Board of Directors
The governing body responsible for the school’s mission, policy, and accountability to families and the public.
Governance
Higher Ground Academy is governed by a Board of Directors composed of teachers, parents, and community members, as required by Minnesota charter school law. The Board sets school policy, approves the annual budget, oversees academic performance, and holds the school accountable to its charter contract.
Board meetings are open to the public. Families and community members are welcome to attend and are invited to address the Board during the public comment period.
Board Members
Seven voting directors plus the Executive Director, who serves ex-officio. Terms run three years and are staggered so the Board never turns over all at once.
Denise Toussaint
Treasurer
Community Member
- Seated
- 7/1/2025
- Term ends
- June 30, 2028
Board Committees
Committees do the detailed work between meetings and bring recommendations to the full Board. Committee membership is set by the Board each year.
Finance Committee
Reviews the budget, monitors financial performance, and brings recommendations to the full Board.
- Dan McGrathChair
- Denise ToussaintTreasurer
- Dr. Samuel YigzawEx-Officio & Executive Director
Policy Committee
Drafts and reviews school policy for Board adoption, and keeps the policy manual current.
- Brian SwerineSecretary
- Mary TateMember
- Neliya TkachenkoMember
- Dr. Samuel YigzawEx-Officio & Executive Director
Meeting schedule, agendas, and approved minutes.
Document LibraryAnnual reports, audits, policies, and handbooks.
Board Calendar — Current Fiscal Year
HGA’s fiscal year runs July 1 – June 30. Regular meetings are open to the public and listed July through June. Past meetings stay on the list as a record.