The Mind Trust announces selection of six Indiana Charter School Fellows 

Fellows will develop and launch new public charter schools across the state

INDIANAPOLIS – (September 26, 2025) – The Mind Trust, an Indianapolis-based education nonprofit, is excited to announce the selection of six fellows for the first cohort of the Indiana Charter School Fellowship, a powerful program for proven leaders to grow more high-quality K-12 public school options in Indiana. Fellows will work to launch schools across three communities in Indiana: Indianapolis, Eastern Hancock County, and South Bend.

The Indiana Charter School Fellowship, an initiative of The Mind Trust, is an opportunity that provides school leaders with the time, resources, and strategic guidance needed to successfully launch public charter schools in Indiana. This new fellowship builds on the success of past school development fellowships operated by The Mind Trust, moving beyond Indianapolis to new areas of the state. Through this partnership, The Mind Trust will support the growth of K-12 education options in Indiana that feature innovative, new school models, replicate successful existing school models, foster partnerships between traditional districts and charter schools, and align with the state’s revamped new diploma requirements and readiness seals.

“The Mind Trust is excited to launch the first state-wide cohort of Indiana Charter School Fellows,” said Luke Lennon, Vice President of Talent and School Growth at The Mind Trust. “This year is especially exciting as it is the first time The Mind Trust will support talented school leaders beyond Indianapolis to grow and develop high-quality public charter schools. The Indiana Charter School Fellows are dedicated leaders who are passionate about creating schools that ensure students are prepared for fulfilling and purposeful futures.”

About The Mind Trust’s Indiana Charter School Fellowship

To meet the need for more high-quality public school options, Indiana Charter School Fellows will spend one to two years developing and launching a new charter school. Fellows receive personalized executive coaching, opportunities to travel to some of the nation’s most innovative schools, and support through the school development process to refine their school model. Fellows will benefit from a wide range of national charter school development experts to ensure their school is set up for academic, organizational, financial, and operational success. 

Indiana Charter School Fellowship programming and structure will be based on The Mind Trust’s fellowship and investment tracks, which have supported the launch of more than 50 public charter and innovation network schools in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Mind Trust’s previous school development fellowships, like the Innovation School Fellowship and Charter School Fellowship, have supported the growth of some of Indianapolis’ largest and most effective charter school networks, including Christel House Indianapolis, Herron Classical Schools, KIPP Indy Schools, Paramount Schools of Excellence, and Purdue Polytechnic High Schools. 

Indiana Charter School Fellows Cohort 1:

AJ Barcome, Cold Spring School – Indianapolis

AJ Barcome is the Principal of Cold Spring School and will lead the school’s expansion to a new location. He brings over a decade of experience in education, including roles as a public-school teacher, instructional and behavioral leader, and school principal. AJ has served Indianapolis students through his work in Indianapolis Township Schools, Indianapolis Public Schools, and Cold Spring School. His leadership is rooted in creating meaningful experiences and opportunities that help students grow academically, socially, and personally. He is committed to environmental and project-based learning and has a strong track record of building inclusive school cultures. AJ brings deep instructional knowledge, community-centered leadership, and a passion for authentic, place-based learning to his work.

Learn more about AJ Barcome here.

Francesca Jimenez, Paramount Schools of Excellence South Bend – South Bend

Francesca Jimenez will lead the middle school at Paramount Schools of Excellence South Bend (PSOE South Bend), which will serve 300 students in grades 6-8. PSOE South Bend opened in the fall of 2023 and, within two years, grew enrollment to almost 500 students in grades K-8. PSOE will expand the campus with new construction, providing a separation between the elementary and middle schools. Jimenez is a dynamic and results-driven leader with over 15 years of experience in education, spanning classroom instruction, district-level leadership, and school administration. As a Principal, she has spearheaded transformative school improvement efforts, tripling IREAD-3 scores in two years and leading a successful multi-tiered system of supports and literacy initiatives for a large ELL population. Her strategic vision and strong community partnerships have made her a sought-after leader in turnaround environments and a champion for

Learn more about Francesca Jimenez here.

Dr. George Philhower, Indiana Microschool Collaborative – Eastern Hancock County

Dr. George Philhower will work to launch Indiana Microschool Collaborative, a new statewide public charter school network that aims to provide personalized, community-driven education through a network of microschools, with a focus on serving rural students and families. These microschools will originate within Eastern Hancock Community Schools (EHCS) in fall 2025 and will co-operate multiple learning sites across Indiana. Dr. Philhower, superintendent of EHCS, works to build schools that serve every learner. He has led initiatives in high school redesign, competency-based education, personalized learning, and career-connected programming. He launched teacher growth systems and co-created learning pathways with regional employers and families.

Learn more about Dr. George Philhower here.

Aaron Wallace, Dynamic Minds Academy – Indianapolis

Aaron is the Assistant Education Director at Dynamic Minds Academy and will lead their new campus as the Education Director. He brings 17 years of experience in special education, including roles as a lead teacher in an EL classroom, social studies teacher, IEP case manager, and lead special education teacher at The Hope Source prior to his current role. He is committed to working with students with special needs, particularly students on the autism spectrum. With a background in behavioral management and response and a strong commitment to relationship building, Aaron strives to create transformational educational experiences for his students.

Learn more about Aaron Wallace here.

Wynsda’ Watson, Indiana Math and Science Academy (IMSA) – Indianapolis

Wynsda’ Watson was the Assistant Principal of School Culture at Indiana Math and Science Academy North and will lead the new IMSA Central campus. She brings years of classroom and leadership experience, including as a 4th-grade teacher and STEM Cadre Coach supporting instructional innovation statewide. Wynsda’ is passionate about creating strong school cultures rooted in equity, community, and student voice. Her leadership is marked by a deep investment in student success, restorative practices, and inclusive learning environments. As she steps into her new role, Wynsda’ brings a bold vision for student-centered learning and a commitment to excellence in urban education.

Learn more about Wynsda’ Watson here.

Joseph Williams, Legal Prep Charter Academy – Indianapolis

Joseph Williams is the Principal of Legal Prep Charter Academy in Chicago and will lead the school’s new Indianapolis campus. A Northern Illinois University graduate, he began his career in youth counseling before transitioning to education. At Legal Prep, he advanced from Director of Culture to Principal, championing restorative justice and inclusive school culture. Under his leadership, the school significantly reduced suspensions and expulsions, fostering a more supportive environment. Joseph is also a Surge Institute alumnus, reflecting his dedication to educational equity and community empowerment.

Learn more about Joseph Williams here.

To learn more about the Indiana Charter School Fellows, visit themindtrust.org/fellows. For more information about all of The Mind Trust’s fellowships, visit themindtrust.org/fellowships.