TCGIS Board of Directors
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About the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors is the governing body of the Twin Cities German Immersion School (TCGIS), a public charter school and non-profit organization. The Board hires the organization’s Executive Director, provides strategic direction, and monitors school operations and performance to ensure the school fulfills its mission and vision. The Executive Director is an ex-officio non-voting member of the Board who facilitates and collaborates with the work of the Board; the Executive Director is responsible for executing the Board’s directives and to provide leadership to TCGIS. Board Membership The all-volunteer Board is composed of TCGIS parents, TCGIS teachers, and community members. The TCGIS Board is a parent-majority board, and composition is consistent with MN statute. Currently as an 11-member board, we have 6 parent members, 3 TCGIS teacher board members and 2 community members. Directors are elected to 3-year terms by the TCGIS teachers, staff, parents, and legal guardians of students. New Directors take an oath of office committing to the moral and legal obligations of the role. TCGIS Board members are honored to serve the TCGIS community in this volunteer capacity. Leadership Philosophy In this leadership role at TCGIS, Board members are committed to practicing servant leadership, treating everyone with respect and dignity, doing the right thing (especially when it is difficult), asking how our actions are reinforcing or removing structural inequity, promoting the common good over narrow special interests, being accessible, transparent, and accountable, and including voices from the communities who will be most impacted by our decisions. Our Board is “Immer dabei mit Blick nach vorne”: always engaged and looking ahead. Volunteer with Us! The Board of Directors supports the school through six committees and welcomes volunteers to join these committees and contribute to projects. Each committee has TCGIS staff involved to help facilitate committee work with the support of volunteers. The committees are: Mission & School Culture, Communication & Outreach, Diversity & Belonging, Finance & Facilities, Governance & Leadership Development, and Fundraising. |
Contact UsYou may contact the School Board at board@tcgis.org.
Currently, the Board email goes to all board members and the Executive Director. |
COVID-19 Board Meeting Information
The TCGIS Board of Directors will convene in the Flex Room at TCGIS for its Regular Board meetings and its Committee of the Whole meetings. Due to the COVID-19 health pandemic, members of the public may attend at limited capacity in-person or monitor these meetings remotely via Zoom. Recordings of the regular board meetings are uploaded to YouTube. Zoom meeting information can be found in each month's Board packet by clicking on the "Board Documents" button below or checking the online TCGIS calendar.
Public Comment
The Board welcomes community input! During the COVID-19 health situation, the public is encouraged to email the board at board@tcgis.org, Speaking during the open public comment time during the regular monthly board meetings via Zoom is another option. Emails to the board are included in the public board packet when received before Monday at noon the week of the regular board meeting.
The TCGIS Board is paperless which saves the environment and reduces expenses. The agendas and Board packet are all available on the TCGIS Webpage. Board members use mobile devices to review the files during the meeting.
The TCGIS Board of Directors will convene in the Flex Room at TCGIS for its Regular Board meetings and its Committee of the Whole meetings. Due to the COVID-19 health pandemic, members of the public may attend at limited capacity in-person or monitor these meetings remotely via Zoom. Recordings of the regular board meetings are uploaded to YouTube. Zoom meeting information can be found in each month's Board packet by clicking on the "Board Documents" button below or checking the online TCGIS calendar.
Public Comment
The Board welcomes community input! During the COVID-19 health situation, the public is encouraged to email the board at board@tcgis.org, Speaking during the open public comment time during the regular monthly board meetings via Zoom is another option. Emails to the board are included in the public board packet when received before Monday at noon the week of the regular board meeting.
The TCGIS Board is paperless which saves the environment and reduces expenses. The agendas and Board packet are all available on the TCGIS Webpage. Board members use mobile devices to review the files during the meeting.
Meet the Board Members
JULIE ALKATOUT - Board Chair, Parent Board Member
Seated June 2018
Term Ends June 2024
Email: jalkatout@tcgis.org
I’ve been an engaged parent at TCGIS since 2011, and have two children attending this 2021-2022 school year, in 2nd grade, 5th grade. My other son was a member of TCGIS’s 2020 graduating class. We plan to be with the school until our youngest graduates TCGIS in 2028! Our family is thrilled to be part of the amazing TCGIS community and the opportunities our unique immersion school provides.
Having studied German in high school, I continued German language studies at St. Olaf College and loved spending a semester abroad at the University of Konstanz, Germany. This European travel experience broadened my worldview, and helps tremendously as I work as a principal scientist at Medtronic, a global medical device company with over 80,000 employees from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
I believe the education our children receive at TCGIS provides exceptional value as a public school that generates bilingual Americans who are culturally attune and globally-minded. With my education and training in chemistry (St. Olaf), biomedical engineering (U of MN), and 20+ years’ experience in scientific research and development, I will apply professional skills in critical-thinking, strategic-planning, data-based decision making, project management, teamwork, and collaboration to the TCGIS Board of Directors.
Seated June 2018
Term Ends June 2024
Email: jalkatout@tcgis.org
I’ve been an engaged parent at TCGIS since 2011, and have two children attending this 2021-2022 school year, in 2nd grade, 5th grade. My other son was a member of TCGIS’s 2020 graduating class. We plan to be with the school until our youngest graduates TCGIS in 2028! Our family is thrilled to be part of the amazing TCGIS community and the opportunities our unique immersion school provides.
Having studied German in high school, I continued German language studies at St. Olaf College and loved spending a semester abroad at the University of Konstanz, Germany. This European travel experience broadened my worldview, and helps tremendously as I work as a principal scientist at Medtronic, a global medical device company with over 80,000 employees from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
I believe the education our children receive at TCGIS provides exceptional value as a public school that generates bilingual Americans who are culturally attune and globally-minded. With my education and training in chemistry (St. Olaf), biomedical engineering (U of MN), and 20+ years’ experience in scientific research and development, I will apply professional skills in critical-thinking, strategic-planning, data-based decision making, project management, teamwork, and collaboration to the TCGIS Board of Directors.
EMILY ALBERS - Vice Chair, Governance & Leadership Development Committee Chair, Teacher Board Member
Seated September 2019
Term Ends June 2023
Email: ealbers@tcgis.org
I've been an elementary and middle school English teacher at TCGIS since 2018. I am fortunate to have cousins who attend TCGIS and am committed to helping TCGIS be a great place to learn and grow. In September of 2019, I was appointed to the board for a one year term to fill out the board to 11 members and am glad to be serving again. I’ve also been involved in the Staff Council, advising the Student Council, and helping coach the Track & Field team as the Throws coach.
Before coming to TCGIS, I was at Concordia College in Moorhead studying to become an elementary classroom teacher with minors in psychology and Spanish. I also competed for our team’s Track & Field team as a thrower. Concordia's unofficial motto that I have come to adopt as my own is ‘Becoming Responsibly Engaged in the World’ or B.R.E.W.-ing. I see this as something to live by personally and professionally, and it lines up well with our school's mission of innovative education of the whole child. I am excited to chair the Governance committee and work on policy here at TCGIS to continue great success at our school.
Seated September 2019
Term Ends June 2023
Email: ealbers@tcgis.org
I've been an elementary and middle school English teacher at TCGIS since 2018. I am fortunate to have cousins who attend TCGIS and am committed to helping TCGIS be a great place to learn and grow. In September of 2019, I was appointed to the board for a one year term to fill out the board to 11 members and am glad to be serving again. I’ve also been involved in the Staff Council, advising the Student Council, and helping coach the Track & Field team as the Throws coach.
Before coming to TCGIS, I was at Concordia College in Moorhead studying to become an elementary classroom teacher with minors in psychology and Spanish. I also competed for our team’s Track & Field team as a thrower. Concordia's unofficial motto that I have come to adopt as my own is ‘Becoming Responsibly Engaged in the World’ or B.R.E.W.-ing. I see this as something to live by personally and professionally, and it lines up well with our school's mission of innovative education of the whole child. I am excited to chair the Governance committee and work on policy here at TCGIS to continue great success at our school.
MEGAN DAYTON - Secretary, Administrative Liaison, Parent Board Member
Seated July 2020
Term Ends June 2023
Email: mdayton@tcgis.org
I'm the Statewide President of the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees and Senior Demographer for the Minnesota State Demographic Center. In my various roles, I'm passionate about the impact demographic analysis can have in advancing social justice and inclusion. I'm living in Saint Paul with my husband and two children. My daughter Lydia is a second-grader and my son Silas is entering Kindergarten this year at TCGIS!
Seated July 2020
Term Ends June 2023
Email: mdayton@tcgis.org
I'm the Statewide President of the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees and Senior Demographer for the Minnesota State Demographic Center. In my various roles, I'm passionate about the impact demographic analysis can have in advancing social justice and inclusion. I'm living in Saint Paul with my husband and two children. My daughter Lydia is a second-grader and my son Silas is entering Kindergarten this year at TCGIS!
JENNIFER KWON DOBBS - Parent Board Member
Seated June 2022
Term Ends June 2025
Email: jkwondobbs@tcgis.org
As a mother to a rising second grader at TCGIS, I’m excited about serving our school community during this next phase. I bring twenty-four years of experience in higher education leading curricular innovation and institutional change with an emphasis on diversity and student futures. In recognition of my work as faculty at St. Olaf College, I have received the inaugural Equity and Inclusion Leadership and Service Award, the Mellby Lecture, and the Trio/Student Support Services “Above and Beyond” Award. I look forward to contributing to TCGIS’s strategic initiatives to prepare our students for an increasingly complex and globalized world.
Seated June 2022
Term Ends June 2025
Email: jkwondobbs@tcgis.org
As a mother to a rising second grader at TCGIS, I’m excited about serving our school community during this next phase. I bring twenty-four years of experience in higher education leading curricular innovation and institutional change with an emphasis on diversity and student futures. In recognition of my work as faculty at St. Olaf College, I have received the inaugural Equity and Inclusion Leadership and Service Award, the Mellby Lecture, and the Trio/Student Support Services “Above and Beyond” Award. I look forward to contributing to TCGIS’s strategic initiatives to prepare our students for an increasingly complex and globalized world.
KERSTEN REICH - Fundraising & Development Committee Chair, Parent Board Member
Seated October 2022
Term Ends June 2025
Email: kreich@tcgis.org
As mom to two TCGIS students, I feel it is important to do what I can to support TCGIS in its efforts to provide an outstanding education to all students. Our family values the strong sense of community at TCGIS, the well-rounded academic experience as well as TCGIS’s emphasis on global citizenship through German immersion. I hope to support all these amazing aspects of our school by serving on the board.
I have worked in Fund Development (fundraising) for nearly 20 years at non-profit entities across the Twin Cities. Through my professional experience, I have developed a comprehensive knowledge of operational and project-based fundraising. Additionally, my professional and educational backgrounds have provided me with a solid knowledge of marketing and communications.
Having served as a volunteer on the fundraising subcommittee of the board for the past two years, I have gained a better understanding of the funding and operational needs of our school and the resulting challenges and opportunities. With my skill set and experience, I hope to continue to provide the TCGIS community with sound strategies and practical suggestions that will help our school meet our unique funding needs while simultaneously advancing our strategic plan, mission, and vision.
Seated October 2022
Term Ends June 2025
Email: kreich@tcgis.org
As mom to two TCGIS students, I feel it is important to do what I can to support TCGIS in its efforts to provide an outstanding education to all students. Our family values the strong sense of community at TCGIS, the well-rounded academic experience as well as TCGIS’s emphasis on global citizenship through German immersion. I hope to support all these amazing aspects of our school by serving on the board.
I have worked in Fund Development (fundraising) for nearly 20 years at non-profit entities across the Twin Cities. Through my professional experience, I have developed a comprehensive knowledge of operational and project-based fundraising. Additionally, my professional and educational backgrounds have provided me with a solid knowledge of marketing and communications.
Having served as a volunteer on the fundraising subcommittee of the board for the past two years, I have gained a better understanding of the funding and operational needs of our school and the resulting challenges and opportunities. With my skill set and experience, I hope to continue to provide the TCGIS community with sound strategies and practical suggestions that will help our school meet our unique funding needs while simultaneously advancing our strategic plan, mission, and vision.
WONDI TESFAYESUS - Parent Liaison, Parent Board Member
Seated June 2022
Term Ends June 2025
Email: wtesfayesus@tcgis.org
My wife, Awet, and I are parents of two students at TCGIS. We chose TCGIS because we wanted our sons to join a language immersion program and TCGIS was a great option as it is a K-8 school. TCGIS has been part of our lives for the past six years. I work as a Principal Scientist at a medical device company in the Twin Cities. I help identify, investigate, and develop new treatment methods to address specific medical needs. I studied Biomedical Engineering.
I hope to join the TCGIS board to bring my experience of systematic analysis of available information to help TCGIS achieve its expressed mission of reaching a state of stability and strength. I am committed to listening to the different stakeholders of TCGIS; parents as advocates of their children, teachers as change makers, and administrators as providers, and collaboratively solve identified and new challenges facing our school. I am passionate about supporting the school and its teachers continue to excel in academic rigor and activities that develop a socially responsible student.
I am also excited to help our school board continue to form a body that reflects the community it serves. I am looking forward to serving with members whose main goal is to raise responsible citizens.
Seated June 2022
Term Ends June 2025
Email: wtesfayesus@tcgis.org
My wife, Awet, and I are parents of two students at TCGIS. We chose TCGIS because we wanted our sons to join a language immersion program and TCGIS was a great option as it is a K-8 school. TCGIS has been part of our lives for the past six years. I work as a Principal Scientist at a medical device company in the Twin Cities. I help identify, investigate, and develop new treatment methods to address specific medical needs. I studied Biomedical Engineering.
I hope to join the TCGIS board to bring my experience of systematic analysis of available information to help TCGIS achieve its expressed mission of reaching a state of stability and strength. I am committed to listening to the different stakeholders of TCGIS; parents as advocates of their children, teachers as change makers, and administrators as providers, and collaboratively solve identified and new challenges facing our school. I am passionate about supporting the school and its teachers continue to excel in academic rigor and activities that develop a socially responsible student.
I am also excited to help our school board continue to form a body that reflects the community it serves. I am looking forward to serving with members whose main goal is to raise responsible citizens.
RICHARD HEID - Treasurer, Finance and Facilities Committee Chair, Staff Liaison, Parent Board Member
Seated July 2019
Term Ends June 2025
Email: rheid@tcgis.org
My only daughter is a second grader here at TCGIS. She is very proud of her school and looks forward to school every day. Both my wife and I have been engaged parents since day one. Having limited German abilities, our family looks forward to developing our skills together.
My employment background focuses on content management, implementing legal and compliance directives in the financial services industry. I am currently employed as a Global Forms Analyst at MoneyGram International where I get to work in the 80+ languages MoneyGram utilizes. Educational background in Global Economic Development and Computer Science.
I feel a strong education is the most important thing we can provide for our children to ensure them a happy and fulfilling life. An education involving language immersion from an early age has many benefits, including expanded development, empathy, and worldview.
Seated July 2019
Term Ends June 2025
Email: rheid@tcgis.org
My only daughter is a second grader here at TCGIS. She is very proud of her school and looks forward to school every day. Both my wife and I have been engaged parents since day one. Having limited German abilities, our family looks forward to developing our skills together.
My employment background focuses on content management, implementing legal and compliance directives in the financial services industry. I am currently employed as a Global Forms Analyst at MoneyGram International where I get to work in the 80+ languages MoneyGram utilizes. Educational background in Global Economic Development and Computer Science.
I feel a strong education is the most important thing we can provide for our children to ensure them a happy and fulfilling life. An education involving language immersion from an early age has many benefits, including expanded development, empathy, and worldview.
LÜBBERT KRUIZENGA - Community Board Member
Seated June 2021
Term Ends June 2024
Email: lkruizenga@tcgis.org
I am very excited to be on the TCGIS Board as a community member. My wife, Herta, and I have been living on the Twin Cities for about 22 years and we have been very active in the local German community.
I am the Regional Controller at Nextera Analytics and have almost 30 years of controlling, auditing, and advisory services experience serving public and private companies in a wide variety of industries, including manufacturing and distribution, technology, and service companies. I have started his career in public accounting and am considered a specialist for international engagements due to my European background as a native German. I am the current President of the Minnesota Chapter of the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest and served on the board of the Ostfriesen Genealogy Society of America. I have a Bachelor of Business and Economics degree from the University of Oldenburg and an M.B.A. from the University of St. Thomas.
Seated June 2021
Term Ends June 2024
Email: lkruizenga@tcgis.org
I am very excited to be on the TCGIS Board as a community member. My wife, Herta, and I have been living on the Twin Cities for about 22 years and we have been very active in the local German community.
I am the Regional Controller at Nextera Analytics and have almost 30 years of controlling, auditing, and advisory services experience serving public and private companies in a wide variety of industries, including manufacturing and distribution, technology, and service companies. I have started his career in public accounting and am considered a specialist for international engagements due to my European background as a native German. I am the current President of the Minnesota Chapter of the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest and served on the board of the Ostfriesen Genealogy Society of America. I have a Bachelor of Business and Economics degree from the University of Oldenburg and an M.B.A. from the University of St. Thomas.
LAURIE HARTMAN - Parent Board Member
Seated June 2022
Term Ends June 2024
E-mail: lhartman@tcgis.org
Originally from Maryland, I live in the Mac-Groveland neighborhood in Saint Paul and have worked as a health law attorney at a large Minneapolis firm for the past 24 years. When it was time for my son to start kindergarten in 2014, one of our priorities was language immersion. TCGIS was an easy choice and one we’ve never second-guessed. I’ve appreciated and valued the education that my son has received and the dedication and support of our community of teachers, staff, interns, and parents who make TCGIS such a great place to learn and grow. In support of the unique cross-cultural exchange that the intern program brings to the school, my family has hosted TCGIS interns three times and will do so again in the 2022-23 school year.
I look forward to contributing my experience and skills to the work of the TCGIS board, in furtherance of the school’s mission and vision and in ways that will help to ensure a strong academic program, a valued and dedicated teaching staff, a vibrant and engaged community, and a safe and welcoming environment for all of our students where curiosity, kindness, challenge, support, and intercultural engagement are the norm.
Seated June 2022
Term Ends June 2024
E-mail: lhartman@tcgis.org
Originally from Maryland, I live in the Mac-Groveland neighborhood in Saint Paul and have worked as a health law attorney at a large Minneapolis firm for the past 24 years. When it was time for my son to start kindergarten in 2014, one of our priorities was language immersion. TCGIS was an easy choice and one we’ve never second-guessed. I’ve appreciated and valued the education that my son has received and the dedication and support of our community of teachers, staff, interns, and parents who make TCGIS such a great place to learn and grow. In support of the unique cross-cultural exchange that the intern program brings to the school, my family has hosted TCGIS interns three times and will do so again in the 2022-23 school year.
I look forward to contributing my experience and skills to the work of the TCGIS board, in furtherance of the school’s mission and vision and in ways that will help to ensure a strong academic program, a valued and dedicated teaching staff, a vibrant and engaged community, and a safe and welcoming environment for all of our students where curiosity, kindness, challenge, support, and intercultural engagement are the norm.
KEVIN EBERHARD - Diversity & Belonging Chair, Teacher Board Member
Seated June 2021
Term Ends June 2024
Email: keberhard@tcgis.org
I have been a middle school German and Social Studies teacher at TCGIS since 2018. I have also had the role of Middle School Co-Coordinator, and I have coached the TCGIS soccer team.
I grew up in a small town in Styria, Austria (near Graz), and completed my Master’s degrees in teaching German and English in 5-12th grade as well as in American literature and culture with a special focus on African American and Native American studies at the Karl-Franzens University of Graz. My first experience in the US was my exchange semester at UW-Eau Claire, where I not only met my wife, but also experienced intercultural exchange firsthand and made friends with people from all over the world. I have also played club soccer since early childhood and appreciate the role sport can have in building community and character. As a teacher and board member at TCGIS, I want to help the school stay true to its mission and values and achieve its goal of preparing students to become world citizens in the 21st century through German Immersion.
I am looking forward to working together with parents, staff, and community members as well as with current and former students in my role as a board member to continue building our extraordinary school!
Seated June 2021
Term Ends June 2024
Email: keberhard@tcgis.org
I have been a middle school German and Social Studies teacher at TCGIS since 2018. I have also had the role of Middle School Co-Coordinator, and I have coached the TCGIS soccer team.
I grew up in a small town in Styria, Austria (near Graz), and completed my Master’s degrees in teaching German and English in 5-12th grade as well as in American literature and culture with a special focus on African American and Native American studies at the Karl-Franzens University of Graz. My first experience in the US was my exchange semester at UW-Eau Claire, where I not only met my wife, but also experienced intercultural exchange firsthand and made friends with people from all over the world. I have also played club soccer since early childhood and appreciate the role sport can have in building community and character. As a teacher and board member at TCGIS, I want to help the school stay true to its mission and values and achieve its goal of preparing students to become world citizens in the 21st century through German Immersion.
I am looking forward to working together with parents, staff, and community members as well as with current and former students in my role as a board member to continue building our extraordinary school!
SILKE MOELLER - Communication & Outreach Chair, Community Board Member
Seated July 2019
Term Ends June 2023
Email: smoeller@tcgis.org
As a native German, I experienced the German school system myself, and grew up deeply rooted in the German culture. For the past 20 years, I have lived in Minneapolis and have experienced all stages of integrating into a new culture. Now, I feel lucky and proud to have both a German and an American passport and call the Twin Cities home. I work at the University of Minnesota as an Academic Technologist. As a long-time contributing TCGIS community member, I have a deep institutional knowledge of the early days of TCGIS, which are relevant to the school's challenges and opportunities of today.
I have strongly supported TCGIS since its opening in 2005 and I am dedicated to its continued success. My son was a member of TCGIS’s second graduating class. Initially, I assumed the various roles of a “pioneer parent”, working together with school staff and other volunteers to establish the school. Later, I devoted time and energy to helping TCGIS to grow and thrive. I am one of the initiators of the 8th grade Capstone Exchange, which was part of the school founders’ vision for TCGIS. Supporting TCGIS has been a priority not just for me, but for my husband too, who served on the TCGIS board during the school’s early years.
We valued the quality education our son received at TCGIS. He is one of the first TCGIS graduates who successfully finished public high school and who now studies at a university in Europe. This experience has helped me understand the advantages and challenges of transitioning from TCGIS to high school and beyond.
Seated July 2019
Term Ends June 2023
Email: smoeller@tcgis.org
As a native German, I experienced the German school system myself, and grew up deeply rooted in the German culture. For the past 20 years, I have lived in Minneapolis and have experienced all stages of integrating into a new culture. Now, I feel lucky and proud to have both a German and an American passport and call the Twin Cities home. I work at the University of Minnesota as an Academic Technologist. As a long-time contributing TCGIS community member, I have a deep institutional knowledge of the early days of TCGIS, which are relevant to the school's challenges and opportunities of today.
I have strongly supported TCGIS since its opening in 2005 and I am dedicated to its continued success. My son was a member of TCGIS’s second graduating class. Initially, I assumed the various roles of a “pioneer parent”, working together with school staff and other volunteers to establish the school. Later, I devoted time and energy to helping TCGIS to grow and thrive. I am one of the initiators of the 8th grade Capstone Exchange, which was part of the school founders’ vision for TCGIS. Supporting TCGIS has been a priority not just for me, but for my husband too, who served on the TCGIS board during the school’s early years.
We valued the quality education our son received at TCGIS. He is one of the first TCGIS graduates who successfully finished public high school and who now studies at a university in Europe. This experience has helped me understand the advantages and challenges of transitioning from TCGIS to high school and beyond.
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HoursOffice Hours
School Year: Mon.-Fri. 8:00am-4:00pm Summer: Mon.-Fri. 9:00am-12:00pm |
Tel / Fax / Email |
Address |
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Authorizer:
University of St. Thomas 2115 Summit Avenue St. Paul, MN 55105 dana.peterson@stthomas.edu Phone: 651-962-4372 |