The New York State Charter Schools Association is excited to present “Our Charter Stories,” a digital series showcasing the outstanding work happening within the public charter school community statewide. Each month, we will feature individuals—teachers, counselors, staff, students, or community members—who go above and beyond to make a difference for students and families. Whether it’s initiating a successful program, transitioning from student to staff member, or serving as an inspiration, we want to hear about it and we want to share the collective stories of our amazing public charter school community!
If you know someone making a significant impact in your school community, please consider nominating them for an upcoming Our Charter Stories feature. If selected, our communications team will conduct an interview with the nominee to delve deeper into their experiences and contributions. Nominations are completely anonymous, which means we won’t share nominator information with anyone selected.
Creating a safe, welcoming, and state-of-the-art learning environment for his students:
Meet Michael Olsen
Michael Olsen is one of the founding visionaries behind REACH Academy Charter School in Buffalo, NY, where he now serves as the Director of Technology and Facilities. His leadership, dedication, and innovative thinking have been instrumental in transforming REACH into a safe, welcoming, and state-of-the-art learning environment for its students and families.
REACH opened its doors to students in August 2017 with a strong commitment to holistic, student-focused education. Since then, REACH has grown to serve 830 scholars, with a retention rate that speaks volumes about the trust and connection between the school and its families.
Michael’s philosophy is simple but powerful: “If there is an issue preventing a student or their family from reaching their potential, we will find a solution.”
This thinking is evident in all that he does for the school on a day-to-day basis. He wears many hats, but all are consistently focused on ensuring the success of his school community.
As Director of Technology and Facilities, Michael oversees the maintenance and operation of all school buildings. His proactive approach ensures a clean, safe, and welcoming environment, addressing everything from day-to-day custodial needs to major construction projects, most notably the transformation of a vacant building into REACH’s new middle school campus.
Completed in early 2023, the facility is a stunning 85,000-square-foot space equipped with modern classrooms and advanced learning environments for students in grades 5-8. Every detail—from the design and budgeting to the final walkthrough—reflected his dedication to excellence. His meticulous planning and oversight resulted in a beautiful, functional, and inspiring space that will serve students for years to come.
Michael’s work also extends beyond the present needs of REACH Academy. He is spearheading plans to transform a former preschool building into an early childhood center, further extending the school’s reach and impact to better serve the Buffalo community. This forward-thinking initiative highlights his dedication to creating opportunities for students at every stage of their educational journey.
Beyond major construction projects, Michael oversees the daily maintenance and operation of all school facilities as well as the schools information technology network and related systems. He ensures that the buildings are kept in excellent condition, coordinating regular maintenance, repairs, and upgrades. His role includes managing custodial services, ensuring cleanliness, and maintaining all school grounds, creating a welcoming and conducive environment for learning. Michael’s proactive approach means that potential issues are identified and addressed before they can impact the school community, demonstrating his dedication to maintaining high standards of facility management.
Michael’s approach to safety is equally meticulous. He has developed and implemented emergency response plans for various scenarios, including natural disasters and other potential threats. His ability to quickly adapt to changing circumstances and ensure the safety of students and staff is a testament to his exceptional crisis management skills.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, Michael played a critical role in ensuring the school’s facilities were adapted to meet health guidelines, including the installation of sanitization stations, reconfiguration of spaces to allow for social distancing, and upgrading ventilation systems.
His unwavering commitment to student and staff well-being is unparalleled and ensures that the school is a safe haven for all.
As the head of the Information and Instructional Technology Department, Michael works tirelessly to ensure that REACH’s digital systems are seamless and reliable. With a background as a certified K-12 technology education teacher, Michael understands how important it is to have reliable equipment. Thanks to his diligence, teachers can confidently build lessons around technology that “just works,” while students benefit from consistent access to digital tools that enhance their education.
Michael exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose. His work at REACH is not just about maintaining buildings or overseeing technology; it’s about building opportunities, fostering growth, and creating a sense of community. His belief in the transformative power of education shines through in every project, every interaction, and every decision.
He is deeply motivated by the knowledge that many of REACH’s students come from challenging home environments. “We take pride in offering an environment that is clean, friendly, bright, and consistent—every day, all day,” he said.
From installing a shower to making sure that children have the technological resources needed to succeed, Michael ensures that REACH is more than just a school—it’s a support system. By addressing these basic needs, he empowers students to thrive academically and personally.
To ensure that students arrive at school each day ready to learn, Michael and his colleagues have even stepped in to provide transportation for students, when needed.
He believes in building relationships and fostering a sense of community. At REACH, families and students know each other like extended family—sharing smiles, laughter, and tears. This closeness, coupled with the school’s strong support systems, ensures that students are ready for high school and beyond.
“I love seeing people use what we do and provide for them,” he said.
Whether it’s fixing a printer, maintaining facilities, or driving a school bus—he even purchased a bus and earned his CDL to provide transportation for school field trips at no cost to families—Michael embraces the tasks others might shy away from.
“This is what education and my job are all about,” he said. “Seeing what is there and seeing the road that we need to take to get us to where we need to be.”
Through his leadership and dedication, Michael has helped make REACH Academy a place where students, staff, and families can truly thrive—a legacy that will positively shape the future of REACH for many years to come.
REACH Academy Charter School is a free, public charter school located in Buffalo’s Willert Park District. The school opened in August 2017, with an initial offering of classes in Kindergarten through First Grade. At the end of its first charter, REACH Academy successfully applied for renewal, and as a result, will serve 900 scholars in grades K-8. True to its mission, REACH Academy guides scholars to achieve high academic standards and exhibit qualities of service, leadership, character and citizenship. To learn more about REACH Academy Charter School, visit their website at: https://www.reachacs.org/.
View past profiles from Our Charter Stories
