Governing Board and Committees

Board of Directors

The Board maintains and overseas the mission and goals of TVM. The Board also is charged with stewarding and strengthening school programs and services, enhancing the school’s public standing, ensuring legal and ethical integrity and accountability, collaborating with the principal to provide resources, and to ensure and promote effective organizational planning and monitoring for the exemplary delivery of a quality charter Montessori education. The Board generally meets at the school the third Wednesday of each month.           

Current Board Members

Ed Kinkelaar (EdKinkelaar@holidayisle.com)

Mr. Kinkelaar attended Gannon College in Erie, Pa., and served in the U.S. Coast Guard for seven years, including a tour on the Presidential Ceremonial Honor Guard.  Since then, he has pursued a career in business management, concentrating in the recreational market.  He is currently the Director of Operations of Holiday Isle Resort & Marina in Islamorada and previously managed SCUBA dive stores/schools, roller skating rinks, a tour company, and marinas. Ed is on the Board of Directors of the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce, where he served as President in 2005, and sits on the District Advisory Committee for the Islamorada district of the Tourist Development Council. He is a graduate of the Anthony Robbins Mastery University program as well as Leadership Monroe County.  Ed is a dive instructor, amateur radio operator, and enjoys diving and fishing.  He moved to the Keys from Northeast Ohio, and joined the Board in October 2006.

Jill Kost (jill@kost.cc)

Ms. Kost holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aeronautical Studies from the University of North Dakota. In pursuit of her dream of flying, she is a pilot for United Airlines. Originally from California, she has made her home in Islamorada since 1999. Jill joined the Board in May 2008.

Carol Luse (twoluse55@gmail.com)

Ms. Luse holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Texas Christian University.  During her teaching career, she taught in various states and for 15 years she taught in Plantation Key School. She is now retired, but remains very active and works as a substitute teacher. Carol joined the Board in February 2008.

Jill Miranda Baker (jillmb@baptisthealth.net)

Ms. Miranda Baker holds degrees in Communication and Sociology from Lynchburg College in Virginia. She has been with Mariners Hospital since 1997, and is currently the Manager of Medical Staff Services. Prior to this position, she was the Marketing and Public Relations Manager for eight years. Ms. Miranda Baker serves as past president for the Board of the Florida Keys Area Health Education Center and is an active member of Upper Keys Rotary. She was past president of the Upper Keys Business & Professional Women’s Organization and member of the Rural Health Network. She is a graduate of Leadership Monroe and has earned awards from the Marketing and Public Relations Society of the Florida Hospital Association. Ms. Miranda Baker moved to Tavernier in 1996, and joined the Board in September 2007. 
 
Audra Santoro (audrasantoro@hotmail.com)

Ms. Santoro holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and International Business from Hillsdale College and a Master of International Management from The American Graduate School of International Management (Thunderbird).  She spent 12 years in investment banking in Europe and South Africa with JP Morgan and Barclays Bank where she held a number of trading and management positions. She retired from banking, and is the owner and operator of Paradise Yoga, a studio and boutique in Islamorada.  Audra moved to the Keys from London, England in 2005, and joined the Board in August 2007. 

John Sutter (JohnSutter@Islamorada.fl.us)

Mr. Sutter holds a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology from Tulane University and is an Indiana and Tulane University Hall of Fame member. He is currently the Director of Parks, Recreation and Marina for the Village of Islamorada. Previously, he was a school mental health counselor, and a college instructor in psychology.Notably, he is a former NBA, ABA and Italian League professional basketball player who is well-recognized in the international basketball arena. John has resided in the Keys for 28 years, and joined the Board in October 2006.

Committees

All board members chair one of the five committees used to oversee school policy and procedures. Committees are established to enhance and sometimes monitor the growth and progress of the school. These committees may contain volunteers from the parent body and the surrounding community in addition to a board member. Staff, although they participate in committee events don’t usually sit on committees due to the level of commitment and dedication to their teaching responsibilities. A schedule of meetings is posted in the beginning of the year and parents are welcome, in fact, encouraged to sit on committees in which they have a particular desire or knowledge of. Committees include Fundraising, Marketing and Public Relations, Facilities, Compliance and the School Advisory Committee.

The Fundraising Committee is charged with the responsibility of raising $100,000 every year. This money is vital to the operation of the school, and covers expenses such as cultural programs and classroom materials that could not otherwise be implemented or bought due to budget constraints. There are about six events throughout the year and include fishing tournaments, art shows and food tastings. This committee is vital to the school and parents are highly encouraged to participate. 

The Marketing and Public Relations Committee organizes those areas that promote and highlight the great reputation and success of the school as well as the promotion of events through press releases, posters, postcards, clothing development and other TVM related products. This committee is for those with good writing, proof reading or research and development skills.

The Facilities Committee acts a sounding board to the principal in regards to facility development. This committee also overseas and reviews inspection reports from local inspectors, ensuring that factors related to health and safety are being reviewed and addressed. Maintaining and improving on the property remains the priority for this committee. Those who are knowledgeable in construction, property management, permitting and other related areas would be best suited for this committee.

The Compliance Committee is made up of those professionals that have experience with contracts and other technical jargon. These members are good proofreaders and help review and occasionally help develop documents such as the by-laws, personnel policies and parent handbook. This group mostly communicates through emails, occasionally meeting to discuss related issues.

The School Advisory Committee is the most technical committee of all. This committee reviews and consults on student achievement and academic progress. Teachers and others with knowledge in the area of education would be best suited for this committee.