2008 MACS Board of Directors Nominees - Biographies & Candidacy Statements

Six (6) Candidates (2 to be Elected)

For a downloadable nominee biography summary, click here.

Duane Dutrieuille, Dunwoody Academy
Tom Ellis, BlueSky Charter School
Becky Meyer, Academy for Sciences and Agriculture
Khadijah Alana Ramadan-Payne, Academia Cesar Chavez
Nick Ryan, MN New Country School
Bill Wilson, Higher Ground Academy
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Duane Dutrieuille
Dean of Academic and Student Affairs, Dunwoody Academy – Minneapolis

With a Bachelor’s Degree in Science and a Masters in Education, Duane has been at Dunwoody for one year (the school is finishing its first year of operation).

EDUCATION LEADERSHIP POSITIONS & ACHIEVEMENTS:

• Board of Directors for Dunwoody Academy High School (2007-present)
• Chairman of the Small Learning Communities Committee for Central High School (1999-2007)
• Consultant for the MN Dept. of Human Services, Minnesota Child Welfare Training (2006-present)
• Central High School Secondary Summer School Assistant Principal (2003-2007)
• Saint Paul Public Schools Leadership Institute (May 2003)
• Multicultural Teacher Development Scholarship Recipient, U of MN (1997-1999)

NONPROFIT/COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP POSITIONS & ACHIEVEMENTS:

• Finalist Progressive Baptist Church Member of the Year (2006)
• Board of Directors for The Family Place (2003-2004)
• Executive Director of African American Mentor Program, Inc. (1996-2000)
• Chairperson of the William O. White Talent Hunt Committee hosted by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Epsilon Rho Chapter, St. Paul (1998-2004)
• Chairperson of the YSCI After School Enrichment Committee, St. Paul, MN (1999-2001)
• Chairperson of the Saint Paul Education Summit (1997-1998)
  

Duane’s current involvement in the MN Association of Charter School’s activities, committees, events, etc.:

• None at this time, as Dunwoody is finishing its first year of operation (but they are a member!)

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:
"I believe some of the major challenges that charter schools will face the next three years are funding, services and transportation. I know that many charter schools don’t have the adequate amount of funds to operate successfully. Revenue from student enrollment, special education, and Title 1 in most cases is not enough to balance the school’s budget. There are several schools that have grant money to help balance their budget, but some schools don’t have the opportunities to raise money consistently. Some charter schools need social workers, guidance counselors and other service providers; however, they are not able to afford them. Consequently, some of the needs of the students cannot be met appropriately and this may lead to additional problems. Schools have one person wearing several different hats to accommodate the students. Transportation is also a major concern because it takes up a large part of the school’s budget. In my opinion, in the next three years, most charter schools will face these challenges.

The opportunities charter schools will have are immeasurable. Designing schools that have non-traditional ways of teaching and reaching students will only enhance the education in Minnesota at a district and state levels. Developing models that work and are effective will create opportunities for children to be successful in school and in life. Learning is a life-long process and charter schools are a major part in Minnesota’s education.”

Duane believes that he can make the following contributions to address these challenges and opportunities as a member of the MACS Board of Directors:
“As a member of the MACS Board of Directors, I will offer a great deal of expertise in the area of education, community involvement, and leadership. I have over 17 years of experience in education as a teacher, administrator, community advocate, and as a parent. I have helped to develop and implement programs and special projects in public and private schools. For over 15 years, I have served as a Director on several boards for small non-profit organizations, large high schools, and religious community organizations.

Secondly, I bring a great deal of passion and enthusiasm in making sure that all students receive a great education in Minnesota. I’m dedicated in developing and finding ways to close the achievement gap for minority and low income students. I would bring leadership skills that are driven by knowledge, research, best practices, and fairness. I will help pave the way for others to follow my lead in ensuring that all students in Minnesota have an opportunity for a bright future.”

Tom Ellis - Incumbent
Director/Principal, BlueSky Charter School – West St. Paul

With a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the U of MN, Morris, a Master of Science from MN State-Mankato, and Principal Licensure from the U of MN, Tom has worked at BlueSky for four years.

EDUCATION LEADERSHIP POSITIONS & ACHIEVEMENTS:

• Charter School Director (8 years)
• Area Learning Program Coordinator (1 year)
• Day Treatment Center Coordinator (1 year)

NONPROFIT/COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP POSITIONS & ACHIEVEMENTS:

• Past President of Izaak Walton League – Wabasha Chapter
• Former Douglas County Commissioner
• Former Editor/Publisher for Community Newspaper

Tom’s current involvement in the MN Association of Charter School’s activities, committees, events, etc.:

• 2 years on the MACS Board of Directors (Treasurer for the MACS Board & Chair of the Finance Committee)
• Member of the MACS Human Resources Management Committee
• Multi-year volunteer at the MN State Fair booth
• Charter School Day at the Capitol participant

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 must continue to provide a safe, stable, and innovative learning environment to students.”

Tom 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 work for and support MACS’ activities that will assist charter schools to be creative and rewarding places for students, families and staff.”

Becky Meyer
Director, Academy for Sciences and Agriculture – Vadnais Heights

With a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Education from the U of WI – River Falls, a Masters in Educational Administration from Purdue University - Indiana, current enrollment in the Administrative Licensure Program at the University of Minnesota (Principal Licensure requirements completed, Superintendent Licensure estimated to be completed spring 2009), a 2007-2008 Minnesota Principal Academy participant, and over eight years of teaching experience in traditional public schools, Becky has worked at AFSA High School for six years.

EDUCATION LEADERSHIP POSITIONS & ACHIEVEMENTS:

• AFSA High School Director: working to create a successful agriculturally based educational program, many student success stories, construction of a new 44,000 sq. ft facility. Recipient of $500,000 Facilities Renovation Grant
• Educational Specialist with the National FFA Organization: “In that position, I trained agriscience teachers from all 50 states on best practices in science and agriculture.”

NONPROFIT/COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP POSITIONS & ACHIEVEMENTS:

• Executive Treasurer for the National Council of Agricultural Education (2003 – present)
• Washington County 4-H Extension Committee (2005 – present)
• Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom Board member (2003-2004)
• Life FFA Alumni Member
• 2004 Minnesota Agri-Women Mentor of the Year

Becky’s current involvement in the MN Association of Charter School’s activities, committees, events, etc.:

• MACS Governance Committee Member
• Multi-year MACS State Fair booth volunteer
• Charter School Day at the Capitol participant
• Attend 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:
“Charter schools will face increased scrutiny and accountability due to the perceived and actual competition with traditional public schools. It has become increasingly difficult to deliver high quality innovative programs, as charter schools were originally designed to do, as funding has not kept up with costs and as state policy interpretations limit charter school activities. Charter schools need to work together within MACS projects or in collaborative projects that shine a spotlight on the programmatic successes of charter schools. Increased positive media attention, improved self-governance, additional cooperative events and publications and more legislative discussions will need to be a part of the future of Charter Schools in Minnesota.”

Becky believes that she can make the following contributions to address these challenges and opportunities as a member of the MACS Board of Directors:
“As a member of the MACS Board of Directors, I believe I can help bring attention to the issues facing charter schools. MACS has been making many efforts to bring charter school directors, business managers and others together and I would work to continue and increase collaborative efforts. I have also been participating in the Governance committee activities and see many recommendations from that group that would benefit charter schools. As director at AFSA for the past six years, I have learned a lot about what works and what doesn’t work in charter schools. I am well-versed in school finances, policy and management issues and I would use my background education to help MACS fulfill its mission."

Khadijah Alana Ramadan-Payne
Operations Manager, Academia Cesar Chavez – St. Paul

With a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Metropolitan State University and her current work towards a Master’s degree in Business Administration, Khadijah has worked at Academia Cesar Chavez for three years.

EDUCATION LEADERSHIP POSITIONS & ACHIEVEMENTS:

• Operations Manager for Academia Cesar Chavez

NONPROFIT/COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP POSITIONS & ACHIEVEMENTS:

• Page Education Scholar
• Community Peace Scholar
• Upward Bound/TRIO program
• McKnight Foundation
• NRRC
• Masjid An-Nur

Khadijah’s current involvement in the MN Association of Charter School’s activities, committees, events, etc.:

• MACS Day at the Capitol
• Board Governance Training/workshops

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:
“Public sentiment against charters; limited resources (District versus Charter); and requirements becoming more stringent.”

Khadijah believes that she can make the following contributions to address these challenges and opportunities as a member of the MACS Board of Directors:
“I will represent the parent voice (Afro-American), bring in new, innovative thoughts on how to respond to issues facing charters, and be actively involved.”

Nick Ryan
Advisor/Technology Coordinator, Minnesota New Country School – Henderson

With a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy from the University of MN and teacher licensure in Social Studies, Nick has worked at Minnesota New Country School for two years.

Nick’s current involvement in the MN Association of Charter School’s activities, committees, events, etc.:

• Charter School Lobby Day at the Capitol participant (2 years)
• MACS Annual Meeting attendee (2 years)
• MACS State Fair Booth Volunteer

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:
“Over the next three years, Minnesota charter schools will continue to face challenges on several fronts. We will continue to struggle with the MN state legislature to maintain and increase charter school funding, preserve the rights of dedicated individuals to create and open strong educational opportunities in charter schools, and increase our credibility as viable educational options in the minds of legislators. Our most important challenge continues to be maintaining public support and confidence for our ability to turn their tax dollars into quality, 21st century educations.”

Nick believes that he can make the following contributions to address these challenges and opportunities as a member of the MACS Board of Directors:
“As a MACS Board Member, I will work to meet these challenges by helping to support and develop increased MACS membership, increase the visibility of MACS work in the public eye, and continue working to gain the support of the public and our legislature through student-driven publicity and lobbying campaigns. In the end, the work that MACS does is done to support Minnesota students, many of whom are willing and able to contribute their own work to increase the standing of quality charter schools in Minnesota. I believe that MACS should be working closely with charter school students and their families on a daily basis; in doing so we can create a greater sense of student ownership, empowerment, and confidence in their selves and in their schools.

I will also work to continue development of the numerous quality programs that MACS has started to help promote school quality and accountability. The worst thing that a charter school can do is to betray the taxpayer’s trust through poor financial oversight or bad board management. MACS needs to continue positioning itself as the primary provider of charter school governance and financial oversight training for both operational and pre-operational schools. More work needs to be done to ensure that all Minnesota charter school boards attend MACS board governance training, an achievable goal that I will strive to help MACS meet.”

Bill Wilson
Executive Director, Higher Ground Academy – St. Paul

With a Master’s in Education, Bill has worked at Higher Ground Academy for nine years.

EDUCATION LEADERSHIP POSITIONS & ACHIEVEMENTS:

• Founder of Higher Ground Academy

NONPROFIT/COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP POSITIONS & ACHIEVEMENTS:

• Commissioner of Human Rights – Minnesota
• St. Paul City Council Member

Bill’s current involvement in the MN Association of Charter School’s activities, committees, events, etc.:

• Board Training
• MACS Career Fairs

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:
“I believe that charter schools will face a number of challenges over the next three years and beyond. One of the major challenges will be for charter schools to retain independence from larger, traditional public school districts. Another challenge facing mono-cultural charter schools of choice will be to avoid being categorized by lawmakers as segregated schools. An important opportunity facing the charter school movement is the opportunity to grow and further diversify in response to our changing demography.”

Bill 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 in the independence of charter schools. If elected to the Board, I would serve as a voice of reason and a strong voice for continuing independence. As a part of remaining independent, I would help guide charter schools away from being subject to the current flawed desegregation requirements.”