Dixie Montessori Academy Governing Board
Our wonderful Board at Dixie Montessori Academy
Kevin Groke
Chairman
As an experienced leader, with an effective combination of technical skills and communication abilities, Kevin has 15 years in software development; mostly in management positions. He received his Bachelors Degree in Computer Science from the University of Portland and was trained in leadership techniques by the US Air Force ROTC. Kevin and his wife Meg are founding members of Dixie Montessori Academy and he has served on the board since its inception in 2011. Together, they have five daughters that have all thrived in the Montessori community.
Elizabeth “Liz” Metcalf
Accountability Group Chair
Currently working as an Artist Assistant, Liz creates copper wind sculptures for fine art galleries all over the United States. Previously she worked as a job coach for mentally ill patients helping them integrate into the community through gainful employment. Liz currently oversees the committee responsible for assuring that DMA meets its obligations to the Federal and State governments, taxpayers, teachers, parents and students. Liz first started in the committee in March 2014, and become a board member in November of that year.
David “Dave” Berry
Chair Policy and Charter Review Committee
Dave is currently a Lead Web Developer with 13 years of experience and a bachelors degree in Computer Information Technology. He has volunteered as a scoutmaster for seven years and is tri-lingual in English, Russian and Ukrainian. He started volunteering with DMA as part of the IT committee in 2013 and joined the board in November 2014.
Beaudry “Beau” Jones
Treasurer
Beau is a skilled Commercial Refrigeration and Electrical repair technician for Southern Utah.
He has 4 children, 2 are currently enrolled in DMA. He has been involved in the Montessori
Program for over 4 years and feels that it is the best approach for teaching children. Beau started on the board in June 2015 and serves as the Treasurer.
Mike Proa
Mike is a Certified General Real Estate Appraiser who specializes in the valuation of commercial real estate. He graduated from Dixie State in 2011 with a B.S. in Business Administration and has previously worked as the General Manager of Cold Stone Creamery. Mike and his wife have 4 children with 3 currently enrolled at DMA. He feels the Montessori environment provides the best foundation for lifelong education and has personally seen the difference in his children’s desire to learn after enrolling in DMA. He joined the Board of Directors in September 2015.
The governing board is responsible for:
- Ensuring the school stays faithful to the focus defined in the DMA Charter Document
- Determining long-term strategic direction
- Setting school governance policy – Board Policy Manual, IDEA/SPED Policy
- Meeting commitments to the state and taxpayers (Fiscal, Testing, Enrollment, etc)
The Director (Ms Wand) is responsible for staffing and the operation of the school. She reports to the board who provides oversight and direction.
Much of the work done by the board is accomplished via committees chaired by members of the board. These committees are made up of parents and staff members and provide recommendations to the board on what policies and changes to implement. If you are interested in helping steer the direction of the school, volunteering for one of these committees is a great way to do so.
There is a short time for public comments in all of our meetings. By necessity that time is quite limited so if you need more time please email the chair to request to be added to the meeting agenda for the following month. You can also email feedback related to the board or the direction of the school. Those emails will be shared with the entire board before the following meeting. Please let the chair know if you wish that feedback to remain anonymous.
Applications for board members are being accepted. The application form: Board Application – Download.
