The Willow School, a Type-3 Charter in the New Orleans Public Schools (NOLA PS) district, is governed by the Advocates for Arts-Based Education (AABE) Board. The AABE Board of Directors has an important role in advancing the school’s mission by setting policies, supervising the activities of the Corporation, and adopting positions on issues of substance related to the purposes of the Corporation.

The authorized number of Directors, to be set by the Board of Directors, shall be no less than seven (7), and no greater than eleven (11). The Corporation may, at the discretion of the Board of Directors, also have one or more advisory Directors who shall have no voting power or authority but shall serve in an advisory capacity only. At least 60% of the members shall reside in Orleans Parish, including at least one parent or legal guardian of one or more students currently enrolled at The Willow School.

Qualified individuals may be nominated for consideration as a director-candidate by existing members of the Board of Directors. Once a candidate is established by a committee designated by the Board President, the individual may be elected to become a member of the Willow School Board by 60% of the Board members present and voting. To be seated as a Board Member, the individual must also meet the qualifications set forth by the Orleans Parish School Board. Open Board slots shall be filled by election at an annual, regular, or special meeting of the Board called for that purpose.

The term of a Director shall be two (2) years. A Director may serve four (4) consecutive two (2) year terms.

Jennifer McGowan - President - jennifer_mcgowan@willowschoolnola.org

Michelle Beaty, Vice President - michelle_beaty@willowschoolnola.org

Chris Reade, Treasurer - chris_reade@willowschoolnola.org

Patrick Hernandez, Secretary -patrick_hernandez@willowschoolnola.org

Gary Solomon -
gary_solomon@willowschoolnola.org

Jean May-Brett - jean_may-brett@willowschoolnola.org

Tracey Guient - tracey_guient@willowschoolnola.org

Desiree Packard - desiree_packard@willowschoolnola.org

To contact Board Members by phone message, please call Gina Dupart at 504.304.3960, extension 214