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Board Members
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Kisha Lee
President
Term Expires: April 2026
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” ~ Nelson Mandela
I hold both a master’s and bachelor’s degree in Public Policy and Administration from the University of Missouri – St. Louis, which includes an emphasis on Non-Profit Management and Leadership with extensive research in public education and social work.
I am the single parent of two amazing children who are alumni of Ladue Horton Watkins High School from the classes of 2016 and 2019. A transformational leader with over 20 years of professional experience dedicated to serving community needs. I am especially passionate as it relates to the needs of children, youth, and families. I am a lifelong advocate, and my work ethic is founded on values that encompass social justice and equity, which has been strengthened by my leadership roles and volunteer involvement. I am known for my tenacity and forward-thinking ability to strategically direct various initiatives, achieve positive outcomes and be counted on to get things done. I am a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
I have been able to successfully impact decisions to benefit all students, especially as it relates to diversity, equity, and inclusion. My influence has led to the increase in the diversity of staff and administrators, critical review of curriculum and instruction, and implementation of action items to address the opportunity gap that leaves many African American students trailing behind their peers. I have been able to strategically navigate the diverse groups of administrators, staff, parents, and students that make up the Ladue Schools community and build relationships while simultaneously tackling courageous conversations, often related to issues of equity and race.
Since being elected to the Ladue Schools Board of Education in 2017, I have obtained both Advanced and Master Board Member Certification from the Missouri School Boards’ Association.
I take great pride in serving the students and families of the Ladue School District. I enjoy the work of generating positive outcomes for all children.
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Marissa Rosen
Vice President
Term Expires: April 2024
As a resident of the Ladue School District since 2010, I am proud to call Olivette my home. My husband, Howard, and I moved to the Ladue School District so that our children would receive an exceptional education. Josh (16) and Emily (13) have been a part of Ladue Schools since they were in kindergarten at Old Bonhomme Elementary School. We have been lucky to experience the wonderful staff at the Fifth Grade Center, LMS, and Ladue Horton Watkins High School. We are so grateful for the wonderful teachers and administrators who have encouraged their curiosity, love of learning, and character education. This is what inspired me to get involved as a leader at Old Bonhomme, LMS, and the Ladue Education Foundation.
I was raised in Iowa and came to St. Louis to attend Washington University. After receiving my undergraduate degree in Psychology and Spanish, I worked toward and received a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the Brown School in 2000. The early part of my career was spent supporting chronically mentally ill adults, while the latter part of my social work journey has centered on fundraising and philanthropy. I have served on the boards of Jewish Family Services and the National Council of Jewish Women – St. Louis.
The Ladue community expects and deserves excellence in education. We must meet each student where they are to provide them with the tools they need to be successful, however, that is defined for them. I take the responsibility of serving as a Ladue School District board member seriously and will continue to work to earn your trust.
As a non-profit professional, I have spent my career helping others. I look forward to continuing this spirit of service in the Ladue School District.
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Jeff Kopolow
Secretary
Term Expires: April 2025
“Every student has the right to expect our schools to provide the highest quality educational experience possible. The schools, in turn, have the right to expect all students to perform in a responsible manner, so as to maximize this experience. All of us—parents, educators, patrons of the district—must do our part to support all of our students as they mature and move through this process.”
Armed with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and life certification in social studies, I began my teaching career at West Ladue Junior High School in 1966. I completed my master’s degree in 1969, adding additional courses and workshops over the next three decades. Remaining in the classroom for 39 years, my focus centered on achievement, along with facilitating student involvement in extra-curricular activities related to academics and community service.
My wife, Harriet, and I have been residents of the Ladue School District since 1967. Both of our children are Ladue Horton Watkins High School alumni. I look forward to continuing to serve the students of the Ladue School District.
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Jennifer Growe Soshnik
Treasurer
Term Expires: April 2024
I am proud to call myself a lifelong resident of the Ladue School District. I graduated from Ladue Horton Watkins High School in 2000 and then majored in political science at the University of Illinois, graduating with high distinction in 2004. I received my law degree from Washington University in 2007. During my legal career, I worked primarily on civil court matters, handling business and family law cases. I am an active member of the Missouri Bar.
My husband, Danny, and I have two children — Jordan (3rd grade) and Emmy (1st grade). Both attend Old Bonhomme Elementary and are the third generation in my family to attend Ladue schools. My roots in our community and dedication to our schools are deep and strong.
Since Jordan entered kindergarten, I have held various leadership positions in the Ladue Schools, both at the building and district levels. In addition to being a Ladue School Board member, I also currently serve on the District Diversity Committee, the Ladue Alumni Council, and the Old Bonhomme Parent Teacher Organization. Through my varied experiences, I have a deep knowledge of the district and an understanding of the qualities necessary for an effective board member.
Ladue Schools students at all grade levels must receive the highest levels of academics, extracurricular opportunities, and diversity of thought, all of which have long been the hallmarks of a Ladue Schools education. I am honored to be a faithful steward of our district’s resources as we work together to ensure that district students continue to be afforded a deep and meaningful education in a safe and secure environment.
I believe that the combination of my personal experiences, professional skills, and common sense make me uniquely qualified to fairly represent all of our stakeholders in fulfilling our responsibilities and navigating the known and unknown challenges of the next several years.
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Pablo Flinn
Director
Term Expires: April 2026
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Peter Gariepy
Director
Term expires: April 2026
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Sheldon Johnson
Director
Term Expires: April 2025
My wife, Sarah, and I have lived in the district since 2002.
I have earned an accounting degree from the University of Missouri and a Master of Arts from Fontbonne University. I currently am a licensed Realtor, having served as President of the Commercial Board, Director of the St. Louis Board of Realtors, President and Treasurer for the local chapter of the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors (SIOR), member of the Audit and Finance Committees of SIOR nationally and as Trustee of the Educational Foundation. In my 39 years of commercial real estate practice, I have advised several non-profit organizations such as Autism Speaks, Judevine Association, National Industries for the Blind, Operation Brightside, Saint Louis University, and Washington University. I serve as President of the Hellman Educational Foundation which grants academic scholarships to Missouri students and as Trustee for the SIOR Educational Foundation which awards scholarships to college students majoring in Real Estate or Urban Studies. In the finance field, I was a Director on a local Bank Board for eight years, serving on several committees. Lastly, I have been active in the local art community with the Regional Arts Commission, St. Louis Artists Guild, and Art St. Louis where I have volunteered and displayed artwork.
I enjoy serving on the Ladue Schools Board of Education to help keep Ladue as the best school district in St. Louis County and a top-tier district in the state of Missouri.
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Email the Board of Education
NOTE: Ladue School District recommends that patrons/stakeholders review the complaint/escalation process before sending an email to the Board.
General Information
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Visit BoardDocs for all Board of Education-related information, such as:
- Meeting Schedules
- Meeting Agendas
- Information on Topics for Discussion
- Public Comment Opportunities
- Ladue School District Policies
For highlights of action taken and information received by the Ladue Schools Board of Education in individual meetings, visit Board Briefs.
The Ladue Schools Board of Education sets annual goals based on the initiatives incorporated in the district’s current Strategic Plan and other topics essential to the district's short- and long-term welfare.
Board of Education Community Engagement Committees
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The Ladue School District is fortunate to have residents with a wide variety of skills, knowledge, experience, and talents. Those who wish to share their expertise are invited to apply to serve on one of our Community Engagement Committees: 1) Curriculum & Instruction, 2) Finance & Facilities, and 3) Legislative. Each committee is comprised of district administrators, Board members, staff, and district residents. Members serve for a two-year term and can serve for two consecutive terms.
The Community Engagement Committee descriptions:
- Curriculum & Instruction Committee
Raises and studies topics, make suggestions, and provides coordination for the curricular instructional processes of the district. - Finance & Facilities Committee
Reviews and provides input in planning the business activities of the district and provides master planning to ensure buildings support educational needs, provide safe environments for students and staff, and are operationally efficient and reliable. Building life cycle and sustainability are essential components of the evolving plan. - Legislative Committee
Helps to increase engagement and involvement within our community by initiating dialogue about legislation that could impact public school education.
If you are interested, please complete this Community Engagement Committee application form.
Questions about the committees should be directed to Fern Wagstaff at fwagstaff@ladueschools.net. Applicants will be notified by email regarding the status of their application on/after Oct. 25, 2023.
- Curriculum & Instruction Committee
Missouri Legislators Representing Ladue School District
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Legislators need to hear from constituents on issues that are important to them. They particularly expect professional educators and members of school boards to advocate for various education-related issues, and they put significant weight on the opinions of the constituents these groups serve.
To determine who your Missouri legislators and how to communicate with them on various issues use the Missouri Senate’s Legislator Lookup tool.