Governance Council

The Governance Council has final authority for all aspects of the school’s operation and educational program.

Anansi Charter School is a New Mexico Public Charter School authorized by the Taos Municipal School District. Our Governance Council serves as the board of directors, and is governed in its operations and its actions by its approved bylaws of the Charter School, which are consistent with the terms of the charter, the Charter Schools Act, and all other applicable laws. The Governance Council has final authority for all aspects of the school’s operation and educational program. The roles and responsibilities of the Governance Council include but are not limited to:

Finance:
Monitor fiscal solvency and management.
Approve budgets/spending and fiscal policies.

Educational Program:
Monitor student performance.
Ensure curriculum aligns with mission.

Personnel:
Hire/fire/evaluate Director.
Approve personnel policies.

Facilities:
Enter into financing and building contracts.
Approve construction and remodeling of facilities.

There may be occasions such as community events, school functions, board trainings, or social events where a quorum of the board is present. No business will be discussed during these occasions.

Governance Council

President: Valerie Higgins, vhiggins@anansi.acstaos.org

Valerie is an employment attorney (licensed in California and Texas). She lives in Arroyo Seco with her husband and two children who attend Anansi. She serves as President of the Governance Council and is on the Executive, Budget, and Audit Committees. Valerie enjoys spending her free time skiing and hiking with her family.

Vice President: Eileen Horn, ehorn@anansi.acstaos.org

Eileen is a food policy consultant, and owner of Eileen Horn Strategies. She lives in El Prado with her husband and two sons who attend Anansi. Eileen serves as Vice President of the Governance Council, and serves on the Advocacy Committee, Executive Committee, and Calendar Committee. She loves hiking, reading, and spending time with friends outdoors.

Treasurer: Eitan Lewin, elewin@anansi.acstaos.org

Eitan Lewin serves as the Financial Controller for Taos Ski Valley, Inc. and lives in El Prado with his wife and their two daughters, who attend Anansi Charter School. He enjoys being involved in the school community, serving as Treasurer of the Anansi Governance Council and participating on both the Finance Committee, Audit Committee, and the Budget Committee. Outside of work and volunteer service, Eitan is an avid skier and whitewater enthusiast. He also enjoys spending time with his family and their dog, Walter.

Secretary: Leslie Mondragon Romero, lromero@anansi.acstaos.org

Leslie is a Taosena, building culture and community as Centinel Bank’s Vice President of Human Resources. Her two children attend Anansi Charter School and she most appreciates the school’s Social Emotional foundation which supports students in their growth and development. She serves as the secretary for Anansi’s Governance Council.

Member: Ryan Coe rcoe@anansi.acstaos.org

Ryan is an associate professor of aerospace and ocean engineering. Ryan’s daughter attends Anansi; her favorite things about Anansi are math, art, and recess. Ryan and his family enjoy skiing, mountain biking, and all things outdoors.

Member: Hannah Garcia, hgarcia@anansi.acstaos.org

Hannah is the Reservations Manager at Taos Ski Valley. Hannah’s two daughters attend Anansi. Hannah loves spending time with her daughters and riding horses throughout northern NM. She serves on the Professional Development and Facilities committee for the Governance Council.

“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.” — Oscar Wilde

BYLAWS & GOVERNANCE MEETING CALENDAR:

A current schedule of 2025-2026 meeting dates is available: https://anansicharterschool.org/governance-council-minutes-agenda/

GOVERNANCE MEETINGS AGENDAS & MINUTES:

Links to all past and current pdfs of the Governance Meetings and Minutes.