Celebrating our November #MiCharterHero: Correy Black of the New Standard Academy

In his 10 years as the Principal of the New Standard Academy in Flint, Correy Black has created an atmosphere in which students feel safe and loved, and one in which they’re able to achieve at the highest levels.

He’s won a host of awards for his efforts, and during a surprise assembly at the school, he was able to add one more accomplishment to the list: He’s the November 2025 #MiCharterHero. MAPSA President Dan Quisenberry presented the award to Correy on Nov. 7, as students and staff looked on and cheered.

“I was definitely surprised,” Correy said. “When I looked over and saw Dan was there, I knew something was up!”

Quisenberry told the New Standard Academy students and staff was Correy was selected for the honor because of his legacy of excellence as the school’s leader. “We have a true hero in our midst,” Quisenberry said.

The New Standard Academy is a K-12 charter school authorized by Saginaw Valley State University and managed by The Romine Group.

Where we’re located at on the north side of Flint, obviously our kids need a lot of support,” Correy said. “The Academy has done more, more, more than I could ever ask of them. The staff here is amazing. When it comes to them coming through and doing things for the kids, I cannot be prouder of the effort that they put forth. Our kids are amazing. They’re growing every day. They're understanding the importance of being educated and what that means for their future.”

And while Correy said the #MiCharterHero award is much appreciated, the real payoff comes from seeing his students succeed.

“I tell everybody, I don’t necessarily do it for accolades,” he said. “I do it because I care about the kids and their future. But sometimes it’s good to know that your sacrifice and the effort and what you’ve been doing is appreciated.”

A graduate of Wayne State University with graduate degrees from Capella University and Eastern Michigan University, Correy has earned many honors during his distinguished career, including the Outstanding School Leader Award from Saginaw Valley State University, the Bright Futures Award from the R.H.Y.M.E.S Foundation, the the John C. Romine Award from The Romine Group.

Correy said he’s proud to be an educator, and he’s especially proud to be a charter school educator.

With charter schools, I think the real difference is the heart of the people that you work with, the heart that resides in all charters,” he said. “And also our ability to think and be able to step outside the box, to tailor our offering to our students. When you get stuck in a cookie-cutter approach to education, a lot of kids get missed. So our aim is not to miss anyone. Our aim is to touch everyone, make everyone feel special. And so that's why I tell people all the time, charters are the way to go, but it’s up to them.”

Also on hand for the surprise assembly was Qiana Towns Williams, the district director for Sen. John Cherry (D-Flint), who presented Correy with a legislative tribune from the Senator.

“This community is where my children have grown up,” she said. “You’ve been so dedicated to the work of helping these kids. So on behalf of the Senator, I say thank you for the work that you have done. On behalf of myself, I say thank you for taking care of our kids in this community.”