Paladin School Board

A Message from Paladin’s Board Chairman – Frank Stucki

Twenty years ago, Gary Knox, Kay Despard, and I opened a charter school for the underserved 16-21 year old students in our community. The vision was to create an individual learning plan for each student and offer a wide range of learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. We dreamed of a school where students could learn by going ice fishing, rock climbing, or bowling; where students could help pack meals for hungry children in other countries, or travel there themselves. It was important to us to have a program that allowed students to earn credit for their part-time job, learn financial responsibility, and gain real world experience.

Throughout the years, Paladin has become a well-respected school in our community, and now we’ve outgrown our space at the Northtown Mall. Fortunately, we are in the process of building a much larger school that will allow us to double our square footage and reach more students who benefit from our unique program. This time, we will own the building and have windows, a gym, a workshop, and green space at the adjacent city park. 

This journey has been successful because we have kept our mission in focus: Paladin Career & Technical High School nurtures a learning community that empowers students in their pursuit of social, emotional, and academic growth, thereby creating a foundation for a successful future. 

I am grateful that our Executive Director, Brandon Wait, has created a safe and loving environment and that the staff continue to carry on the vision that makes this school such a special place. I am proud that so many people who come through our doors exclaim, “I can feel the love that fills this school.” I’d like to thank Brandon, the staff, and the students for making this dream become a reality. 

• • • Frank Stucki
      Board Chairman