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Transcript: Gary Sheng and Chris Locke

Date: May 1, 2025

Participants​

  • Gary Sheng
  • Chris Locke (Head of High School, Alpha School Austin)

Key Discussion Points​

Strategic Planning and Sequencing​

  • Gary's focus on sequencing priorities and avoiding trying to do everything at once
  • Development of a 30-day plan to help Alpha Scale and unblock school creation
  • Emphasis on running "cheap experiments" to test ideas and gather information

Social Media and Marketing​

  • Current state of Alpha High's social media presence
  • Discussion of Jason Applebaum's marketing contract
  • Need for in-house social media person to better capture school activities
  • Importance of showcasing student achievements and school culture

School Expansion and Process Development​

  • Need for standardized process for exploring new school opportunities
  • Discussion of potential opportunities in LA, Chicago, and other locations
  • Importance of having clear processes before engaging with potential partners
  • Focus on Austin as a strategic hub for innovation and cross-pollination

Strategic Support Role​

  • Gary's evolving role in providing strategic support
  • Focus on identifying and filling gaps in the organization
  • Importance of running focused experiments to validate approaches
  • Need for clear processes and documentation

Key Opportunities​

  • Potential partnership with Lael for entrepreneurship-focused school
  • Opportunities with sports figures (LaMelo Ball, Scottie Pippen, etc.)
  • Justin Cunningham's intervention pilot program
  • Need for dedicated school expansion process owner

Action Items​

  1. Develop 30-day plan for strategic support
  2. Propose social media experiment with in-house person
  3. Create standardized process for school exploration
  4. Schedule follow-up meetings with key stakeholders
  5. Document and share processes for school expansion

Next Steps​

  • Continue conversations with Arthur and David about org structure
  • Develop specific proposals for strategic experiments
  • Build alliances with key stakeholders
  • Focus on Austin as innovation hub