Board Meetings

Laura Jeffrey Academy Board meetings will occur on the third Tuesday of each month from 6:15pm to 8:15pm at Laura Jeffrey Academy, 1550 Summit Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55105.

NOTICE: The LJA Board of Directors will be holding its annual retreat on Saturday, August 10 from 10am-1pm at LJA.

June’s Agenda

  • August 20, 2024
    September 17, 2024
    October 15, 2024
    November 19, 2024
    December 17, 2024
    January 21, 2025
    February 18, 2025
    March 18, 2025
    April 15, 2025
    May 20, 2025
    June 17, 2025

    Board meetings are open to all. Please call the school office at 651-414-6000 to confirm the meeting date and time if you wish to attend. There may be occasional changes to the schedule. The board values the participation of LJA community members at board meetings to present comments or concerns to the board members. Fifteen minutes at the beginning of the board meeting will be reserved for LJA community and general public member participation. Specific incidents and/or concerns regarding any specific member of the LJA community must first be brought to the attention of the board co-chairs and/or the Leadership Team. The board co-chairs will review the matter and place the community member on the agenda. Community members listed as speaking on the agenda will be asked to sign in, and wait to speak until called on by the presiding co-chair. A time limit will be set for each speaker.

Laura Jeffrey Academy's Board of Directors 

  • 651-414-6000
    annar@laurajeffreyacademy.org

    Anna is our 7/8 LASS co-teacher. Anna studied Social Studies Education and Women's Studies at the University of Minnesota Duluth.  Shortly after starting her teaching career, she returned to school for a Masters of Education through St. Mary's University, focusing on Social Justice Education.  Her teaching career has been in a variety of settings in Minnesota and New York and in all settings her passion for the transformative power of education has persevered and grown.  She is excited to begin her third year at LJA working to empower students to find and use their voices.

  • 651-346-0485
    julies@laurajeffreyacademy.org

    Julie is one of our Special Education teachers. Julie attended St. Catherine's University and received a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Elementary Education. After both of her children started school she began attending Bethel University where she earned her Master's Degree in Special Education for Emotional Behavioral Disorders and Specific Learning Disabilities. Julie brings with her many years of experience working with neurodivergent scholars of all ages. Julie has a passion for building strong relationships with scholars that help them find the ability to see their inner strengths and beauty.

  • 651-346-0485
    heathers@laurajeffreyacademy.org

    Heather is an LJA parent and former after-school supervisor at LJA. She spent 25 years in the fashion industry, designing thousands of garments for department and specialty stores but grew increasingly more concerned about labor and environmental abuses with the advent of fast fashion.

    Heather is currently studying for a Masters of Advocacy and Political Leadership (MAPL) at Metro State University and works in a freelance capacity writing and providing graphic messaging for local nonprofits and campaign consulting groups. She holds great enthusiasm for the staff and scholars at Laura Jeffrey Academy and looks forward to supporting this dynamic community in a new capacity.

  • 651-346-0485
    danielc@laurajeffreyacademy.org

    Dan is a teacher in Roseville Area Schools. He has worked in many capacities, and now coaches teachers to improve instruction. Dan is the proud parent of a 7th grader. Dan attended Carleton College for his undergraduate degree and Hamline University for his graduate degree.

  • Beth is a passionate, mission focused leader, with over 20 years of experience in strategic leadership, operations management, program development, and social services across non-profit, private, and governmental sectors. Beth is currently the Chief Clinical Officer at Guild, a non-profit organization serving people who live with mental illness and/or experiencing homelessness. Beth holds a MA in Clinical Social Work from St Thomas University.  
    beths@laurajeffreyacademy.org

  • Jenn currently works as one of LJA's In-House Substitute Teachers, volunteers as a Heart & Sole Coach, and is the proud parent to two LJA scholars. 

    Jenn earned her Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science and Geology from California Lutheran University, and her Masters in Environmental Education from Western Washington University. Jenn worked at camp for many summers, and later volunteered with AmeriCorps for 2 terms of service. After settling in Minnesota, she worked in public education and outreach regarding environmental issues. She received her Substitute Teaching License from the State of Minnesota in 2023. 

    When school is out, you're most likely to find Jenn at a campsite with her family. 
    jennr@laurajeffreyacademy.org

  • Christine Smith is a dedicated holistic health coach and organizational health strategist with over a decade and a half of combined experience working with federal, state, tribal nations and non- profit organizations as well as groups and individuals in guiding toward optimal health and well-being. With a unique blend of expertise in gender responsive, holistic health practices and strategic organizational development, Christine has empowered countless individuals to achieve a balanced, healthy lifestyle and foster a thriving workplace environment.

    Christine holds a Bachelor's degree in Organizational Communications and a Master's degree in Family Life Education. She is a certified Adverse Childhood Expereinces trainer and Holistic Health Coach through St. Catherine’s University. She is trained in multiple facilitation modalities and is a seasoned public speaker. Her diverse educational background and lived expereinces provides a solid foundation for her holistic approach to health and organizational strategy.

     Christine's philosophy centers on the interconnectedness of physical health, mental clarity, and emotional and spiritual balance as well as a connection to community and the environment, past, present and future. She believes that by nurturing these aspects in individuals and organizations, we can create a healthier, more just and harmonious world. Her compassionate, client-centered approach has made her a trusted advisor and coach to many who seek a comprehensive path to wellness. When she's not working with clients, Christine enjoys creating art, physical activity, experimenting with healthy recipes, and spending time animals and with her loved ones.
    christines@laurajeffreyacademy.org



  • Dan Church & Julie Silvers
    Finance Committee Meetings will be held on the second Monday of each month at 4 pm.

    August 10, 2023
    September 11, 2023
    October 9, 2023
    November 13, 2023
    December 11, 2023
    January 8, 2024
    February 12, 2024
    March 11, 2024
    April 15, 2024 (moved to 3rd week due to LJA’s Spring Break during the second week of April)
    May 13, 2024
    June 10, 2024

September 2023

October 2023

November 2023

December 2023

January 2024

February 2024

March 2024

April 2024

May 2024

June 2024

August 2024

September 2024

October 2024

November 2024

December 2024

January 2025

February 2025

March 2025

April 2025

May 2025

June 2025


Leadership Review Committee: Minutes occurred in the regular board meetings: Paul Regan, Dan Church, Monica Brown

Development, Fundraising, Grant-Writing Committee: Ad Hoc, Ann Henderson

September 2022

October 2022

June 2023

July 2023


Governance Committee: Minutes occurred in the regular board meetings: Paul Regan, Heather Shore

Executive Committee Minutes:


LJA Building Company: Lyssa Cook, Nate Moore & Eileen Lindstrom

1550 Summit Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55105

LJA Building Company By-Laws (revised May 2024)


LJA BLDG CO BOARD MINUTES

LJA Building Company will meet on June 11 at 8am. Contact Anna (annar@laurajeffreyacademy.org) for the details.


School Authorizer

Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center
Erin Anderson, Director of Charter School Authorizing
1730 New Brighton Blvd
Suite 104, PMB 196
Minneapolis, MN 55413
(612) 331-4181
csdadmin@ospreywilds.org
ospreywilds.org/charter-school-division