Developing Leaders for the Renaissance of New York

Board of Trustees

Renaissance is committed to a multi-level Collaborative Leadership Model. Since its first school’s inception as a New Visions School in 1993, the school’s governance structure has been centered on collaboration, cooperation, and communication among all stakeholders.

Renaissance values the important roles of parents and the community. Parents and distinguished representatives of the community serve on the Board of Trustees. Parents form half of the membership of the Collaborative School Governance Committee which sets educational policy and charter improvement goals.

We will support and encourage an active Parent Association, and ask parents to serve on numerous schoolwide committees such as Hiring Committees, Collaborative School Governance, and will look for a parent representative to the Board of Trustees.

In this model the Board of Trustees determines whether the school is fulfilling the mandates of its Charter, monitors the fiscal integrity of the school, and evaluates and oversees the performance of the school’s leadership team.

Board Members

  • Monte Joffee, Ed.D.
  • Liz Perez
  • Chester Hicks
  • Rachel Mandel
  • Victor Motta
  • Leopolda Silvera

Monte Joffee, Board Chair

  • As the Co-Founder and Co-Director of “The Will to Achieve,” Monte Joffee has played a pivotal role in a national educational policy institute dedicated to K-12 reform. He focuses on implementing rationalized and efficient frameworks for educational improvement. Monte’s passion for education extends to the “Education for Global Citizenship Institute,” which he founded and directs. This think tank is dedicated to implementing the principles of “Education for Global Citizenship” in K-12 schools.

    Chester Hicks

    • Chester Hicks is a retired NYPD officer with nearly 30 years of dedicated service. His extensive law enforcement background and commitment to public safety bring a unique perspective to the board, ensuring a well-rounded approach to addressing security and safety concerns.

      Victor Motta

      • Victor Motta serves as the Assistant Principal of the high school at The Renaisssance Charter School in Jackson Heights, Queens. 

      Dr. Rachel Mandel

      • Dr. Rachel Mandel is a Clinical Assistant Professor at New York University School of Medicine, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She also serves as a Child Psychiatrist attending at Robert Wood Johnson/Barnabas Health and boasts nearly 20 years of experience as a doctor. Her expertise in child and adolescent psychiatry enhances the board’s capacity to address mental health and well-being concerns among students.

      Liz Perez, Secretary

      • Liz Perez is an example of the Renaissance mission statement “Developing Leaders for the Renaissance of New York.” Her career has been shaped into one of leadership at The Renaissance Charter School in Jackson Heights. She began as a parent volunteer in 1998 when her older son entered kindergarten, was drafted as a substitute teacher, then quickly became a full-time paraprofessional. She then returned to school to become certified as a special education teacher when her son was diagnosed with learning disabilities. Now as Assistant Principal of Special Populations, she sees her role as one of supporting families and teachers in their educational journeys.

      Leopolda Silvera, MPA

      • Leopolda Silvera, M.P.A., is a seasoned healthcare professional with over two decades of experience. Graduating from Baruch College in 2013 with a Master of Public Administration degree, she has been an integral part of Elmhurst Hospital Center (EHC) since 1999. Specializing in global health, Silvera has dedicated herself to combating HIV/AIDS, working on grant-funded initiatives in Russia and Ethiopia to enhance care, treatment, and education. Her efforts have garnered recognition from prestigious organizations like the US Agency for International Development and the American International Health Alliance. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Silvera played a pivotal role in coordinating outreach efforts for testing and vaccination. As Global Health Deputy at EHC, she has worked to bridge healthcare access gaps for diverse ethnic communities through collaborative initiatives with local groups and leaders.

       

      The Board delegates to the Collaborative School Governance Committee (CSG) the task of studying the quality of life in the school and reviewing broad instructional policies at the school. The CSG comprises appointed and elected representatives of all school constituencies.

      Representatives from the parent body, faculty and student body will be elected at the first opportunity.

      The School Management Team implements the policies established by Board of Trustees in consideration of recommendations put forth by the CSG. The SMT consists of the Principal and the Directors of Teaching and Learning and Operations.

      The SMT handles the day-to-day operation of the school and the Principal is responsible for external relations and dissemination of best practices within the school. One of SMT’s main responsibilities is to be the vision keeper of the school. This model is specifically designed to be fluid with team member roles being adjusted to meet the current needs of the school.