The Foundation for the Monte del Sol Charter School
Monte del Sol Charter School is a public entity but not a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization, so the school formed a partnership with The Southwest Institute for Educational Research and Professional Teacher Development. It was under the fiscal agency of that organization that Monte del Sol was able to use the four acres of donated land to build a 21,000 suqare foot building and receive seven additional acres of land adjoining, also a gift to the school. The Southwest Institute secured a loan from the Los Alamos National Bank, under the visionary leadership of Bill Enloe, Bank President, and the school leases the building from the Southwest Institute.
In December 2004, the Southwest Institute changed its name to The Foundation for the Monte del Sol Charter School to more accurately reflect the purpose of the organization.
Dr. MARILYN MASON, PhD - Board Chair
Dr. Mason is the principal in Mason and Associates, and is an internationally known consulting psychologist; she lectures and consults to a wide variety of organizations. Marilyn has done extensive work with philanthropic families in the United States. The Founder of Journeys Unlimited, she has led cross cultural "inventures" to Africa, Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet and has written four books. Former faculty at the University of Minnesota, she has appeared many times on the Oprah Winfrey Show. Marilyn is the VP of the NM Women's Forum and a Trustee of The Museum of New Mexico Foundation.
Mr. STUART ASHMAN
Stuart is the current Director of the Office of Cultural Affairs for the State of New Mexico which overseas all of the State's museums and State monuments. He is a member of Governor Bill Richardson's cabinet. Stuart was the past Director of the Spanish Colonial Art Museum, the Museuam of Fine Arts, and curator of the art collection for the Roundhouse, the state capital building. Stuart grew up in Cuba and is the parent of a Monte del Sol graduate and a son in our 12th Grade.
Ms. CECE DERRINGER
Ms. Derringer is the Director of Resource Development and communications at Homewise, Inc. She has served as the acting Administrative Director for The Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival, the National Sales Manager for ABC TV, Hawaii; Vice President, Account Services, Myers Advertising. Cece is the former Academic Director and Curriculum Director of the Academy School in Hawaii and New Hampshire. She has a long list of community involvements including her recent position as Board Member of The Santa Fe Desert Chorale.
Ms. PAT FINNEGAN
Pat comes to Monte del Sol from the state where Charter Schools began--Minnesota. While she may be new to Santa Fe she is not new to working well with organizations. With a lifelong career in training and development and leadership in professional organizations, Pat is now the principal in her own corporate consultation and and executive coaching firm. Pat also has a long history in diversity training.
Ms. JUDY RICHARDSON
Judy Richardson has served double duty as development liaison to the Foundation Board. She is Founder and President of the Global Education Fund, a non-profit organization that provides mathematics, science, and language arts training for educators in Nicaragua. Judy is formerly Director of Development at the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics, Oklahoma City and the Public Art Fund, New York City. She is a member of the International Women's Forum, Board member of The New Mexico Women's Committee for The Arts, the Council on International Relations and Crow Canyon Archeological Center.
Ms. MIRIAM SAGAN
Miriam Sagan is an Assistant Professor of Creative Writing at Santa Fe Community College. She is the author of more than twenty books. Her poetry collections include Archaelogy of Desire and Rag Trade. Her memoir, Searching for A Mustard Seed: A Young Widow's Unconventional Story, won best memoir of the year from Independent Publishers.
Mr. STEVE SIMON
Steve is Executive Director of the New Mexico Branch of the Ronald Simon Family Foundation. He has an MA in Psychology and has traveled in the world extensively pursuing his interest in the fields of education, economic development, food and nutrition, and effective public policy. Several Monte del Sol students have participated in the Simon Scholarship Program which allows Juniors and Seniors to further their academic excellence. Steve's Foundation has also been responsible for funding our Monte del Sol kitchen.
Mr. AARON STERN
Aaron is the Founder, with Leonard Bernstein, and Director of the Academy of The Love of Learning in Santa Fe, where he also serves as the President of the Board. He is a composer, performer and former Dean of the American Conservatory of Music. Aaron consults with numerous educational, arts, spiritual and social change organizations and communities, and has conceived and teaches within many of teh Academy's trainings and programs.
ADVISORY BOARD to FOUNDATION
Dr. John Balkcom
Ms. Susan Berk
Ms. Jill Cooper Udall
Dr. Lisa Darling
Mr. and Mrs. Charles and Edwina Milner