the board, CEOs, and faculty for the school’s success and the creation of a strong culture.
- Jim Goenner, Ph.D., and Dick DeVos discuss the importance of teamwork and dedication in achieving educational excellence.
- The conversation touches on the broader impact of charter schools and the need for educational freedom.
Dick DeVos’ Vision for the Future of Education
- Dick DeVos advocates for deregulation and the removal of political barriers to allow schools to focus on student performance.
- He criticizes the excessive paperwork and administrative burdens that hinder educational innovation.
- The importance of streamlining regulations to support teachers and improve student outcomes is emphasized.
- Jim Goenner, Ph.D., and Dick DeVos discuss the need for a student-centered approach in education.
Dick DeVos’ Personal Reflections and Legacy
- Dick DeVos shares his belief in the importance of lifelong learning and the value of surrounding oneself with talented individuals.
- He reflects on the lessons learned from his experiences in education, politics, and business.
- The conversation concludes with a discussion on the future of education and the role of charter schools in expanding opportunities for students.
- Jim Goenner, Ph.D., thanks Dick DeVos for his contributions to education and his commitment to educational freedom.
Get QR Code
