Biography

Gichin Marsden was born and raised in Southern California. He moved to Utah, to attend BYU, and graduated with a BS in History Education.  He received his Master of Education Leadership from Western Governors University.  He is married and has six children, four girls, and two boys. Mr. Marsden worked for Channing Hall Charter School in Draper, UT for 10 years, first as a middle school history teacher and then as the Assistant Head of School.  He currently works for Excelsior Academy and has been there for 5 years. He loves reading and learning, especially about Utah and early American history. He also loves the outdoors and loves exploring, hunting, and traveling, especially going to historical sites. Mr. Marsden says that going to historical sites is what brings learning to life for him.

Why do you want to serve on the UAPCS board?

I would like to be on the UAPCS Board, because it would provide me an opportunity to serve the state charter school community.  I have invested 15 years of my career in the charter school world.  I like the opportunities that they provide for students, and want to continue the provide the same support for other charter schools. 

What specific skills and knowledge can you bring to the board?

I am in my 11 year of charter school administration.  I have worked with Channing Hall as the assistant director and Excelsior Academy as the middle school director.  In these schools I have had the opportunity to take the lead on licensing and community relations.  I have played a supportive role with budgets and the state grant system.  I have helped implement state laws, board rules, and local directions into the the school's procedures and processes.  I pride myself on finding solution and collaborating with others in the process.  

Please share your prior governing board experience.

The only community board that I have served on was for the Draper City Communities That Care Coalition.  I was a founder and the vice chair.

Where do you hope to see the Charter School movement in the next five years?

I want to see the continue responsible expansion of the charter schools throughout Utah.  I also want to see the success and not demise of any charter school.  My hope of the next 5 years is to see a sustainable growth of charter schools.  My other hope is that charter schools would begin to have a greater influence in the quality of education of district school.  I want to see district schools pressured to improve the learning environment for their students.