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Commonwealth Connections Academy Welcomes New CEO

Seasoned educator with over 25 years of experience to lead cyber charter school

HARRISBURG, PA (July 25, 2011)—Commonwealth Connections Academy (CCA), a Pennsylvania public cyber school, today announced the selection of Dr. Maurice “Reese” Flurie as the school’s new CEO. With more than 25 years of experience as a teacher and administrator, Flurie joins CCA with a strong and diverse background in education.

Flurie served as Assistant to the CEO at CCA since 2009, where he supervised all secondary staff including principals and teachers, managed staff in teaching center locations across Pennsylvania, and provided testimony at state and national legislative hearings on issues surrounding school choice and cyber school management.

In addition to his other responsibilities, Flurie developed, designed and launched CCA’s mobile classroom, a 38-foot vehicle equipped with a satellite, interactive smartboards, computers, and microscopes, which travels across Pennsylvania to give CCA students from all regions the opportunity to enjoy hands-on educational activities throughout the year. CCA was honored with the Educator of the Year Award at the 2011 Pennsylvania Technology Awards, for the school’s dynamic use of the mobile classroom and technologies to educate, motivate and inspire students.

“In my years as a school administrator, I have never worked with a staff so devoted to serving students and families,” said Flurie. “I’m honored to accept the position of CEO at Commonwealth Connections Academy, and remain committed to maintaining the dedication and service that makes our school exceptional.”

Prior to joining CCA, Flurie served as Assistant to the Superintendent for Lower Dauphin School District and as Middle School Principal at Susquenita School District. He’s also had experience as a High School Assistant Principal, Junior High Assistant Principal, Department Chair of Health and Physical Education, and teacher for various districts throughout Central Pennsylvania.

As an adjunct instructor for Wilkes University, Flurie still teaches graduate courses in Educational Law, Current Issues in Education, School Finance and Educational Psychology.

He graduated from Lock Haven University with a B.S. in Physical Education, Recreation and Dance and received his M.A. in Health and Physical Education from Tennessee Technological University. Flurie has a M.Ed. in Educational Administration and Superintendent Letter of Eligibility from Shippensburg University. He received his D.Ed. from the Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program for Educational Leaders at Duquesne University.

As a Pennsylvania public school, CCA charges no tuition and currently serves approximately 5,000 students across the state in kindergarten through 12th grade. Students are taught by state-certified teachers, along with oversight provided by a parent or guardian who serves as a “Learning Coach.”  A recent independent survey of CCA parents found that 90 percent gave the program a grade of either “A” or “B.”

About Connections Academy

Connections Academy is a leading, fully accredited provider of high-quality, highly accountable virtual schooling for students in grades K through 12. Through tuition-free public schools, and full-time and part-time private school programs, Connections Academy delivers superior, personalized education for students, with the freedom and flexibility to experience our online learning community from anywhere. The combination of certified teachers, a proven curriculum, technology tools, and community experiences creates a supportive and successful online learning opportunity for families and children who want an individualized approach to education. In the 2011–12 school year, Connections Academy will serve students in 22 states via 23 virtual public schools. It serves students worldwide through the online private school, National Connections Academy. Connections Academy offers grades K through 12, though some public school programs do not offer all grades. Connections Academy is a division of Connections Education. For more information, call 800–382–6010 or visit www.ConnectionsAcademy.com