A Simple Purpose:
Ensure the Success of UMA
The Upper Mississippi Academy Board of Directors is ultimately responsible for the success of the students and the school. From direction of the school’s strategy and finances to oversight of school activities, the board works to make sure the school continues to operate smoothly and maintains a high priority for student education and well-being.
Our first elected Board assumed their responsibilities at the July 2016 Board meeting. In accordance with new charter school statutes, the previous Board was appointed in 2013, UMA’s first year of operation.
Board Meeting Information
Regular meetings take place on a monthly basis, and special meetings are called as needed.
UMA Board of Directors meets on the third Tuesday of each month from 4:45 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at UMA, unless otherwise noted. Meetings are open to the public and all are welcome to attend. Check the UMA Calendar for dates.
Please scroll to the bottom of this page for an archive of meeting minutes by school year.
2018-2019 Board of Directors
The Board of Directors includes UMA staff members, current parents, and community members, all of whom come from a wide array of backgrounds. Through this diversity, the Board is able to incorporate a wonderfully broad and holistic approach to managing and maintaining general school functions.
Joseph Klancher,UMA Board President
UMA Community Member
Research Safety Program Manager, University of Minnesota
Email Joseph

Lesley Ernst, UMA Board Secretary
UMA Special Education Teacher & Coordinator
Email Lesley

Genna Thompson, UMA Board Treasurer
UMA Special Education Teacher
Email Genna

Jody Delau
UMA Parent
Principal, Minneapolis Public Schools
Email Jody

Jennifer Haas
UMA Parent
Deputy CIO, University of St. Thomas
Email Jennifer

John Orenstein
UMA Community Member
Ross & Orenstein, LLC
Email John

Chris Svensrud
UMA Parent
Owner/Founder, Mogotani Fast
Email Chris

Dan Trockman
UMA Community Member
Manager of IT and Training, Gardner Builders
Email Dan

Meeting Minutes
- June 2018 Board Minutes
- May 15, 2018 Meeting Minutes
- April 17, 2018 Meeting Minutes
- March 20, 2018 Meeting Minutes
- February 20, 2018 Meeting Minutes
- January 16, 2018 Meeting Minutes
- December 19, 2017 Meeting Minutes
- November 20, 2017 Meeting Minutes
- October 17, 2017 Meeting Minutes
- September 19, 2017 Meeting Minutes
- August 15, 2017 Meeting Minutes
- July 18, 2017 Meeting Minutes
- June 20, 2017 Meeting Minutes
- May 16, 2017 Meeting Minutes
- July 26, 2016 Meeting Minutes
- August 16, 2016 Meeting Minutes
- September 20, 2016 Meeting Minutes
- October 18, 2016 Meeting Minutes
- November 2, 2016 Meeting Minutes
- December 20, 2016 Meeting Minutes
- January 17, 2017 Meeting Minutes
- February 21, 2017 Meeting Minutes
- March 21, 2017 Meeting Minutes
- April 18, 2017 Meeting Minutes
- June 9, 2016 Meeting Minutes
- June 20, 2016 Meeting Minutes
- May 24, 2016 Annual Meeting Minutes
- May 12, 2016 Meeting Minutes
- April 14, 2016 Meeting Minutes
- March 10, 2016 Meeting Minutes
- February 11, 2016 Meeting Minutes
- January 14, 2016 Meeting Minutes
- December 10, 2015 Meeting Minutes
- November 11, 2015 Meeting Minutes
- October 08, 2015 Meeting Minutes
- September 17, 2015 Meeting Minutes
- September 17, 2015 Annual Meeting Minutes
- August 13, 2015 Meeting Minutes
- July 9, 2015 Meeting Minutes
- June 11, 2015 Meeting Minutes
- May 14, 2015 Meeting Minutes
- April 9, 2015 Meeting Minutes
- March 11, 2015 Meeting Minutes
- February 12, 2015 Meeting Minutes
- January 8, 2015 Meeting Minutes
- December 12, 2014 Meeting Minutes
- November 13, 2014 Meeting Minutes
- October 9, 2014 Meeting Minutes
- September 11, 2014 Meeting Minutes
- August 26, 2014 Meeting Minutes
- July 7, 2014 Meeting Minutes
- June 17, 2014 Meeting Minutes
- May 6, 2014 Meeting Minutes
- April 8, 2014 Meeting Minutes
- March 4, 2014 Meeting Minutes
- February 4, 2014 Meeting Minutes
- January 7, 2014 Meeting Minutes
- December 3, 2013 Meeting Minutes
- November 5, 2013 Meeting Minutes
- September 24, 2013 Meeting Minutes
- August 20, 2013 Meeting Minutes
- July 30, 2013 Meeting Minutes
- June 25, 2013 Meeting Minutes
- June 4, 2013 Meeting Minutes
- May 7, 2013 Meeting Minutes