Ben Chavis

Benford Chavis led the American Indian Public Charter School in Oakland, California, and its American Indian Model Schools system, implementing a conservative approach to discipline and accountability. Initially appointed as principal in 2000, the school faced significant challenges, including a high dropout rate and low attendance and graduation rates. However, under Chavis' leadership, the school made substantial improvements, ranking among the top 250 schools in the US and achieving the #1 position in California in 2010. His methods drew controversy, particularly regarding strict expectations for student performance. Following a seven-year federal investigation, all financial mismanagement charges against Chavis were dropped in 2019, allowing him to share his experiences through publications such as Crazy Like a Fox: One Principal's Triumph in the Inner City.