Pub. 1 2011-2012 Issue 1

9 Bonus decisions are mostly subjective and are determined by a 360-degree evaluation, including principal re- views, co-worker advice, and parent surveys. This system has helped glean the best and most effective teachers. Since the opening of Timpanogos Academy, Michelle served on the board for several years, and Eric didn’t stop his pursuit of educational reform. Be- cause the state wasn’t granting enough charter schools or enough funding, he recognized the need for charter schools to be united in regards to advocacy and lobbying. Thus, Eric became one of the key leaders behind the forma- tion of the Utah Association of Public Charter Schools (UAPCS), the present voice for charter schools in the state of Utah. Eric served as UAPCS’s first chairman and forged the path to qual- ity education and strong charter school advocacy that we have today. Eric and Michelle have learned a great deal along the way and continue to forge the path for new schools in Utah. They were extensively involved in the founding of Karl G. Maeser Prepa- ratory Academy in 2007 and they encourage anyone who wants to start a charter school, yet may not know where to start. “Learn from those around you,” Eric said. “Look at what they’ve done and model what they’ve created. And don’t forget lots of patience.” And if you want to be truly successful, choose a principal and teachers that back each other up. “I’ve seen charter schools ripped to shreds because the principal, the teachers and the board members don’t support each other,” Eric said. All these different components have contributed much to the success of Timpanogos Academy and several other schools across the state. But Eric’s true sense of success comes when he is approached by a grateful mother. After being on the waiting list for a while, one mother’s son was accepted to Timpanogos Academy. “At his previous school, he had a few problems with friends that affected his schoolwork and other areas of his life,” said Eric. “His mother approached me shortly after he was accepted to say thank you. She told me ‘You have literally saved my son’s life.’” In addition to leading charter school reform in Utah, Eric is a proven leader in the private business sector. He is the co-founder of Control4, a leading pro- vider of home automation and smart home control. He has an extensive history in technology and business, having also co-founded iBahn, the worldwide leader in broadband ser- vices for business travelers. If you want to be truly successful, choose a principal and teachers that back each other up.