Role of the Board

As a member of the City Garden Board of Directors, you are in a position to play a significant leadership role on behalf of the school and its students. The vitality of City Garden depends on your commitment as well as imaginative and strategic leadership. You and the other members of the Board hold the charter for our school and therefore are entrusted to act in ways that lead to the long-term sustainability of the organization and exceptional results for our students. Learn more about City Garden board and member responsibilities here.

Meet the Board

Sisouphanh (Sysco) Deuanephenh, Chair

Financial Controller

Community Health Development Partners

Years of Service: Since 2016-17

Jesse Dixon

Partner

The Opportunity Trust

Years of Service: Since 2023-24

Sherita Haigler

Vice President, Diversity and Inclusion

United Way of Greater St. Louis

Years of Service: Since 2020-21

Mia Howard

Managing Partner, Innovative Schools

New Schools Venture Fund

Years of Service: Since 2023-24

Ben Huebner

Senior Consultant

Chapman & Co. Leadership Institute

Since 2024

Susie Shelton-Dodge

Director Emerita

Hope Montessori Educational Institute

Years of Service: Since 2019-20

Donna Smith

Executive Vice President

Smith NMTC Associates, LLC

Years of Service: Since 2016-17

Laura Vowell

Managing Director of Community Finance Solutions

U.S. Bank

Since 2024


City Garden’s Board of Directors plays a vital leadership role in shaping the future of our school and supporting student success. Each board member brings strategic insight, imagination, and a deep commitment to our mission. As stewards of our school’s charter, board members are entrusted with ensuring the long-term sustainability of the organization and driving exceptional outcomes for all students.

Applications for this year are now closed. Please check back for future opportunities.

Org Structure
& Board Overview

Click below to learn about City Garden Montessori School's organizational structure, and the description and duties of the Board of Directors.

Org
Structure
Board ResponsibilitiesMember
Agreement

Board Policies

The Board of Directors established policies to guide the work and governance of City Garden Montessori School. For the complete set of current policies, click below for the 2022–23 Policy Manual.

Policy
Manual

Board Meetings
& Minutes

Board Packets are available to the public for each of our Board Meetings.
To view or download the most recent and past packets, see below.

Approved 2024-25 Board Meeting
Minutes & Recordings

2024-25 Minutes
Aug 2024Oct 2024Dec 2024Mar 2025May '25, tba
Sep 2024Nov 2024Feb 2025Apr 2025, tbaJun 2025, tba

Approved 2023-24 Board Meeting
Minutes & Recordings

2023-24 Minutes
Jun 2023Oct 2023Dec 2023Mar 2024May 2024
Sep 2023Nov 2023Feb 2024Apr 2023Jun 2024