Prelude Prep announced the appointment of Sonya Cardenas and Laura Rhoades to its Board of Directors, bringing decades of combined education experience to the charter school's leadership. The appointments strengthen the Board's governance capabilities as the school continues to serve families on San Antonio's southside, emphasizing the importance of experienced leadership in educational institutions that serve specific community needs.
Sonya Cardenas brings more than 34 years of experience in public education and school leadership to her new role. A retired school principal with a Bachelor of Science in Education, Master of Arts in Education, and Administrative Certification, Cardenas contributes expertise in instructional leadership, family engagement, and community partnerships. Her additional experience in employee benefits administration and client relations as a licensed Life and Health Agent provides the Board with valuable perspective on operational matters. Cardenas will serve on the Board's Development Committee, where her background will inform strategic decisions about the school's growth and community relationships.
Laura Rhoades joins the Board with more than 30 years of combined experience in education, insurance, customer service, and business. As a retired educator who dedicated her career to supporting student success and building community relationships, Rhoades brings practical understanding of classroom dynamics and family needs. Her professional background supports the Board's work in governance, strategic planning, and operational oversight, ensuring decisions align with both educational best practices and sustainable business operations.
Jen Taylor-Paquette, Chair of the Prelude Prep Board of Directors, emphasized the significance of these appointments for the school's direction. "Sonya and Laura bring valuable experience and perspective to our Board," Taylor-Paquette said. "Their commitment to students, families, and thoughtful leadership aligns with Prelude Prep's mission, and we are excited to welcome them." The statement underscores how board composition directly impacts educational institutions' ability to fulfill their missions effectively.
The appointments reflect Prelude Prep's continued focus on strong governance, accountability, and community partnership as essential components of educational quality. For families considering educational options, board expertise represents a critical factor in school stability and long-term success. Prelude Prep operates as a tuition-free public charter school serving students in Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade on San Antonio's southside, having established itself as an academic option since opening in 2021. The school provides information about its programs and mission through its official website at https://preludeprep.org.
These board appointments matter because they demonstrate how educational institutions strengthen their leadership to better serve specific communities. The southside of San Antonio gains from having experienced education professionals guiding a local charter school's development, potentially influencing educational quality and community engagement in the region. For the education sector, such appointments highlight the importance of diverse expertise in school governance, combining educational experience with operational knowledge to create sustainable institutions that serve students effectively.
