PTAA Colorado Springs STEAM-Focused Charter School K-9th

Board Agenda & Minutes

PTAA Board of Directors (Colorado)

PTAA Board of Directors

Shubham Pandey, Executive Director

Shubham Pandey is an education leader with more than 15 years of experience in education, technology, and the business world. His education and entrepreneurial experience includes classroom curriculum, school technology, assessment, and policy implementation. His technology and business experience includes effective administration, implementation of new business concepts, budgetary and financial experience.

spandey@ptaa.org

Victoria White, PTAA Board President

Victoria White is a Practice Group Specialist with Ice Miller’s Municipal Finance Practice. She assists the practice with day-to-day operations and manages strategic relationships. She has served as Chief Operating Officer of the School Improvement Partnership, Vice President and junior banker at BB&T Capital Markets/BB&T Securities, and as a direct senior credit analyst for charter school investment bankers.

vwhite@ptaa.org

Shannon Houston, PTAA Founding Principal

shouston@ptaa.org

Mansoureh Tehrani

Mansoureh Tehrani is driven by a passion for education and its ability to expand human potential and transform lives. With a background in information technology and public education, Tehrani has focused on integrating academic teaching with work-based learning experiences. She has created private/public partnerships that benefit both students and industry and has received numerous awards for her leadership in education innovation.

mtehrani@ptaa.org

John (JB) Turner

John Turner has been a member of the PTAA School Board since its formation in 2020. With a background in the US Army as an Artilleryman and Space Operations Officer, Turner brings a practical application of STEM education to the board. He holds a Bachelor's and Master's degree and currently teaches Space Operations at the post-graduate level.

jturner@ptaa.org

Sloan Gonzales

Sloan Gonzales is the inaugural Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Education and Outreach at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. With over 15 years of experience in non-profits and higher education, Gonzales focuses on leadership development, community engagement, and DEI initiatives. She is committed to creating communities of collaboration and is a recipient of several leadership awards.

sgonzales@ptaa.org

PTAA CO Board FAQ

1. What is the role of the PTAA Governing Board? +
The PTAA Governing Board is responsible for setting policies, ensuring financial oversight, and maintaining the mission and vision of the schools. The Board hires top administrators to manage daily operations and does not engage in day-to-day management or personnel decisions.
2. Can I contact the Board about issues with teachers or school staff? +
Concerns related to individual staff members, classroom matters, or daily school operations should be addressed through the appropriate administrative channels. The Board does not intervene in such matters.
3. How should I address a grievance or complaint? +
Each PTAA school has a specific grievance policy designed to resolve issues at the school level. It’s important to follow the steps outlined in the school’s grievance procedure before escalating matters. The Board will not act on grievances unless all prior steps have been completed.
4. When is it appropriate to contact the Board? +
The Board can be contacted regarding matters of school governance, policy decisions, or issues that have not been resolved through the established grievance procedures. For day-to-day operations, please work with teachers and school administrators.
5. Why doesn’t the Board respond to my concerns about daily school operations? +
The Board’s role is to govern and provide oversight, not to manage daily operations. Addressing daily operational issues directly with school administrators ensures that concerns are handled promptly and appropriately.
6. How can I learn about the Board’s decisions? +
Board meeting minutes and other relevant documents are available on the PTAA website.
7. What is the process for addressing unresolved issues after following the grievance procedure? +
If an issue remains unresolved after completing the school’s grievance steps, typically the Board is the last step in the grievance policy. Ensure that all prior steps have been completed. The grievance policy lists all steps and also provides the process expectations.
8. How does the Board ensure accountability within PTAA schools? +
The Board sets policies and oversees their implementation by school administrators. Regular evaluations and reports help the Board monitor compliance and effectiveness.
9. How can I contact the Board for appropriate matters? +
Contact information for the Board is available on the PTAA website. Please ensure your concern aligns with the Board’s governance role before reaching out. The Board may not reply or address concerns that do not fall under its governance responsibilities.

PTAA Board Meetings

PTAA Logo

PTAA Board Meetings are held virtually. The link is provided in the agenda and below for access.

2024-2025 Board Meeting Calendar

Note: Upcoming Board meeting agenda will be posted in front foyer of campus at 6464 Peterson Road, COS, CO 80923 and online at PTAA Colorado Springs Website on or before 72 hours of the stated board meeting.

If a member of the community would like to attend our open board meetings, and if you would like to make a public comment, please reach out within 36 hours of the meeting date. Open comment should be held to the topics on the agenda and will be no more than 2 minutes in length.

The board may call emergency meetings and will follow the same requirements of posting date/time on or before 72 hours of the meeting. Dates may be changed due to conflict but will also follow requirements of posting date/time.