New Branches Public School Academy
School Board Members

Roger Ross, Board President
Major Ross is an ordained minister and has extensive experience in social services,
marketing, fundraising, church administration and counseling and organizational
management. A 38-year veteran of The Salvation Army, Major Ross has also served in a
variety of management positions. Most recently, he was named the administrator for
the Grand Rapids based Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center - a world-class
facility which will allow an unprecedented access to life-changing educational,
recreational, cultural and spiritual activities for inner city youth and families. Major
Ross' responsibilities at the center will include developing program models, managing a
six-member program development team, supervision of the architectural design of a $26
million facility as well as managing fundraising programs for the Center's $3.5 million
annual operational budget.

Major Ross graduated from The Salvation Army College for Officer's Training as well as
The Salvation Army's International College for Officers. In addition, he holds a Bachelor
of Arts Degree in Behavioral Science from the National College of Education and is a
certified HIV counselor. Major Ross' term on the New Branches Academy Board
expires in May 2011.

Stephanie Schaertel, Board Vice President
Dr. Schaertel has served on the New Branches Academy Board since August 2006. Dr.
Schaertel is employed as an Associate Professor of Chemistry at Grand Valley State
University in Allendale, Michigan. Dr. Schaertel holds a Bachelor's Degree from
Swarthmore College and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Cornell University. Dr. Schaertel is
the parent of one former New Branches Academy student and one current New
Branches Academy student. Her Board term expires in May 2010.

Cheryl Slaughter, Board Treasurer
Ms. Slaughter has been a Board member since May 2004 and is currently serving her
second term, which will expire in May 2010. Ms. Slaughter is a middle school art and
computer teacher in a traditional public school. Ms. Slaughter has been in education for
25 years, teaching in three schools systems and two states. Ms. Slaughter has also taught
at local museums and colleges through adjunct or summer programs. Ms. Slaughter's
business background includes training in personal investments through an investment
club, budgeting and school finance classes. Ms. Slaughter holds two Master's Degrees,
both in Education. Ms. Slaughter is a parent of three current New Branches Academy
students.

Mary Ann Sheline, Board Secretary
Ms. Sheline has been a New Branches Academy Board member since January 2008 and
serves until May 2010. Ms. Sheline serves as a community representative interested in
providing quality education to children. Ms. Sheline has a long and multi-faceted
background in science education. Ms. Sheline holds a Bachelor's of Science Degree in
Biology from Chatham College and a Master's of Science Degree in Natural Science from
Carnegie Mellon University in Pennsylvania and a specialist degree in educational
administration from the University of Nebraska. Her teaching background includes
classroom experience in fifth grade science, high school biology and chemistry, and
college level biology. From 1994 through 2007, Ms. Sheline served as Director of the
Regional Math and Science Center at Grand Valley State University. As director of a
center with an $800,000 annual budget, she has experience in personnel issues,
governance, accountability, budgeting, public relations, community involvement, grant
administration, and others. Ms. Sheline began phased retirement at the university in
2008.

Krista Brewer, Board Member

Clarice Thomas, Board Member

SCHOOL BOARD APPLICATION