Board of Directors Spotlight: Meet Mark Holman

Please share why you volunteer on the Board at Visions In Education.

As a successful local CEO who values education and family, volunteering on the Board at Visions In Education allows me to give back to my community while advancing my personal and professional priorities for community development. I’m passionate about ensuring all students have access to high-quality education and personalized learning experiences, and I’m committed to contributing my skills and experiences to support Visions In Education’s mission. Serving on the Board is a fulfilling way for me to combine my dedication to education, family, and public service.

What is it about Visions that made you want to be part of our school community?

I was drawn to Visions In Education both because of its commitment to personalized learning and flexibility in education and the potential to impact public education more broadly. I believe every student deserves the opportunity to learn in a way that best suits their needs and goals, and Visions embodies that philosophy. Being part of the Visions school community allows me to contribute to shaping the future of education and making a positive impact on students’ lives.

How might you describe the difference that our teachers and staff are making by meeting the individual and unique needs of each student?

The impact of Visions’ teachers and staff in meeting the individual and unique needs of each student is profound. By personalizing education plans and providing one-on-one support, they create a learning environment where every student can thrive. This tailored approach not only drives academic success but also fosters confidence, motivation, and a sense of belonging in each student. By recognizing and accommodating diverse learning styles, interests, and challenges, our teachers and staff empower students to reach their full potential and achieve their goals. Their dedication to meeting students where they are and helping them succeed sets a foundation for lifelong learning and success beyond the classroom. Ultimately, our teachers help students shape their futures and equip them with the skills and confidence to navigate the world with purpose and resilience.

What is one way that Visions is making a difference in our community from your perspective?

By offering personalized learning experiences, flexible schedules, and comprehensive support services, Visions ensures that every student has the chance to succeed academically and personally. This commitment to inclusivity and excellence both empowers individual students and also contributes to the overall strength and vitality of our communities. Visions fosters a culture of lifelong learning and empowerment, preparing students to become engaged citizens, future leaders, and positive contributors to our society. Another way Visions contributes is to lead among the broader charter school community. Given our location near the Capitol and our high-quality management, educational, and governance practices, we are able to help the State of California learn new ways to improve public education statewide. Being an incubator of public school innovation was the original intent of the California Charter Schools Act.

As a member of the Board, you have an important policy and oversight role to ensure the school is achieving its mission. How would you describe your role in holding Visions accountable for meeting our goals to a variety of stakeholders, including families, staff, and taxpayers?

As a member of the Board, my role in holding Visions accountable for meeting our goals involves several key responsibilities. First and foremost, I work alongside fellow Board members to establish clear policies and objectives aligned with the school’s mission. This includes regularly reviewing and evaluating the school’s performance metrics and progress towards achieving our goals.

To ensure accountability to stakeholders such as families, staff, and taxpayers, I actively engage in oversight activities, such as monitoring financial stewardship, compliance with regulations, and the effectiveness of educational programs. I participate in regular Board meetings where we discuss strategic initiatives, review data and progress, and address any concerns raised by stakeholders.

Transparency is paramount in accountability, so I advocate for open communication channels between the Board, administration, staff, families, and the community. This includes providing opportunities for stakeholders to give feedback, ask questions, and voice concerns regarding the school’s operations and performance. Listening is critical.

Additionally, I believe in fostering a culture of continuous improvement, where we regularly assess our practices and policies to identify areas for enhancement and ensure alignment with our mission and values. By actively fulfilling my oversight role and promoting accountability measures, I strive to uphold the trust and confidence of all stakeholders in Visions In Education as we work together to fulfill our shared educational goals.

One of the most important jobs I have as Chair is to work with our Superintendent to create a sustainable culture of good governance.

What are you most passionate about? How are you able to pursue that passion by serving on our Board?

I’m passionate about many things, including liberty and innovation. Serving on the Board at Visions In Education allows me to advocate for policies and initiatives that prioritize family involvement in education. By promoting innovation in a well-managed public school environment where teachers and families and other caregivers are valued partners in students’ learning journeys, I can help the State of California create a more enriching and effective educational experience for all students.

Please share a bit about your background, family, and what you like to do in your spare time.

Outside of my professional endeavors, my family is my greatest joy and priority. I’m married to my wonderful wife, Jennifer, and we have a 10-year-old son who keeps us both grounded and inspired. Spending quality time with my family, whether it’s exploring historical sites, cooking together, spending time in the wilderness, playing games, or simply sharing stories around the dinner table, are among the activities I cherish most in life.

In my spare time, I’m deeply interested in history, which ties into my involvement as a former Chairman of the Board of the Patrick Henry Memorial Foundation. Learning about and gaining insight from the past is both a passion and a source of inspiration for me. Additionally, I’m deeply involved in community service and my church, as giving back to others is a core value that drives me in both my personal and professional life.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I would like to express my deep gratitude to Visionaries—both past and present—for the great honor of serving this innovative and transformative organization.