2009 MACS Board of Directors Nominees - Biographies & Candidacy Statements
Eight(8) Candidates (2 to be Elected)
For a downloadable nominee biography summary, click here.
Tonicia N. Abdur-Salaam, Partnership Academy
Lucille M. Hart, Lake Superior High School
Denny Hartman, La Crescent Montessori Academy
Bonnie Jorgenson, Duluth Edison Charter Schools
Tracy Quarnstrom, TRIO Wolf Creek Distance Learning Charter School
John Szurek, New Millennium Academy
Lucilla Yira, Achieve Language Academy
Ned Zimmerman-Bence, MN Online High School
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Tonicia N. Abdur-Salaam
Director of Operations & Development, Partnership Academy – Richfield
With bachelor and graduate degrees in areas such as Non-Profit Management & Theology from the University of MN, Concordia University, and the University of St. Thomas, Tonicia has been at Partnership Academy for two years (prior to that she served for two years as the Project for Pride in Living sponsor liaison for Partnership).
EDUCATION LEADERSHIP POSITIONS & ACHIEVEMENTS:
- African American Leadership Council (AALC) Member and Education Committee Member
- Twin Cities Youth Coalition Advisory Board Member – University of MN
- Citizens Budget and Finance Advisory Committee for SPPS School Board
NONPROFIT/COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP POSITIONS & ACHIEVEMENTS:
- Light House in the City Board Chair
- Local Initiatives Support Corporation Careership Alumni – with a focus on education and its relation to community development
Tonicia’s current involvement in the MN Association of Charter School’s activities, committees, events, etc.:
- Member of the Human Resources Committee since its inception
- Led participating contingent of Partnership Academy students & faculty to the 2009 Day at the Capitol
- Participant in Charter School Career Fairs
When asked what she perceives as the challenges and opportunities that need to be addressed by the charter school movement in Minnesota during the next three years, she responds: “The current political landscape calls for the Charter School Community to pay even closer attention to the legislation being built around Charters, sponsorship and recognition as an equal force in education. There should be increased public education regarding the importance of school choice and innovations in education through charter schools should be seen as a compliment to traditional districts not a detriment. It will be important to reestablish the reputation of Charter Schools as invaluable community resources for students and families who MAY want a setting that is different from the traditional school district setting and in a school who has the ability to cater to the needs of students and families without the bureaucracy and red tape traditionally seen in district settings.”
Tonicia believes that she can make the following contributions to address these challenges and opportunities as a member of the MACS Board of Directors: “Having the experience for many years of being on boards, I understand the importance, significance and boundaries of a good board and what it takes for a board to make an organization successful. I have worked in charter schools, worked for sponsors, as well as legislators and have also been the parent of a student in a charter school. With this background, I bring a diverse perspective to the charter school movement and I want to be a part of the movement as it moves forward and becomes stronger and even more successful.”
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Lucille M. Hart
Principal, Lake Superior High School – Duluth
With a Certificate of Learning Technology from St. Thomas University, a degree in Educational Administration from St. Mary’s, a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Science from St. Cloud State University and SW State University respectively, as well as experience as a Technical Instructor and Academic Counseling for the Community College of the Air Force, Lucy has worked at Lake Superior High School for eight years.
EDUCATION LEADERSHIP POSITIONS & ACHIEVEMENTS:
- NE Regional Director, MN Association of Alternative Programs (2002-present)
- International Association for Learning Alternatives Conference Planning Committee (2002)
- University Award for Excellence in Leadership – St. Cloud State University (1990)
NONPROFIT/COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP POSITIONS & ACHIEVEMENTS:
- Disabled American Veteran member (2001-present)
- VFW member (2001 – present)
- Secretary, Loon Lake Community Center Board (1998-2003)
- Mesabi East Band Boosters Board Member (1999-2002)
Lucy’s current involvement in the MN Association of Charter School’s activities, committees, events, etc.:
- Participant in Annual Meetings & Conferences
- Participant in School Board Governance Trainings
When asked what she perceives as the challenges and opportunities that need to be addressed by the charter school movement in Minnesota during the next three years, she responds: “All parts of education will be facing multiple challenges over the next three years. The challenges for the charter school movement center on funding, program strength, accountability and testing. Many will be looking at the funding for charter schools with an eye on cutting state dollars. The strength of each program will be tested through the AYP system as well as the media. All programs will need to be more and more accountable for student performance as well as fiscal stability. Performance will be measured against regular public schools even though it is like comparing apples and oranges. Charter schools continue to have the opportunity to find new and unique ways to reach students as well as be a leader in educational possibilities.”
Lucy believes that she can make the following contributions to address these challenges and opportunities as a member of the MACS Board of Directors: “With eight years of experience in a charter school, I have weathered many minor storms. As each year has progressed, we have adapted and changed to fit the needs of state requirements as well as student needs. As a board member, I will be able to bring that experience to the table. As a new board member, I will be able to bring a fresh outlook as well as a voice for Northern MN. Furthermore, as a veteran member of the MN Association of Alternative Programs, I am very well versed in the problems of alternative educators across the state. I will bring this perspective along with a bridge to the MAAP organization.”
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Denny Hartman
School Director, La Crescent Montessori Academy – La Crescent
With a Bachelor’s Degree from St. John’s University and a Master’s and further graduate work completed at St. Cloud State University, Denny has worked at La Crescent Montessori Academy for one year.
EDUCATION LEADERSHIP POSITIONS & ACHIEVEMENTS:
- Assistant Middle School Principal, Princeton Public Schools (1993-94)
- MSHSL District Hockey Representative (1994)
- Assistant Jr. High Principal, St. Cloud Schools (1994-99)
- Secondary Principal, Lake Crystal (1999-05)
- Co-Director, Ubah Medical Academy (2006-07)
- School Director, La Crescent Montessori Academy (2008-present)
- Southwest MN Middle Level Principal of the Year (2004)
- National Charter School Convention (2007)
- MDE Charter School Application Grant Reviewer (2007)
NONPROFIT/COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP POSITIONS & ACHIEVEMENTS:
- Lake Crystal Chamber of Commerce
- Kiwanis Club
- Knights of Columbus
- St. Anthony’s School Board
- Wausau Youth Hockey Board
- Wausau Soccer League Board
- St. Cloud Youth Hockey Coach
- St. Cloud Youth Soccer Coach
- St. Cloud Youth Baseball Coach
Denny’s current involvement in the MN Association of Charter School’s activities, committees, events, etc.:
- MACS New Director’s Workshop (2008)
When asked what he perceives as the challenges and opportunities that need to be addressed by the charter school movement in Minnesota during the next three years, he responds: “Charter schools are still misunderstood throughout Minnesota and the United States. It has certainly helped that the new president came out in support of charter schools, but all of us need to do a better job of public relations and getting the word out about the good things that all of us do.
Leadership, in both administration and the boards, needs to be strengthened. Running a charter school is a difficult task. Leaders need to know both school and non-profit law. Unlike traditional public schools, the leaders of charter schools perform a wider variety of jobs. We are challenged to do everything the traditional public schools must do, and more.
Finally, we need to work together, and get to know one another. There is strength in numbers and we can all grow and prosper, together. It may make sense for MACS to form divisions throughout the state so that charter schools could get to know one another, and share ideas. If we get to know our local schools, we will have a stronger state association. Together, we can face the challenges facing charter schools.”
Denny believes that he can make the following contributions to address these challenges and opportunities as a member of the MACS Board of Directors: “I believe that in my 30+ years in education, I have acquired a skill set that helps in a variety of leadership situations. Every situation and school is different; however, experience goes a long ways in creating new and different approaches to the challenges.”
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Bonnie Jorgenson
Head of School, Duluth Edison Charter Schools – Duluth
With a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Christian Education from Northwestern College, a Master’s in Theology from United Theological Seminary and extensive training via the Edison Leadership Development Academy over the last 10 years in educational leadership, curriculum and instruction, Bonnie has worked at Duluth Edison Charter Schools for twelve years.
EDUCATION LEADERSHIP POSITIONS & ACHIEVEMENTS:
- Kenwood campus received Minnesota Academic Excellence Foundation School Spotlight Award 2008
- Washburn campus received 2005 Promising Practices Award, Charter Education Partnership
- Member of EdisonLearning’s Inaugural Principals’ Roundtable involving school leaders in face to face dialogue with Edison administrators
- Consultant for new charter school development for EdisonLearning in St. Louis and Indianapolis
- Four Star Student Achievement and Customer Service Awards from EdisonLearning, 2002-2009 (Edison’s highest honor)
NONPROFIT/COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP POSITIONS & ACHIEVEMENTS:
- Actively involved as an elder at Glen Avon Presbyterian Church
- Currently participating in joint effort between Community Action Duluth and Blandin Foundation called Leaders Partnering to End Poverty
Bonnie’s current involvement in the MN Association of Charter School’s activities, committees, events, etc.:
- Participant in northeast MN board trainings and director gatherings
- Participant in the weekly legislative updates – “We value the legislative updates and share them with our parents, calling our parents to action on issues affecting charter schools.”
- Participant in the MACS annual meetings.
When asked what she perceives as the challenges and opportunities that need to be addressed by the charter school movement in Minnesota during the next three years, she responds: “At this time I see MACS working to have charter school supporters of accountability for charter schools and their boards. I affirm taking on this challenge and making ourselves through MACS the proactive leaders thinking ahead as much as possible so we can lead instead of react. We have a rich history of charter school innovation in Minnesota and we do not want to lose that. Charter schools serve high numbers of low income students, students of color, and special education students. These students and their families are looking to us to help enhance their futures and we must continue to work hard to assure this is happening. Financial resources for schools will be a continuing issue and we want to do all we can to assure that charter schools and our students receive our fair and equitable share via work with legislators and communication to the general public about all the wonderful educational opportunities charter schools offer students in our state.”
Bonnie believes that she can make the following contributions to address these challenges and opportunities as a member of the MACS Board of Directors: “My strongest skills are communication and administration. I’ve worked with many boards of directors and in board development. I’ve been involved in national and state wide public policy campaigns. I have a passion for the students we serve.”
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Tracy Quarnstrom
Director, TRIO Wolf Creek Distance Learning Charter School – Chisago Lakes
With a Bachelor’s Degree in History from the University of WI – River Falls, a Masters in Curriculum and Principal Licensure from Hamline, as well as a Superintendent’s License to be finished with Hamline this May, Tracy has worked at TRIO Wolf Creek for seven years.
EDUCATION LEADERSHIP POSITIONS & ACHIEVEMENTS:
- Chair of Minnesota K-12 Online Learning Alliance
- MACS Online School Forum Member
- OLL Advisory Task Force – appointed by Commissioner Seagren
NONPROFIT/COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP POSITIONS & ACHIEVEMENTS:
- Girl Scout Leader from Girl Scouts of the USA from 2003-2008
Tracy’s current involvement in the MN Association of Charter School’s activities, committees, events, etc.:
- MACS Forum Member in the past representing OLL issues
- Participant in Charter School Career Fairs
- State Fair volunteer
- Participant in Weekly Legislative Teleconferences
When asked what she perceives as the challenges and opportunities that need to be addressed by the charter school movement in Minnesota during the next three years, she responds: “Building a strong reputation around the ‘best’ charter schools and making sure that the public knows that ‘bad’ charter schools are few and far between, even if they receive the most press coverage. It is the responsibility of all great charter schools to garner publicity and to make known the great things that charter schools do in the state of Minnesota.”
Tracy believes that she can make the following contributions to address these challenges and opportunities as a member of the MACS Board of Directors: “I have worked with the legislature to draft language pertaining to Online Learning schools in the state and have work with the Minnesota K12 Online Learning Alliance to spread the news of great online opportunities in Minnesota. I believe my expertise in this area will help me work with MACS to spread the word about great charter school innovations also.”
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John Szurek
Special Education Teacher, New Millennium Academy – Minneapolis
With a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of MN and teacher certification in Social Studies and Special Education from Concordia University, John has worked at New Millennium for two years.
EDUCATION LEADERSHIP POSITIONS & ACHIEVEMENTS:
- Elected New Millennium Academy Board of Directors 2008
- Served Board as Chairman 2008-2009
- School Committee Service – Finance, Leadership, and Child Study
NONPROFIT/COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP POSITIONS & ACHIEVEMENTS:
- Anoka County Youth 4H Program – adult club leader, 2008 Camp Director.
- Anoka County CTIC (Community Transition Interagency Committee) Committee – Chair of sub committee to re-write the Terminal Brain Injury (TBI) Transition Roadmap
John’s current involvement in the MN Association of Charter School’s activities, committees, events, etc.:
- Participant in trainings offered through the Association for Board Governance
- Participant in legislative updates and phone call-ins
When asked what he perceives as the challenges and opportunities that need to be addressed by the charter school movement in Minnesota during the next three years, he responds: “In light of the budget shortfall and increasing constraints proposed by legislation, Charter schools will have to fight for sustainability and their fair share of public funding. Charter schools will have to fight negative public stigma being put forward by the media and some Legislators.”
John believes that he can make the following contributions to address these challenges and opportunities as a member of the MACS Board of Directors: “I will draw on my experience as a Charter school teacher and my experience working in the legislative process to support and promote Charter schools to fight against the negative attacks against them. I will support and work for meaningful reforms that are outlined by Congress and / or by our Association.”
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Lucilla Yira
Assistant Principal, Achieve Language Academy – St. Paul
Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Studio Arts from the University of MN, a Masters from the U in Spanish and ELL Second Languages and Cultures, and Principal licensure from St. Mary’s, as well as Superintendent licensure from Mankato State, Lucilla has worked at Achieve Language Academy for six and a half years.
EDUCATION LEADERSHIP POSITIONS & ACHIEVEMENTS:
- Elementary Art Teacher
- Elementary ELL
- Teacher
- High School Spanish Teacher
- Elementary Curriculum Coordinator
- Lead and Supervise Site Based Councils for St. Paul Public Schools
- High School Assistant Principal at Harding Senior High School – St. Paul
- Assistant Principal at Achieve
NONPROFIT/COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP POSITIONS & ACHIEVEMENTS:
- 6 ½ years of experience at Achieve Language Academy (non-profit)
- Hispanic non profit agencies such as CLUES, La Familia and PACER
Lucilla’s current involvement in the MN Association of Charter School’s activities, committees, events, etc.:
- Participant in Charter School Lobby Day at the Capitol (2 years)
When asked what she perceives as the challenges and opportunities that need to be addressed by the charter school movement in Minnesota during the next three years, she responds: “Challenges that occur in the Charter movement are those of conflict of interests at times, especially at the board level, sponsorship and lack of accountability in some areas.”
Lucilla believes that she can make the following contributions to address these challenges and opportunities as a member of the MACS Board of Directors: “I believe in fostering equal opportunities for all families and students in the charter school movement as well as forming life-long partnerships with our communities and sponsors. Charters bring cutting edge / innovation in all aspects of public education.”
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Ned Zimmerman-Bence
Executive Director, Minnesota Online High School – Minneapolis
With a Bachelor’s degree from Macalester and a Master’s in Elementary Education from the University of MN, Ned has worked at MN Online for four years.
EDUCATION LEADERSHIP POSITIONS & ACHIEVEMENTS:
- Board President of MN Online (2004-2008)
- Teacher (1994-2004)
NONPROFIT/COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP POSITIONS & ACHIEVEMENTS:
- Member, EXPO Elementary Site Council (2007 – present)
- Sporadic lobbying for public schools (traditional and charter schools)
Ned’s current involvement in the MN Association of Charter School’s activities, committees, events, etc.:
- MACS Online Schools Forum Meetings
When asked what he perceives as the challenges and opportunities that need to be addressed by the charter school movement in Minnesota during the next three years, he responds: “The issues of academic and fiscal accountability, both real and imagined, will continue to cast a shadow on the charter school movement. This is to be expected as a competitive force matures. The challenge will be to anticipate how the increased competition will prompt others to react and how to reach out to the broader education community so we’re working together to educate all of Minnesota’s students instead of fighting over scraps.”
Ned believes that he can make the following contributions to address these challenges and opportunities as a member of the MACS Board of Directors: “I have had the privilege to serve on the Board of MN Online High School from its inception and know how difficult it is to start a school and then move from the start-up phase to maturity.
Should I have the privilege to serve on the MACS Board, a chief agenda item I would push would be to use our collective strength to form cooperative arrangements for insurance, benefits, professional development, and purchasing.”