JOin the school board or subcommittee
Join us
The school board is an interim board up until we reach year three of operation in which we will begin to hold board elections. At this time we are looking for board members of different skill levels to help the school facilitate it's goals of being financially fiscal and an authentic Montessori school with an environmental focus.
We ask that all board members attend a virtual monthly board meeting held on the third Tuesday of each month. This meeting begins at 7:00 pm and generally runs until 9:00 pm. As well as any special board meetings.
In addition to attending the board meeting we encourage all board members to serve on a subcommittee. This is where board members can spend an additional two to eight hours a month on subcommittee activities. The commitment levels of the subcommittee varies depending on what projects are up at the time. We currently have the following committees active and inactive. Those that are inactive at this time may be activated as soon as there is a need.
Subcommittees
The Governance Committee shall perform the duties set forth elsewhere in the Bylaws in regard to the election of Directors, election of officers, and filling of vacancies, and such other duties as are deemed appropriate and necessary by the Board of Directors.
The Development Committee shall plan and supervise all fund raising activities of the Corporation. The Development Committee shall be chaired by a Director.
The Academic Excellence Committee shall be responsible for ensuring that overall curricular policy remains faithful to the Corporation’s mission, for reviewing specific curriculum choices on a regular basis and making recommendations to the Board of Directors on adoption of curriculum materials, and such other duties as are deemed appropriate and necessary by the Board of Directors.
The Budget and Finance Committee shall be responsible for presenting an annual budget to the Board of Directors, making recommendations to the Board of Directors on long-range financial and facilities planning, monitoring contracts for bookkeeping services, ensuring compliance with state financial procedures, and such other duties as are deemed appropriate and necessary by the Board of Directors. The Budget and Finance Committee shall be chaired by the Treasurer.
The Accountability Committee shall be responsible for ensuring that the Corporation meets the terms of its contract with the Corporation’s Authorizing institution, for setting annual academic and non-academic goals as required in the charter school accountability framework, charter school accountability reporting to the Authorizing institution and the Minnesota Department of Education, and such other duties as are deemed appropriate and necessary by the Board of Directors.
The School Operations Advisory Committee shall report at all regular meetings of the Board of Directors on all aspects of the operation of the Corporation that fall within the scope of responsibilities of the School Director.
The Facilities Committee shall investigate facilities options for the School, including, without limitation, management and operation of existing facilities as well as searching for new facilities if needed, and, on request by the Board, report to the Board with respect to its findings.
Apply for the School Board or Subcommittees
To apply for the position of Board Member at Large or to join a subcommittee complete an application and email it to the board chair. chris.castagneri@threeriversmontessori.org.
Follow this link to the application: https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/2d6f3dba-b4ae-4e46-87be-83d480aa7eef/downloads/Application%20to%20Serve%20On%20TRM%20Board.pdf?ver=1629925121600
If you have additional questions jonna.duke@threeriversmontessori.org
Board Members
Chris Castagneri
Chris Castagneri
Chris Castagneri
Professionally, Chris has been working in the marketing field for about 20 years and has a broad range of experience.
She has also led on the executive teams of new companies. She has a BS Degree in Mass Communications, advertising concentration, & marketing minor. Additionally, she has specialized training in non-profit marketing.
Chris also has a rich history of community service in Elk River, including as a Rotarian (Chair and Member), Arts Alliance Board Member, Friends of the Kelly Farm Board Member, and Chamber of Commerce Board President and Member.
She is also a mom, wife, practicing drummer (need much practice), hiker, director of bed-time stories, artist, and music enthusiast.
Contact Information:
Parent Member, Board Chair
chris.castagneri@threeriversmontessori.org
Troy Hanson
Chris Castagneri
Chris Castagneri
Troy has a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from St. Cloud State University and is a Certified Public Accountant (inactive).
He joined Guardian Angels of Elk River, Inc. in 2014 as the Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer and has over 20 years of accounting and finance experience in various industries.
He serves as the treasurer on the Guardian Angles Elim Home Care; Hospice board of directors; and as a board member of the Health Care Insurance Reciprocal (a workers compensation insurance company).
His family are residents of the Elk River community and is wife Angie is a preschool teacher at a local church. They are blessed with two sons and one daughter. Troy enjoys hunting, fishing, golf and traveling with family.
Contact Information:
Community Member, Board Treasurer
troy.hanson@threeriversmontessori.org
Hannah Scholten
Chris Castagneri
Hannah Scholten
Hannah is a Montessori teacher.
She has a degree in elementary education from the University of Northwestern St. Paul and a Minnesota tier three teaching licence in elementary education.
This is her second year as an E2 teacher but her first at TRM. Before TRM she worked in Hutchinson, MN as an E2 teacher with a student population of fifty percent special education needs.
Some of her favorite things to do when she is not teaching are going outside for a walk or run with my dog Jack Jack, laying in her hammock and reading a fiction book, rock climbing, or spending time on a project or craft.
She is looking forward to meeting you and welcoming you to TRM.
Together we will create an awesome learning community!
Contact Information:
Board Secretary
hannah.scholten@threeriversmontessori.org
Jaclyn Jones
Kathryn Smith
Hannah Scholten
Jaclyn has a Bachelor of Arts in elementary and special education as well as a Master of Education (school psychology examiner) from Idaho State University.
She taught in elementary special education classrooms for 5 years in the state of Idaho. She also worked as an Intensive Behavioral Interventionist, addressing the challenging behaviors of clients at home and in community settings.
After the birth of her first child, she chose to stay home with her young, growing family. She and her husband have 4 children who keep them on their toes and bring joy to their lives. Jaclyn and her family moved to MN 10 years ago and have loved raising their children in this area. Two of her children attend Three Rivers Montessori. She is grateful for the opportunity to serve and support the mission of TRM in our community.
She has also been an active volunteer serving in various capacities at church, scouts, and other organizations locally.
Jaclyn enjoys travel, reading, music, crafts and activities with her family.
Contact Information:
Parent Member
jaclyn.jones@threeriversmontessori.org
Kathryn Smith
Kathryn Smith
Kathryn Smith
Kat is the parent of a TRM student. She believes Montessori education has the ability to bring out the greatest academic potential in all students.
Kat is an Assistant Professor at the College of St Scholastica in the graduate department of nursing and has over a decade of experience teaching in post-secondary education.
Additionally, she practices as a family nurse practitioner at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, working with adolescent patients with substance use disorder. She has a bachelor’s degree from North Dakota State University, a master’s degree from the U of M, and a master’s degree and doctorate from Minnesota State University, Mankato.
In her spare time, Kat enjoys spending time with her husband and two kids, reading, and baking cookies.
Contact Information:
Parent Member kat.smith@threeriversmontessori.org
Special Consultants
Consultant Joe Aliperto
At Dieci School Finance, Joe provides Business Management Services to schools through exceptional understanding of each schools individual financial needs and expectations.
He aims to provide the proper tools and information to succeed financially, allowing clients the freedom to focus on the daily operations and future goals of the school. He is not just a service provider. He forms a partnership with each of his clients to ensure success; he strongly believes in the staff and the goals of the schools he serves.