Friends of Breakthrough Schools

Friends of Breakthrough Schools Supports All Our Schools & Students!

Friends of Breakthrough Schools is our non-profit development and advocacy organization. Friends of Breakthrough is responsible for closing the gap in public funding we need to overcome each year, as well as working with community, business, and political leaders to build city-wide support for high-quality public school options for all children in Cleveland. It is led by John Zitzner, who is one of the original founders of Breakthrough Schools.


Friends of Breakthrough Staff

John Zitzner, President
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Susan Ertle, Executive Director of Development
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Jessica Cohen, Director of Grants and Foundation Relations
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Karen Solomon, Director of Annual Fund
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Katie Emerson, Director of Engagement and Donor Relations
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Doniell Gill, Gifts and Grants Administrator
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Janice Lett, Development Associate
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Hear From Students & Teachers


About Breakthrough

Breakthrough Schools is the highest-performing network of free, public charter schools in Cleveland, Ohio. Our mission is to provide free, sustainable, high-quality public schools in Cleveland's under-served neighborhoods, ensuring all students have access to a public, free, outstanding college preparatory education. Read More

Friends of Breakthrough

Friends of Breakthrough Schools is our non-profit development & advocacy organization. Friends of Breakthrough is responsible for closing the gap in public funding we need to overcome each year, as well as working with community, business, and political leaders to build city-wide support for high-quality public school options for all children in Cleveland. Read More