Nova Classical Academy Board of Directors

Board Member Roster

Email: board@novaclassical.org

This email is received by the Board Chair and may be distributed to all members of the Board of Directors. Contents received at this email address will not be included in the Public Comment section of the board packet.

 

Nneka Constantino, Member nconstantino@novaclassical.org

Bio coming soon!

 

Colleen Hansen, Vice Chair chansen@novaclassical.org

Colleen is the proud parent to three Nova Classical scholars, one in Lower School and two in Upper School. She, her spouse, and children have been a part of the Nova Classical community since 2016.

Colleen earned her BA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Master’s of Library Science from the University of St. Catherine, St. Paul. She is currently employed as an Archivist, but has worked in public, law, and special libraries in the past. Colleen is also currently the communications/secretary board chair of the Inver Grove Heights Lacrosse Association. In the past, she held two different chairs for the SPPS ECFE Parent Advisory Board, managed a hockey association, and also volunteered for the NPTO doing social media and web maintenance.

Colleen is excited to be able to give back to the Nova Classical community that has given so much to her family and hopes to help Nova Classical remain virtuous and exemplary into the future. Term Expires: June 30, 2025.

Dr. Jeremy Hubbell, Member | jhubbell@novaclassical.org

Bio coming soon!

Becky Lund, Secretary | blund@novaclassical.org

Becky has been at Nova Classical since it opened its doors in 2003 and has served on several committees during her tenure here including the Curriculum Committee and the Governance Committee. Becky received her BA in Elementary Education from Augsburg College and her MA in Education from Hamline University. She also received an additional license in K-12 Reading from Hamline. Term Expires: June 30, 2025.

Suzanne McInroy, Board Chair | smcinroy@novaclassical.org

Suzanne McInroy and her husband, Mark, are the proud parents of three Nova Classical Academy students. They have been involved with Nova Classical since their oldest child started Kindergarten in 2017 and they especially appreciate the classical education model, dedicated teachers and staff, and the supportive community. Professionally, Suzanne works in the field of communications with almost 20 years of experience working in the non-profit sector, mostly for colleges and universities. Suzanne received her B.A. in journalism from Messiah University in Pennsylvania, her M.A. in international relations and communications from Boston University, and is currently completing her Ed.D. in higher education leadership from Bethel University in St. Paul. Term Expires: June 30, 2025

Theresa Nelson, Member | tnelson@novaclassical.org

Bio coming soon!

Sasha Ross, Treasurer | sross@novaclassical.org

Sasha has been a mathematics teacher at Nova Classical since 2014. She teaches Algebra and Calculus in the Upper School. Sasha has been a member of Nova Classical’s Governance Committee since the summer of 2018, helping to review board policies and organize the board elections. Since 2015, she has been part of the Response to Intervention (RTI) team and is also a lead on the Data-Driven Instruction (DDI) team. Sasha grew up right here in St. Paul and is passionate about the community. She still lives in the area with her partner, dog, and a 30-year-old tortoise who serves as the oldest class pet in Nova Classical’s history. Term Expires: June 30, 2024.

Todd Sample, Member | tsample@novaclassical.org

Bio coming soon!

Bavi Weston, Member | bweston@novaclassical.org

Bavi Weston has an undergraduate degree in Community Education, a Master’s degree in Higher Education, and is ABD in an Ed.D. in Organization Development. Bavi has worked in education for over 25 years in elementary, middle, high school, and now higher education. Through all those experiences she has learned, seen, and experienced the impact that education has on the lives of students and their communities. Schools are a staple in creating connection points for people in our communities and in building the future of our world. Bavi is a Nova Classical parent of a lower and a middle school student and brings a commitment to our school into this role and in building our commitment to, understanding of, and practices of diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice. Term Expires: June 30, 2023.

Board Meeting Information


View Zoom Link and Board Agendas/Minutes

Board Meeting Information (prior to 2015)

Board packets for SY 2015-16 and before are housed below. Please click the “download” button below to download a ZIP file of all records from the corresponding school year.

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2015-16 School YearDownload
2014-15 School YearDownload
2013-14 School YearDownload
2012-13 School YearDownload
2011-12 School YearDownload
2010-11 School YearDownload
2009-10 School YearDownload
2008-09 School YearDownload
2007-08 School YearDownload
2006-07 School YearDownload
2005-06 School Year.zipDownload
2004-05 School YearDownload

MN Finance Award

The Minnesota Department of Education’s Finance Award recognizes schools that exhibit sound fiscal health and financial management policies and procedures.  The criteria for earning a School Finance Award is based on compliance with  state statute on a number of financial related issues and other means of demonstrating fiscal health. Nova has received this award for the following years: 2018, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010.

Annual Reports

In accordance with Minnesota Statute 124D.10 subd. 14, a charter school must report to its authorizer the information required by the authorizer.

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Annual Report NCA 2022-2023ViewDownload
Annual Report NCA 2021-2022ViewDownload
Annual Report NCA 2020-2021ViewDownload
Annual-Report NCA 2019-2020ViewDownload
Annual Report NCA 2018-2019ViewDownload
Annual Report NCA 2017-2018ViewDownload
Annual Report NCA 2016-2017ViewDownload
Annual Report NCA 2015-2016ViewDownload
Annual Report NCA 2014-2015ViewDownload
Annual Report NCA 2013-2014ViewDownload
Annual Report NCA 2012-2013ViewDownload
Annual Report NCA 2011-2012ViewDownload
Annual Report NCA 2010-2011ViewDownload
Annual Report NCA 2009-2010ViewDownload

District Expenses and Revenues Form

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2015-16.pdfViewDownload
2014-15.pdfViewDownload
2013-14.pdfViewDownload
2012-13.pdfViewDownload
2011-12.pdfViewDownload
2010-11.pdfViewDownload

Board Health Insurance Documents

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Group Health InsuranceViewDownload
MN Statutes – HITAViewDownload

The 2024 election to fill two seats on Nova Classical’s Board of Directors will begin soon.

The nominations period will run from March 1 until 4:00 pm on Friday, April 5, 2024.

The voting window will go from Monday, April 22 through 4:00 pm on Monday, May 6, 2024.  Questions about the election or recommendations for potential candidates should be directed to the Governance Committee at governance@novaclassical.org.

Please vote!

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2024 Board Election FlierViewDownload
Election Rules 2024ViewDownload
Call for Nominations Letter 2024ViewDownload

Public Comment: publiccomment@novaclassical.org

The School Board welcomes input from community members and staff. A “Citizen Participation” time is available at the beginning of each board meeting. Please adhere to the following guidelines outlined in Policy 203:

  • Input should be short (approx. 3 minutes or less)
  • Comments should be germane to the agenda and respectful.
  • Repetition should be avoided if possible; new input is best.
  • Under Policy 203, public comment must not be discriminatory in nature. The Board Chair has the authority to stop any comments that violated Nova’s policy or are discriminatory.
  • When the Business section of the meeting begins, citizen input should cease. Occasionally, if a topic is controversial, the Board Chair may choose to allow more citizen input during that particular agenda item. The Board Chair may also request input from the citizens if more expertise or clarification is needed on a topic.

Written public comment can be submitted via email to publiccomment@novaclassical.org. This email is received by the Board Secretary and will be distributed to all members of the Board of Directors.

Approved Policies for Nova Classical Academy

Section 1 | Legal Authority for Policies, Establishment, & Implementation of Policies

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NP-101 | Legal Authority of BoardViewDownload
NP-102 | DefinitionsViewDownload

Section 2 | Board of Directors, Recruitment, Meetings, Agenda, Committees, Training

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NP 201 | Role and ResponsibilitiesViewDownload
NP 202 | Expectations and Obligations of Board MembersViewDownload
NP 203 | Board MeetingsViewDownload
NP 204 | Election of Board MembersViewDownload
NP-205 | CommitteesViewDownload
NP-206 | Board Orientation, TrainingViewDownload
NP 208 | Development, Etc. of PoliciesViewDownload
NP 210 | BoD Member Conflict of InterestViewDownload

Section 3 | Applications, Admission, and Enrollment

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NP 303 | Whole Grade AccelerationViewDownload
NP 304 | Gifted and Talented ServicesViewDownload
NP 305 | Section SizeViewDownload
NP-307 | Counting All StudentsViewDownload

Section 4 | School Administration

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NP 402 | Reporting Unethical or Illegal ActivityViewDownload
NP 404 | Background ChecksViewDownload
NP 405 | Anti-NepotismViewDownload

Section 5 | Curriculum

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NP 500 | Personal Electronic Devices-Safe and Acceptable Technology UseViewDownload
NP 501 | Curriculum ViewDownload
NP 502 | Parental Curriculum Review ViewDownload
NP 502 | Parental Curriculum Opt-Out Form ViewDownload
NP 503 | Tele-Related-ServicesViewDownload

Section 6 | Student Life

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NP 601 | Gender InclusionViewDownload
NP 602 | Racial EquityViewDownload

Section 7 | Finance & Budget

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NP 701 | Establishment of BudgetViewDownload
NP 702 | Fund Balance RequirementsViewDownload
NP-703 | FundraisingViewDownload
NP-704 | Electronic Fund TransferViewDownload
NP-706 | Acceptance of GiftsViewDownload

Section 8 | Mandatory Policies

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102 | Equal Educational OpportunityViewDownload
110 | Data RetentionViewDownload
214 | Out-Of-State TravelViewDownload
401 | Equal EmploymentViewDownload
402 | Disability NondiscriminationViewDownload
406 | Public and Private Personnel DataViewDownload
406F | Consent to Release-Request from an IndividualViewDownload
407 | Employee Right To Know - Hazardous SubstancesViewDownload
410 | Family and Medical LeaveViewDownload
412 | Expense ReimbursementViewDownload
413 | Violence and HarassmentViewDownload
414 | Mandated ReportingViewDownload
417 | Chemical Use and AbuseViewDownload
418 | Drug-FreeViewDownload
418F | Acknowledgment to Drug-Free Workplace/Drug-Free SchoolViewDownload
419 | Tobacco-Free EnvironmentViewDownload
427 | Workload LimitsViewDownload
501 | School Weapons PolicyViewDownload
502 | Search of StudentViewDownload
504 | Student AppearanceViewDownload
505 | Speech and Distribution of MaterialsViewDownload
505 | FormsViewDownload
506 | Student DisciplineViewDownload
506F | Reporting Form—Student DisciplineViewDownload
514 | Bullying ProhibitionViewDownload
515 | Protection and Privacy of Student RecordsViewDownload
Public Notice Regarding Policy 515ViewDownload
515 | FormDownload
516 | Student MedicationViewDownload
516.5 | Overdose MedicationViewDownload
521 | Student Disability NondiscriminationViewDownload
522 | Title IX PolicyViewDownload
522F | Reporting Form—Student Sex NondiscriminationViewDownload
524 | Internet Acceptable UseViewDownload
524F | Agreement form—Internet Acceptance Use and SafetyViewDownload
526 | Hazing ProhibitionViewDownload
531 | Pledge of AllegianceViewDownload
532 | Use of Peace OfficersViewDownload
533 | Wellness PolicyViewDownload
609 | ReligionViewDownload
614 | School District TestingViewDownload
707 | Health Insurance Transparency ActViewDownload
709 | Student TransportationViewDownload
709F | Student Transportation FormViewDownload
801 | Equal Access to School FacilitiesViewDownload
801F | Use of Facilities FormViewDownload
806 | Crisis ManagementViewDownload
807 | Health and SafetyViewDownload

Envisioning our Future: 2023-2028 Strategic Plan

Approved by the Board in January 2023, our Strategic Plan will be implemented in stages over the next several years. It will guide the direction of our organization, lead us through complex challenges, and reaffirm our commitment to classical education. At its core, it ensures every student has a sense of belonging at Nova and feels supported in all areas of their education and well-being. 

Our school mission, promise, and belief statements set the foundation of our strategic plan. The five focus areas — each with a set of goals and objectives — support that foundation to ensure our process and results align with our virtues and beliefs.  

 We are so grateful for our community’s input, ideas, and honest feedback as we developed our plan. We also thank all the teachers, students, parents, teachers, and community members who participated in our 35-person Strategic Planning Committee, setting the goals and direction for our plan. 

Our Promise

Nova Classical Academy promises to be an inclusive community with a shared commitment to an exceptional, foundational education that teaches thought and expression of the mind and heart, resulting in compassionate and articulate graduates poised to engage as thoughtful global citizens.

Our Mission

In a supportive community and through a systematic, accelerated college-preparatory education in the classical tradition, Nova Classical Academy challenges its students to develop intellect, to attain the habits of learning and mastery, and to live a virtuous life of duty and ideals.

We believe:

  • We believe we learn not for school but for life. 
  • We believe in the core virtues: justice, fortitude, prudence, temperance, and wisdom. 
  • We believe students learn how to learn in Nova Classical Academy’s classical education model. 
  • We believe supportive relationships between students, staff, and families are necessary for students to reach their full potential. 
  • We believe in fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment. 
  • We believe ethical and prudent financial decision-making ensures the continued existence of our model.

Each of the five focus areas is supported by specific goals and objectives.

What is a Strategic Plan?

A Strategic Plan is a deliberate effort to establish a holistic, evolving plan that guides an organization for 3-5 years. Strategic Planning provides the opportunity to engage in reflection — a critical habit of learning — and refocuses on relevant priorities and decision-making. Strategic Planning ensures an organization continually recreates itself to maintain its leadership position despite rapid changes in education, technology, and society.

What Does a Strategic Plan Do?

The plan reaffirms our commitment to a classical education and our virtues – Justice, Fortitude, Prudence, Temperance, and Wisdom. We will work to define the core components of our model to easily share its value and importance with interested families, teachers, and stakeholders.

The plan works to ensure every student has a sense of belonging at Nova Classical Academy and feels supported in all areas of their education and well-being. We can provide this support through respecting and celebrating cultural and ethnic traditions, positioning Multiple-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) to meet the emotional needs of students, and documenting our position on fairness and belonging. 

Who Was Involved in Creating the Plan?

Planning began in October 2022 with community listening sessions and surveys that provided invaluable insight into how to strengthen our classical model, support our students, and prioritize focus through the next five years. In total, over 600 individuals provided feedback and input into the process.

Facility Needs Analysis

In January 2023, Nova Classical’s Board of Directors approved a 5-year strategic plan. The strategic plan identified 5 focus areas including facilities.. The strategic plan tasks us with providing classroom and extracurricular facilities which support our mission and also includes the measurable objective to ” … complete a comprehensive facilities review analyzing current and projected educational and extracurricular needs as well as identifying scenarios and options to address current and future facility needs.”

Link to Survey (The 2nd survey will close at 8:00pm on Sunday, January 7th, 2024)

FAQ

What is the purpose of this survey?

The purpose of this survey is to collect valuable insights from our school community, including students, parents, teachers, and staff, to understand the current needs and preferences of Nova Classical Academy. Your feedback will help us make informed decisions to enhance the overall educational experience and environment at our school.

Who can participate in this survey?

This survey is open to all members of the Nova Classical Academy community, including students age 16 and older, parents, teachers, and staff. We value the perspectives of all stakeholders, as they contribute to a comprehensive understanding of our school’s needs.

How long will it take to complete the survey?

The survey is designed to be concise and should take approximately 10 minutes to complete. Your time investment is greatly appreciated, as your feedback is crucial to our efforts to improve the school environment and meet the needs of our community effectively.

Is the survey anonymous?

Yes, the survey is intended to be completely anonymous. Your responses, including responder email address and IP address, will be collected by the third party conducting the facility needs analysis This information will be kept confidential and will only be used for the purposes of data analysis, identifying and purging multiple responses, and improving our school’s programs and services. Rest assured that your privacy is of utmost importance to us.

What will happen with the results of the survey?

The insights and data collected will be used to identify areas of improvement and to develop strategies and initiatives that align with the identified needs and priorities of the Nova Classical Academy community.

What are the next steps after the survey?

After the survey is completed, the consulting team will conduct several focus group meetings with key stakeholders, such as teachers, staff, and students. These focus group meetings will seek to add depth, breadth, and detail to the survey responses. Additional surveys of the entire community or selected groups may be conducted as well. The goal is to identify current deficiencies and future needs of the Nova Classical Academy facilities more clearly.

How can I provide additional feedback or ask more questions?

We encourage you to reach out if you have any additional feedback or questions beyond what is covered in this survey. You can contact us via email at facilities@novaclassical.org or call us at 651-209-6320 x 332. Your engagement and input are essential in our journey to create an enriching educational environment for all.

World’s Best Workforce Reports

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Nova Classical Academy 2022-2023 World’s Best Workforce GoalsViewDownload
Nova Classical Academy 2021-2022 World’s Best Workforce GoalsViewDownload
Nova Classical Academy 2020-2021 World’s Best Workforce GoalsViewDownload
Nova Classical Academy 2019-2020 Annual Report & World’s Best WorkforceViewDownload
Nova Classical Academy 2018-2019 Annual Report & World’s Best WorkforceViewDownload
Nova Classical Academy 2016-2017 World’s Best Workforce ReportViewDownload

Initial Board Training Opportunities
*All Board members must have training in governance, employment law, and finances during their first year of Board service. This training must be started within the first six months of service. The cost of these trainings is tax deductible or may be reimbursed by Nova. Once your training is completed, please provide a copy of the documentation to the Board Secretary.

General Information Resources

Standing Committees

  • Academic Excellence Committee
  • Budget & Finance Committee
  • Governance Committee
    Chair: Becky Lund (blund@novaclassical.org)
    Meets: On the second Monday of each month from 6:00 – 7:00 pm in room 107 at Nova Classical or via Zoom at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86456436402, passcode: Governance
    Work: Includes reviewing Nova Classical’s board-level policies and Bylaws as well as holding the yearly election for the Board of Directors.

Administrative Committees

  • Curriculum Committee
  • Health & Wellness Committee (Minutes)

Board Committee Minutes

Board Packets (2015-present) including agenda/minutes are available here!

Nova Classical Academy Bylaws