By Travis Barton | [email protected]

Getting good grades with schools can earn more than just a quality grade point average; it can get awards as well. 

Glenn Hileman, CEO of HighMark School Development of Murray, is a finalist for the Ernst and Young Entreprenuer of the Year 2016 Utah Region Award. 

“I’m thrilled to have been nominated and honored to be chosen a finalist,” Hileman said. 

The winner will be announced at a black tie awards gala on Saturday, June 4, at The Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City. 

HighMark School Development (HSD) is a firm that develops facility solutions for start-up charter schools, operational schools and multiple-site charter school management companies.

Hileman said public, tuition-free charter schools receive lower funding than their district counterparts. Since charter schools can’t tax their residents, they must find other ways to pay for facilities. 

“We look at charter schools as the taxpayers’ best friend, improving education without burdening tax-paying citizens,” Hileman said in a press release. 

Facilities are one of the biggest financial problems for charter schools, and Hileman said HSD strives to fortify their friendship with those schools by solving that problem.

“We’re providing affordable, safe, attractive and permanent facilities that students, parents and school staff can be proud of,” Hileman said. 

The completion of their projects is special because of the results HSD gets to witness. 

“Each of our projects have the unique reward of observing students’ enthusiasm for education explode when they take possession of their new facilities,” Hileman said. 

Hileman, appointed CEO on Jan. 9, 2011, said HSD’s first independent schools, BASIS Independent in New York City and Silicon Valley, brought a distinctive satisfaction.

“Both have addressed a market need and have been received favorably by the communities they serve,” Hileman said. 

HSD was founded in 2005 in Salt Lake City and now operates in 16 states, from California to Texas to North Carolina, with plans to expand this year with projects in Michigan and Ohio. 

Hileman said that even though the company is early in their pursuit, this kind of recognition indicates they are on the right path. 

“The program has validated that we continue to make progress,” Hileman said. “Our company’s mission, vision and values are helping drive performance.” 

Entering its 30th year, the Ernst and Young awards program recognizes entrepreneurs in over 145 cities in 60 countries. Entrepreneurs are nominated as finalists by a panel of independent judges looking for those who demonstrate excellence and extraordinary success in such areas as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. 

“It’s very humbling to be recognized for this award,” Hileman said. 

Over 1000 founders, CEOs and other business leaders will be in attendance at the awards gala. The winners will be eligible for consideration for the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year National Awards, scheduled to take place in Palm Springs, Calif., on Nov. 19, 2016. 

Hileman said the company is excited to continue its growth nationally and help develop world-class educational facilities. 

“Our strategy is to build a concentration of schools in each area we serve, and these projects represent a wonderful opportunity for HighMark,” Hileman said. 

To find out more information about HSD, go to highmarkschools.com.