Board Minutes/Agendas

Board

Sharon Ehrich-parent member-Board Chair

Sharon Ehrich has lived in Green Isle for 13 years with her husband Jeff and their children; Tamara, Teresa and Aaron.  Sharon has worked at the State Bank of Hamburg for 10 years.  Sharon has degrees in Law Enforcement, Accounting, and Management and Ethics.  She likes reading, fishing, hunting, gardening and being with her family.

Mary Menne-parent member

Mary was appointed to the School Board in December of 2011 to fill the remaining term of a vacating member. She is currently the Director of Learning Program & Evaluation at EdVisions Schools, Inc. Mary has taught at both traditional and charter high schools in Minnesota and Colorado and at a higher education institution in Colorado. She holds a BS in Family Consumer Science from Minnesota State University and MA in Educational Leadership/Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Colorado. Mary also holds a 5-12 family consumer science Minnesota teaching license and a K-12 Colorado principal’s license.

Mary and her husband live in Henderson with their four young children, two of whom attend Green Isle Community School. Mary enjoys spending time with her family, coaching mini-mite hockey, scrapbooking, photography and sprint triathlons. She is passionate about innovative options in public education and is thrilled to be serving on the GICS School board.

Dave Rhode-community member-Treasurer

Dave is married to his wonderful, understanding wife for over 50 years. They moved to a farm by Green Isle in 1971. They have 7 children who all attended our Green Isle School. They have 24 grandchildren and two great grandsons. Dave has been on the Green Isle School Board since the contractors were still working on remodeling & before the first year of school.  He is retired from Eaton Char-Lynn Company where he worked for 41 & 1/2 years. 12 years as a Machinist and 29 & 1/2 years in Management. Before he retired he started driving school bus for Hamburg School. After he retired he drove every school day for five years & still subs for them. Dave is a Trustee for St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Green Isle. In the past he has served as General Treasurer, Building Fund Treasurer and as Chairman. He has been on the Washington Lake Township Board since 1997, one year as the Treasurer and 13 years as a Supervisor. Dave is currently the Chairman. He also belongs to the Green Isle American Legion and keep the financial records up to date. Dave has been involved with the Eaton Employees Credit Union for almost 50 years and has held the position of Chairman, Treasurer, and is currently the Secretary.  He fills in for the manager when she is on vacation or attends conferences and conventions.  Dave is on the Financial Committee and the Facility Committee for the Green Isle Community School.

Nicole Roepke-parent member

Nicole Roepke is excited to be serving GICS as a parent member of the 2010 Board.  Both of Nicole's children attend GICS.  Nicole is a professional Software Architect working in Scott County Information Technology building business-grade desktop, web, and SharePoint applications for many diverse business units.  She has been working in county government for 4 years, served as a consultant in the metro-area for 7 years, and consulted in Northern Minnesota for 3 years.  Nicole is the current Chair of the Minnesota Counties Computer Cooperative Information Services Support Group representing 86 Minnesota counties; this is her 3rd year on that board.

She believes that community involvement is important to personal growth and finds it fun and engaging.  Nicole is originally from Bemidji and has enjoyed being involved in volunteering since 6th grade.  She hopes to set the same service learning goals for her family as were passed down from her parents.  Nicole also participates in the Artist in Residence program at GICS by teaching Art once a month.  Nicole's hobbies (and a 4-year degree) stem from her first love - Art.  She paints in oil, watercolor, serti-technique on silk, and acrylic wall murals.  "There's nothing as special as seeing that spark of creativity and ownership dawn in a child's eyes as they explore personal expression.  I hope to bring such delight in all my work for GICS."

Kristine Schwartz-Teacher Member

Kristine Schwartz started teaching at Green Isle Community School on the day it opened seven years ago.  She teaches special education and math.  This is Kristine’s second year of being a member of the School Board.  Kristine is also a member of the Leadership and Facility Committee.  She lives outside of Green Isle with her husband, Todd, and five children, Julia (14), Austin (11), Grace (8), Hailey (4), and Jacob (10 months.)   At this time three of her children, (Austin, Grace, and Hailey) are students at Green Isle Community School. Kristine enjoys gardening, fishing, camping, taking care of her animals, and spending time with her family.

Kristen Strauss-teacher member-Secretary

Kristen Strauss has been a teacher at Green Isle Community School for over 2 years. She has taught all grade levels. She is excited to be on the board this year to represent her colleagues as a teacher member. Working collaboratively with the board to make the best decisions for our school is a priority. Kristen is also a member of the Marketing committee and the Financial committee. She lives in Belle Plaine with her husband, Mark, their daughter Jelena (5) and their son Emmett(1). Kristen enjoys reading, gardening, cooking, fishing, camping and spending time with her family.  

Sara Thumberger-parent member

After growing up in Hamilton, Ohio Sara attended Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Michigan where she was one of the very first graduates in their Psychology program. Sara also married her high school sweetheart Jacob in 2001 and they have two children, A.J (8) and Natalie(5). Both children attend Green Isle Community School and have since preschool. Sara enjoys puzzles, scrapbooking, and spending time with her family. She is also a stay at home mom who enjoys taking an active role in her children's education which involves volunteering at GICS and serving on the school board.

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