Chris is a Design Principal and Architect at BellCraft Architects, and grew up in Southwest Michigan. He and his family moved to Traverse City from Seattle, Washington in 2018.
Currently the Conservation Director for the Trust for Virgin Islands Lands. She is also a member of the Peninsula Township Planning Commission. Susan was born in British Columbia, Canada and came to Michigan through marriage to an alum of the Old Mission Peninsula School.
Will Gibb: Director Will is an entrepreneur and currently in sales at a Sporting Goods Store in Traverse City. Originally from Columbus, Ohio he and his family moved to Traverse City from Fenton, Michigan in 2015
Shaina LaFond: Director Shaina is a former hospitality specialist and business owner. Recently, she was able to leave the workforce and devote her time instead to her family and to volunteer opportunities. She and her partner are parents to two happy OMPS students, and have enjoyed living in Traverse City since arriving from the Ann Arbor area in 2015.
Jen Kuhar: Director Jen is a mother of 3. She is a Regional Sales manager for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan with a history of marketing and strategic planning. After a short stint in Traverse City, over a decade ago, Jennifer and her family were called back to Traverse City from Southeast, MI in 2020.
Becoming a Board Member
If you are interested in becoming a School Board Member for Old Mission Peninsula School, please fill out THIS FORM and send it to Info@ompschool.org. We are always accepting applications, even when there are no openings available.
Academy board members are public officials appointed by the GVSU Board of Trustees. If approved to serve on an Academy Board, your role is to set policy, maintain the school's vision and/or mission, promote educational excellence through advocacy, visionary leadership, and high quality services to OMPS as well as to ensure that the school complies with its charter and applicable law.
12 Responsibilities of Charter School Boards
1. ENSURE all students are being prepared for success in college, work and life. 2. ENSURE the public’s money and resources are well stewarded. 3. ENSURE the school is run by a great leader and infused with a positive culture and learning environment. 4. ENSURE the terms of the charter contract are fulfilled and the organization is prepared for renewal. 5. ENSURE the school is true to its mission, vision and values. 6. ENSURE goals are clear and people and programs are wisely empowered, supported, evaluated and held accountable. 7. ENSURE the school operates legally and ethically. 8. ENSURE the school continuously improves and stays viable. 9. ENSURE the board recruits, orients and develops its members and its capacity to govern. 10. ENSURE the board adopts and properly maintains its governing policies. 11. ENSURE the board speaks with one voice. 12. ENSURE the board and its members are positive ambassadors for your school and the charter idea! From the National Charter Schools Institute
