2025 Board of Directors Election
Westgate School Board of Directors Nominations
Board Candidate Announcement
The Westgate Governance Board of Directors has several seats to fill through the upcoming 2025 election. Joining the board offers an opportunity to make a difference in our fabulous WCS community.
We’re looking for candidates who are excited to support Westgate!
Great applicants value the mission & vision of our school.
They also:
- Demonstrate accountability, integrity and ability to switch between “parent hat” and “board member hat”
- Upcoming priorities mean that the Board of Directors would particularly benefit from new members with experience in grant writing and facilities.
- Prior board experience isn’t necessary as training is provided.
Elected board members typically serve for a three-year term, beginning in July of the year elected. The time commitment is about 10-15 hours a month of work and includes:
- Board meetings take place once or twice a month on Tuesday evenings from 6:00–8:30 pm (approximately).
- Serving on assigned standing and/or ad hoc committees with additional (but variable) time commitments.
- Attending additional events, including presentations to the school community, professional development, graduation, community events that may occur during or outside of school hours.
QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION
Nominees had to answer the five questions below by Saturday, March 15th.
1) What makes Westgate’s mission and vision meaningful to you and your family?
2) Why are you interested in serving on the Westgate Board of Directors?
3) What are your perceptions about the roles and duties of the Board of Directors at a charter school?
4) What area(s) would you be most interested in working on (i.e., finance/budget, events, fundraising, recruitment, legal, building improvements, school accountability, policy, etc.), and what skills and experience do you have that would allow you to be successful in these endeavors?
5) What is your availability to attend regular board meetings and contribute additional time to board-related activities?
2) Why are you interested in serving on the Westgate Board of Directors?
3) What are your perceptions about the roles and duties of the Board of Directors at a charter school?
4) What area(s) would you be most interested in working on (i.e., finance/budget, events, fundraising, recruitment, legal, building improvements, school accountability, policy, etc.), and what skills and experience do you have that would allow you to be successful in these endeavors?
5) What is your availability to attend regular board meetings and contribute additional time to board-related activities?
All candidates will participate in a virtual Meet & Greet on March 21, 2025 at 11:00 am (during the Friday Community Connect).
Voting will be open from April 8 – April 14.
Board of Directors Nominees
Mario Acklin
Mario Acklin
I am currently finishing my first term on the Westgate Board of Directors. I serve as the Regional Director of Service Delivery at All Covered | Konica Minolta for the Western United States. With a successful 18-year career working in the IT space, my focus has been on network solutions, virtualization, and service delivery. I have lived in Colorado for 37 years with my wife of 21 years and two children, Dominica (who graduated Cum Laude from Westgate in the spring of 2023), and Idris, a junior and soon to be senior. My wife, Michele, is a proud Colorado native. I also enjoy camping, working on my home server equipment, and spending time with friends and family.
1. What makes Westgate’s mission and vision meaningful to you and your family?
Westgate’s mission and vision resonate deeply with my family because they reflect a commitment to personalized, high-quality education that nurtures the whole child. The emphasis on academic excellence, social-emotional learning, and fostering a strong community aligns with the values I want for my child’s education. The school’s approach to individualized learning ensures that students are not just taught but truly understood, which is something I have seen benefit my own children firsthand
Westgate’s mission and vision resonate deeply with my family because they reflect a commitment to personalized, high-quality education that nurtures the whole child. The emphasis on academic excellence, social-emotional learning, and fostering a strong community aligns with the values I want for my child’s education. The school’s approach to individualized learning ensures that students are not just taught but truly understood, which is something I have seen benefit my own children firsthand
2. Why are you interested in serving on the Westgate Board of Directors?
Having served on the board for the past three years, I have seen firsthand the impact that strong governance and strategic leadership can have on the school’s success. As I seek to extend my term for another year, I want to continue contributing to the school’s growth and stability, particularly as my child completes their education at Westgate. My experience on the board has provided me with insight into the challenges and opportunities facing the school, and I want to help ensure that Westgate continues to thrive for years to come
3. What are your perceptions about the roles and duties of the Board of Directors at a charter school?
The Board of Directors plays a crucial role in setting the strategic vision, ensuring financial stability, and upholding the school’s mission and vision. Unlike a traditional school board, a charter school board has a direct responsibility to oversee governance, compliance, and long-term planning while supporting the administration in executing the school’s educational vision. The board must also engage with the broader school community, ensuring transparency, accountability, and effective decision-making that benefits students, staff, and families.
4. What area(s) would you be most interested in working on and what skills and experience do you have that would allow you to be successful in these endeavors?
I have been actively involved in governance, policy, and school accountability during my time on the board and would like to continue contributing in these areas. My experience as Board Secretary has given me a strong understanding of board operations, compliance, and strategic planning. Additionally, my professional background has equipped me with skills in organizational management, data analysis, and process improvement, all of which support informed decision-making and effective governance.
5.What is your availability to attend regular board meetings and contribute additional time to board-related activities?
I am fully committed to attending regular board meetings and contributing additional time to board-related responsibilities. Over the past three years, I have consistently participated in meetings and committee work and I plan to maintain that level of involvement. I understand the time commitment required and am prepared to continue dedicating my time and efforts to support Westgate’s mission.
Emily Atencio
Emily Atencio
*Emily extends her apologies that she will not be able to attend the meet and greet. She would have enjoyed the opportunity to meet everyone."
Having been a Westgate parent for the last three years (since my son started kindergarten) and with over 20 years of Human Resources experience, I am eager to contribute to our school community through this school board election. My professional experience includes working as the HR Director at United States Courts and St. Anthony North Hospital, where I led strategic initiatives, developed teams, and oversaw community outreach programs. My prior community board participation includes service on the Adams County Workforce Development Board and the Smart Commute Board, where I focused on expanding employment and transportation opportunities for our local community. My educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management, and I am currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration from Colorado State University. I am deeply committed to applying my extensive experience to advocate for excellence within our school community, ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive and reach their fullest potential.
1. What makes Westgate’s mission and vision meaningful to you and your family?
Westgate's mission and vision are deeply meaningful to my family because they resonate with our personal experiences and values. As a parent of a gifted child with ASD/ADHD who has been a Westgate student since kindergarten. I've witnessed firsthand the school's commitment to whole-child learning. I've had the privilege of seeing the amazing staff work tirelessly to ensure my son receives the individualized support he needs, and I've come to understand the profound importance of social-emotional support in his development. Seeing the significant strides my son has made at Westgate has solidified my belief in the school's approach.
Westgate's vision of a community-centered, gifted K-12 school that embraces authenticity, inclusivity, and collaboration aligns perfectly with my desire to ensure that all children, regardless of their unique needs and abilities, feel supported and empowered. The mission's emphasis on nurturing the whole child, fostering academic excellence, and inspiring a passion for serving the global community reflects the values I want instilled in my son and all Westgate students. I deeply appreciate the school's commitment to adapting to each child's abilities, creating an environment where they can thrive and reach their fullest potential.
For my family, Westgate is more than just a school; it's a community that understands and supports the unique journey of every child, and I want to help ensure that continues.
2. Why are you interested in serving on the Westgate Board of Directors?
My interest in serving on the Westgate Board of Directors stems from a deeply personal and professional commitment to the school's mission. As a parent of a gifted child with special needs, I am profoundly invested in Westgate's ability to create an inclusive and supportive community that empowers all students to reach their fullest potential. I am passionate about ensuring that the school embraces the whole child, recognizing and nurturing the unique strengths and needs of every student. Professionally, my over 20 years of experience in Human Resources has instilled in me a passion for creating inclusive opportunities and developing talent pipelines, from high school to college to career. This experience, coupled with my extensive background in public service, fuels my desire to make a tangible impact on my community. My prior experience on community boards has provided me with a strong foundation in collaborative governance, while my HR Director background brings crucial expertise in organizational structure, policy development, compliance, budgeting, and risk management. I am committed to applying these skills to support Westgate's strategic planning and financial oversight, while maintaining the objective perspective necessary for effective board governance. Ultimately, I believe my combined personal connection and professional expertise would make me a valuable asset to the Westgate Board of Directors, and I am eager to contribute to the school's continued success.
My professional experience includes:
United States Courts, Director of Human Resources (3/2023 – Present)
St. Anthony North Hospital, Director of Human Resources (2/2017 – 8/2022)
3. What are your perceptions about the roles and duties of the Board of Directors at a charter school?
I would perceive my role and duties on a charter school Board of Directors as fundamentally similar to my experiences on other community boards, where I've consistently contributed my knowledge, skills, and experiences to support organizational missions and values. My past involvement with the Adams County Workforce Development Board and the Smart Commute Board has equipped me with valuable skills in collaborative decision-making, stakeholder engagement, and addressing critical community needs. While my background in community boards provides a solid foundation, I understand that there are unique responsibilities of a charter school. I am eager to learn and adapt to the specific needs of Westgate.
My board experience includes:
Adams County Workforce Development Board (1/2020 – 8/2022). I Collaborated with diverse stakeholders to identify critical barriers hindering employment opportunities within Adams County. Actively participated in outreach efforts, fostering partnerships with local businesses and educational institutions to expand employment pathways. Demonstrated a commitment to fostering a thriving and inclusive workforce within the community.
Smart Commute Board (1/2018 – 8/2022). I Collaborated with local stakeholders, transit authorities, and community members to advocate for improved public transportation options. Participated in community outreach events and championed an effort to expand RTD service to the underserved 144th and I-25 corridor, including a much-needed bus stop at the local community hospital.
4. What area(s) would you be most interested in working on and what skills and experience do you have that would allow you to be successful in these endeavors?
I'm particularly interested in working on events, fundraising, recruitment, legal, school accountability, and policy development, as well as any other area where my HR Director experience can contribute to effective board governance. My background lends itself well to these areas.
5. What is your availability to attend regular board meetings and contribute additional time to board-related activities?
With proper notice, I can adjust my schedule to accommodate the needs of the board.
Derrick Fritz
Derrick Fritz
This is our first year at Westgate. We’ve been in Colorado for almost six years after work moved me (us) out here, and we love it here. We have a freshman (Shelby) and a fifth grader (Jake). I am in change management and training for a large insurance brokerage, and my wife Erin is a nurse. We enjoy camping, hiking, and fitness. Erin is a trail runner, Shelby is a rock climber, and Jake and I are drummers.
1. What makes Westgate’s mission and vision meaningful to you and your family?
Westgate’s mission to focus on the whole, authentic child and their pursuit of academic excellence is very important to my family and me.
2. Why are you interested in serving on the Westgate Board of Directors?
I am interested in serving on the board of directors to offer my experience and support in pursuit of Westgate’s mission and vision.
3. What are your perceptions about the roles and duties of the Board of Directors at a charter school?
I understand the role of board membership to be a service to the school and the community that supports it by ensuring family voices are heard.
4. What area(s) would you be most interested in working on and what skills and experience do you have that would allow you to be successful in these endeavors?
I have served in the past as an SAC member as well as fundraising for PTAs.
5. What is your availability to attend regular board meetings and contribute additional time to board-related activities?
I am available to attend required meetings as needed.
Savita Y. Ginde MD MPH
Savita Y. Ginde MD MPH
I am a physician executive who has been in clinical practice and healthcare leadership in Colorado going on 23 years, with experience in finance, the creation and management of multi-million-dollar research and grant programs, training programs, and community and classroom education. I am a Reproductive Health & Family Planning Specialist currently serving as the CEO & Chief Medical Officer for Boulder Valley Health Center, a 52-year-old nonprofit in Boulder, CO. I also currently serve on the Board of Health for the City & County of Broomfield. I am the author of the book The Real Cost Of Fake News and the TED Talk When Storytelling and Truth Collide. I also bring significant experience in crisis and systems management, including managing a team during and after an active shooting incident in 2015 and launching the first screening systems and mass COVID-19 vaccination clinics across the metro area during the pandemic.
1. What makes Westgate’s mission and vision meaningful to you and your family?
Westgate’s mission and vision resonate deeply with my personal and professional values. I am passionate about engaging the whole child/person, valuing connection, fostering a sense of belonging, and empowering individuals to live authentically.
2. Why are you interested in serving on the Westgate Board of Directors?
I am deeply aligned with Westgate’s mission and vision, and I see this as an opportunity to further support the school, its Executive Director, and the local community. Currently, I am enrolled in the Five Star Leadership Academy, where I am gaining valuable insights into the Adams 12 School District. Serving on the Westgate Board of Directors would be a natural next step in my journey to engage with and learn more about Westgate’s operations and performance. Additionally, I have twin boys in 4th grade at Westgate, which strengthens my commitment to the school’s success.
3. What are your perceptions about the roles and duties of the Board of Directors at a charter school?
From my review of the Board of Directors Handbook, the board plays a crucial role in setting the strategic direction of the school, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, and overseeing the school's financial health. The board is responsible for creating policies, fundraising, helping secure funding and grants, and supporting and overseeing Westgate’s Executive Director.
4. What area(s) would you be most interested in working on and what skills and experience do you have that would allow you to be successful in these endeavors?
I have an interest in finance/budget, building improvements, school accountability, grants. I might have an interest in recruitment, legal, and policy. I am willing to support wherever is needed.
5. What is your availability to attend regular board meetings and contribute additional time to board-related activities?
Yes, I am available for board meetings. I make time for things that are important to me—and this is very important to me. Having the meeting schedule in advance is very helpful.
Trey Mathis
Trey Mathis
I am a lifelong educator with experience as a classroom teacher, serving both GT students and students with special needs. I have a B.A. in Mathematics and following my time as a teacher I have served for several years as a Program Coordinator for Denver Math Fellows (a district-wide Math Intervention program). As a Coordinator I handle hiring, budgeting, proposal writing, and the operations of Math Intervention at several different schools throughout the Denver area. I have a 1st grade student at Westgate and have seen first-hand the tremendous impact that Westgate has on its students. I think that my background in both education and program operations will allow me to serve the Westgate community and students in all the ways they need and deserve.
1. What makes Westgate’s mission and vision meaningful to you and your family?
Throughout my experience in education I have seen public schools struggle to meet the needs of gifted and talented students. Lack of resources, lack of knowledge, and employment shortages mean that the needs of students are often not prioritized in the way they should be. Westgate offers unique opportunities for GT students to learn at the pace they need, and the commitment to that mission and vision resonates with me in a powerful way.
2. Why are you interested in serving on the Westgate Board of Directors?
I believe that my background as a classroom teacher has provided me a perspective that the Board will benefit greatly from: that of someone intimately familiar with what helps students achieve academic success. My background in mathematics, and my experience operating a multi-school math intervention program, will also be useful on the Board when assessing student success and the impact of our policies on them.
3. What are your perceptions about the roles and duties of the Board of Directors at a charter school?
The roles and duties of a Board Member are simple: they create policies that reinforce Westgate’s vision and mission and create the greatest benefit to our students. Every policy created should be in the direct interest of our students in a meaningful way that leverages the unique benefits that a charter school can provide, namely our ability to provide GT instruction and opportunities not available at a traditional school.
4. What area(s) would you be most interested in working on and what skills and experience do you have that would allow you to be successful in these endeavors?
I think my mathematics skills make me a good fit for finance/budget. My data analysis background has likewise prepared me for school accountability. I also have experience writing business proposals for both operations changes and resource requests, which are fairly similar to lower-stakes grant writing.
5. What is your availability to attend regular board meetings and contribute additional time to board-related activities?
I am fully committed to attending all regular board meetings each month, and to contribute any additional time needed to ensure the success of the Board, the school, and our students.
Rachel Marsh
Rachel Marsh
I have been a Westgate parent since 2017 and currently have a 7th grader, a 4th grader, and a Kindergartener. Being active in and giving back to my community has been a passion of mine throughout my life. I received an AAS degree in Paramedic Science and worked as a paramedic for 8 years. Currently, I volunteer with Meals on Wheels, delivering meals to seniors in our area. I also serve on Commerce City’s Quality Community Foundation (QCF) board, where we award grants to local non-profit organizations and scholarships to Commerce City youth. For the past several years, I have been increasingly involved with Westgate’s Events Committee, where I write meeting minutes, newsletters, and work closely with other members to plan/coordinate/execute events for the Westgate community.
1. What makes Westgate’s mission and vision meaningful for you and your family?
1. What makes Westgate’s mission and vision meaningful for you and your family?
Westgate’s mission and vision are meaningful to me because the school is guided in ways that are important to me. Westgate is a community-centered school, but each student is an individual and deserves to be educated in the way that best works for them. Westgate continually strives to support all students in reaching their individual goals and working together to improve the greater good of the community.
2. Why are you interested in serving on the Westgate Board of Directors?
I am interested in serving on the Westgate Board of Directors because I want to see Westgate continue to grow and improve to best serve our exceptional learners. Westgate has unique opportunities to offer current and future students and I want to be a part of elevating those opportunities to provide a top notch experience for all learners. Our students, staff, and families are the heart of the school and I want each one to feel valued and recognized as an important member of our school community.
3. What are your perceptions about the roles and duties of the Board of Directors at a charter school?
The roles and duties of the Board of Directors are to make certain that Westgate is abiding by both the mission and vision that has been established, that we are making educated and wise financial decisions, and that Westgate is complying with our charter agreements. A board member also ensures that we are achieving our academic and school-specific goals from an outside perspective that is not interfering with staffing or with interpersonal conflict. Additionally, a board member must be a positive advocate for the school by maintaining integrity seen within our actions.
4. What area(s) would you be most interested in working on and what skills and experience do you have that would allow you to be successful in these endeavors?
I am most interested in working with the Events Committee as I have already built relationships both inside the school and with outside companies during event planning and silent auction donation solicitation. I find that work fun! However, I am also interested in finance/budget and fundraising, as well as building improvements. I am very excited for the planned facility investments due to the bond that voters passed last year and would love a chance to be involved with the planning and funding of those improvements.
5. What is your availability to attend regular board meetings and contribute additional time to board-related activities?
I am regularly available to attend board meetings on Tuesday evenings, with the exception of the 4th Tuesday of every month – that is my monthly meeting obligation for the QCF. I am available to contribute additional time to board-related activities.