About

Tiffany Salazar

b_351_438_16777215_00_images_bioimages_Salazar-Tiffany.jpgPhysical Education Teacher 

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Tiffany was born in Los Angeles and raised in the city of El Monte. From an early age, she discovered sports as a positive and empowering outlet—one that fostered personal growth, connection, and resilience. She received her B.S. in Kinesiology from Cal Poly Pomona and her Physical Education Teaching Credential from CSULB. As a competitive soccer player and member of the Women’s Soccer Team at Cal Poly Pomona, Tiffany developed a deep appreciation for the discipline, teamwork, and emotional growth that athletics cultivate.

Her experiences as a PE teacher and soccer coach have shown her how physical activity can support social-emotional growth, build adaptability, and contribute to lifelong well-being.

Tiffany is committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where students can grow not only physically, but also socially and emotionally. She appreciates that PE is about more than just the physical skills—it’s about learning how to work together, building confidence, and taking care of our bodies and minds. "I was drawn to IVAs unique approach to teaching that invites students to explore and practice the virtues in a learning environment that is safe and allows room for individuality. I appreciate how thoughtful, kind, and reflective the IVA community is, these practices help establish a solid foundation for growth in and out of the classroom setting.

Gaby Schmidt

b_350_438_16777215_00_images_bioimages_gabyschmidt.jpgMathematics Teacher

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Gaby taught math at Roosevelt Middle School in Glendale for 12 years before taking a long break from teaching to raise 3 kids with her husband, Andre.  She taught all levels of middle school math and coordinated her school's AVID program. She obtained a Bachelor's of Science in Mathematics/Applied Science from UCLA, and also has her teaching credential and Master of Education from UCLA. 

"I love IVA's focus on deep thinking.  Our math curriculum is so rich in problem solving, deep conceptual understanding, and mathematical communication, while still providing plenty of practice of essential math skills. I have been so impressed with the deep commitment to working together as a group of educators to do what is best for the students. I'm so excited to be a part of this team!"

Rachel Stanley

b_351_527_16777215_00_images_bioimages_Stanley-Rachel-StudentID-01485.jpgArt Teacher

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Rachel Stanley is a two-time graduate of California State University, Long Beach, where she received her bachelor's degree in Fine Art and her teaching credential in Physical Education.  She has been a substitute teacher with Long Beach Unified and Los Alamitos Unified School Districts since 2017, with a particular focus on middle school, and has also been a swim instructor for 13 years.  She comes to IVA after spending the past two years as a long-term substitute in middle school PE with Long Beach Unified.  Ms. Stanley credits her lifelong love of the water and the outdoors with sparking her passion for physical education.  In addition to swimming, she spends much of her time running, walking, and cycling around Seal Beach and Long Beach.  She also loves music and dance, and fits them into her PE classes whenever possible!
 
"I was drawn to IVA because I enjoy the chance to build relationships, both with my students and with other teachers, and realized a smaller school with a more tight-knit community would provide better opportunities to connect.  I share IVA's vision of helping students get to know themselves through identifying their own interests, strengths, and needs for growth, and equipping them to live well in their teen and adult years by teaching them how to develop their own fitness and health goals.  To help my students develop positive connections with physical activity, I teach a variety of skills and activities, and use games or music to make it fun and engaging.  When students find movement activities they genuinely enjoy, it empowers and motivates them to make exercise and fitness a part of their daily lives."

Dan Hertzler, Board Chairman

M.A. Cal State Dominguez Hills

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Eric Churchill, Vice Chairman

PhD Case Western University, MBA Azusa Pacific University 

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Joshua Ross, Treasurer

 CPA, MBA and BSA - Southern Illinois University

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Asion Jackson, Secretary

M.Ed., The Broad Residency in Urban Education
M.B.A., Cornell University, Johnson Graduate School of Management
B.S., UCLA

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Howie Fitzgerald, Board Member

M.A. Philosophy, Claremont Graduate University, B.A Philosophy, Indiana University of Pennsylvania

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Megan Folland, Board Member

BS, Business Administration and Marketing Management, Goldey-Beacom College

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Dan Speak, Board Member

Ph.D. University of California, Riverside, M.A. Claremont Graduate University, B.A. Biola University

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Joy Deboer - Board Member

BA American Studies - California State University, Fullerton

Prof AA Visual Communications, Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising

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Analicia Gomez, Board Member

Bachelor of Science, Cal Poly Pomona

Masters in Public Administration

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Presley Gomez - Student Representative

IVA High School, Class of 2025

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Dylan Frazier

b_321_401_16777215_00_images_bioimages_Frazier-Dylan.jpgBehavior Support Specialist

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Dylan is from socal and went to LBCC for a semester then transferred out to a university which he currently attends. He's at California State University of Long Beach studying nursing, hopefully to be an RN(registered nurse) one day and save lives. He likes influencing people's lives and motivating them to always want more.  After nursing he plans to get into real estate so he can solidify two sources of income.

Going to the gym is one of the few hobbies he has, other than going to the beach to hangout just because self care is the best care. Dylan likes to help people in any way he can. His role consists of constant support for the kids whether it's with school or even if they just want to talk about what’s going on at home.

"IVA sets good examples for the kids, especially if they see the teachers and staff practice the virtues and it makes it a good learning environment for the kids. It also molds kids into being young adults and with my role I get to embrace the virtues and pass it on to the kids. I love working with kids knowing that I have an impact on how they will continue to grow by supporting them when needed and teaching them how the real world works and how the virtues are implemented everyday. I’m here to make their middle school experience memorable while teaching them all the virtues so they can carry it on in their lives as they get older. "

Liz Gillies

b_320_427_16777215_00_images_bioimages_Gillies_Liz_StudentID_00868.jpgNutritional Service Coordinator
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Liz Gillies is a West Coast transplant with an East Coast sense of humor. She moved here in 2011 with her husband and children to pursue a lifelong dream of living in California. After a career in restaurant management, Liz decided to transition to working in a school environment. This change allowed for additional work flexibility to be more present daily for her three children. Liz came to IVA as Nutrition Services Coordinator. after working as a Rec Aide in LBUSD for years. Her passion for creating warmth, caring for, and feeding people is nurtured by inviting all students to nourish their bodies and minds. She believes there is a direct correlation between hunger and learning and works to encourage all students to come into the Meal Room to take a meal or snack at break times.

“As an IVA parent, I’ve seen firsthand the devotion, community and care IVA provides to all students. I was thrilled to have an opportunity to become a member of the team and work alongside the wonderful educators and staff to create an environment of love and support in all forms for students at IVA.”

Monica Rodgers

b_321_402_16777215_00_images_bioimages_Rodgers-Monica.jpgBehavior Support Specialist

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Ms. Monica grew up locally and attended schools in both Compton and Long Beach. She has worked with kids for over 30 years, with 29 of those years within LBUSD. You can often find her hanging with her 3 sons and 10 grandkids. When she's with her friends, she enjoys playing cards and dominoes. 

Monica found out about IVA through her grandson, who is a proud IVA Alumni (Class of 2022). When her grandson started at IVA, she saw how kind and caring the staff was. Monica saw how IVA cared for the well-being of all students and brought everyone together as a community. She regrets not seeking a position at IVA sooner!

Nathalie Sickles

b_321_402_16777215_00_images_bioimages_Sickles-Nathalie.jpg

Instructional Aide

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Nathalie Sickles is 27 years old and originally from Riverside. She just relocated to Long Beach this year. From 2014-2019, she attended California State University, Monterey Bay. During her undergrad, she had the opportunity to study abroad in Ireland and travel around Europe. Her hobbies are listening to music and hiking with my family.
 
Last year,  she completed her Master's in Historical Studies at the University of Strathclyde in Scotland. Her passion is working with students and providing a supportive environment. She'd excited for this new opportunity to be an instructional aide and part of the IVA community.

Governance

IVA is the 1,504th charter school in the State of California and the first to be founded on the innovative educational model of intellectual character virtues. Charter schools are free, public independent schools authorized by their local school district or county office of education. Charter petitions go through a regular renewal processes. 
 
IVA's Charter is authorized by the Long Beach Unified School District. The original petition was adopted by LBUSD in 2012 and received a renewal in 2016 which extends through June 2024. We love our charter petition as it describes the educational model along financial and compliance elements. We encourage you to read our charter and let us know if you have any questions. 
 
As an independent public charter school IVA creates plans and goals related to budget expenditures reported through the LCAP, or Local Control Accountability Plan. To create the annual LCAP IVA engages with parents, educators, employees, students and the community. Parents are engaged both informally through Parent Academy and other direct contact meetings and formally annual parent surveys and public board meetings. IVA's LCAP takes into account results and feedback annually as the school creates plans to address implementing the mission and vision toward both academic and social-emotional support. Please see the LCAP page for specifics.
 
IVA annually updates school data through the SARC or School Accountability Report Card. 

 

Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP)

Each school district and charter school must engage parents, educators, employees and the community to establish a local accountability plan. This document is called the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP). The LCAP describes IVA's overall vision for students, provides accountability for annual goals, and outlines how we will achieve those goals through specific actions. LCAPs must align their goals with eight state priorities.

After soliciting feedback and input from a variety of stakeholder groups, IVA's 2023-2024 LCAP was given public hearing at the May 15, 2024 board meeting and officially adopted by the board at the June 5, 2024 board meeting.

   2025-2026 Local Control and Accountability Plan

 

Previous Year LCAPs and Supporting Documents

2024-2025 LCAP and Supporting Documents

 

2023-2024 LCAP and Supporting Documents

2022-2023 LCAP and Supporting Documents

2021-2022 LCAP and Supporting Documents

2020-2021 Learning Continuity and Attendance Plan (LCP) 

2019-2020 LCAP and Supporting Documents

Local Control and Accountability Plans from 2019 and Before

School Accountability Report Card (SARC)

Click here to access IVA's 2023-2024 School Accountability Report Card (SARC)

You can learn more about the SARC through the CDE's resources:

IVA's School Accountability Report Card is available at the link at the top of this page, or on the California Department of Education's website using IVA's official school name: Intellectual Virtues Academy of Long Beach. The SARC reports on previous year information submitted in February of each year. 

You can also review IVA's State CAASP Test Scores here, comparing IVA's results to LBUSD and to the State of CA.

 

Our Charter

IVA's Charter is authorized by the Long Beach Unified School District. The original petition was adopted by LBUSD in 2012. Based on a proven track record of high performance IVA received a 5 year renewal in 2016 and a 7 year renewal in 2023. IVA's current charter term lasts through June 2030.
 
IVA's charter is a thorough document that describes the mission, vision, and educational model offered by this school. Click on the links below to review our original charter document from 2012 or our renewal charter petition from 2016.
 

     2012 Original Charter Petition

Board Minutes
Governance