Melody Matthews
3 children enrolled at BFA – 4th grade, 5th grade, 8th grade
This is our family’s second year at BFA.
Biography:
I grew up in agricultural central coast California and attended California Polytechnic State University, where I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology in 2003. I married and relocated to southern California where I worked in various roles of the financial lending industry then transitioned into a Director of Health & Fitness position for a large YMCA. In 2007, my husband’s job relocated us to the Denver Metro area. Three of our four kids were born when we became certified foster parents, so our youngest son came to us through adoption. Without a family network here, I began as a homemaker and I have been in this role ever since. My kids attended their neighborhood school for many years where I was quite involved, especially with the School Accountability Committee and volunteering. Through COVID, we sought a change in the learning environment, and we were fortunate to have all four kids accepted at BFA! I am currently serving on the DCSD District Accountability Committee as well as a weekly middle school leader and yearly youth production director at my church. I have one child in high school, one child in middle school, and two children in elementary school.
Number of BFA Board meetings/events attended this school year:
Board Meetings: 2, SAC 3, Community events 3, other various conferences/volunteering/field trips/etc.
Describe the ideal relationship between the BFA Board and BFA community.
The ideal relationship between the BFA Board and BFA community would be one in which the community feels that the Board is strongly representative of its priorities, experiences, and concerns. Likewise, the Board would be regularly encouraged, challenged, and equipped by the community through respectful, thoughtful dialogue so that the Board is able to go forward with well-informed problem solving and decision making.
What are the current challenges facing charter school boards?
Charter school boards seem to be faced with the difficulty of maintaining priorities important to their school community’s unique desires and needs that differ from the neighborhood school experience, while still having to address the concerns that a neighborhood school is required to (such as how to provide special education, as an example). Charter schools have the value of offering a unique and/or specific educational focus but they still live within some confines of the greater school district and state standards.
What motivated you to accept a nomination for a seat on the BFA Board?
I was motivated to accept this nomination for the sake of my two kids who will be at BFA for the next few years, and along with them, their peers whom I’ve come to know and love! Our kids need principled leadership that considers multiple perspectives thoughtfully, and I can offer my skills in that regard.
Share any personal aspirations you would like to achieve by serving on the BFA Board, as well as aspirations for the BFA Board itself during your term.
I aspire to be a trusted leader by the kids who go to school here – to be that adult that really hears and sees them – as well as advocating for parents to continue to have authority over their children’s education. Additionally, I’d love to participate in any future decisions surrounding curriculum with these families in mind.
Describe a moment when you knew BFA was the right school for your family and what you love most about BFA.
In our first few months at BFA, my younger daughter came home singing the songs she was learning in preparation for the Veteran’s Day assembly, 2021. In past years at our other school, the kids hadn’t participated in anything like that and I was so thankful that BFA prioritized these important citizens who often go unhonored. I was impressed and that really got my attention. Overall, I so appreciate the excellent education (by very invested teachers) our kids are receiving at BFA!