Governance
Saint Michael Episcopal School’s Board of Directors is entrusted with the great responsibility of operating the non-profit entity, Saint Michael Episcopal School, a Parish Episcopal school. Members of the Board serve staggered three-year terms and 51% of our board members must be members in good standing of Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church. The board is composed of members elected by the board and the Rector of the Church. Also serving in a non-voting capacity is the Head of School, a Vestry member appointed by the Vestry of the Church and the President of the Parents Association.
The Board of Directors is charged with developing policies, overseeing the school’s management, ensuring financial stability and strategic planning for the future. The Board is also responsible for hiring, evaluating and supporting the head of school, who serves at the pleasure of the Board. Because the Board’s primary responsibility is furthering the mission statement, philosophy and goals of the school, the day-to-day management of the school is delegated to the Head of School.
Saint Michael Episcopal School is a nonprofit educational organization designated by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) organization.
Members of the Board of Directors
Grady Schleier
President
Justice Jason Boatright
Treasurer
Harriet Cousins
Secretary
Abby Evans
Hayley Fournier
The Rev. Dr. Chris Girata
Rector
Jane Greene
Vestry Representative
Dr. Matthew Housson
Mike Naggar
Dr. Claude Prestidge
Eve Wiley
Todd Howard
Netra Fitzgerald
Head of School
Netra comes to SMES after serving as Head of Greenhill School Preschool Division for five years. She focused there on establishing strong relationships with her students, parents and faculty. During her tenure, the student enrollment in the Greenhill Preschool grew to be the largest in Greenhill’s 70-year history. She has been instrumental in guiding their curriculum development, social & emotional learning skills integration, and balance of direct learning & play. Throughout the greater preschool community, Netra has become known for her expertise. Even internationally, her leadership and knowledge have been recognized as evidenced by her invitation to present at the Annual International Education Summit in Beijing, China last summer where she presented and spoke on “Early Childhood Learning Ages 0-3.” Most importantly, Netra has the vital experience of being a teacher in the classroom for a number of years including Kindergarten and First Grade. Netra’s background includes over twenty years in education with a focus on early childhood and leadership. She began her educational career as a kindergarten teacher at Presbyterian Day School in Memphis. Thereafter, she has taught at four independent schools across the country, teaching first grade, directing summer school programs, and serving as interim assistant head of school in Albuquerque before moving to the Metroplex in 2014.
A 1992 graduate of Christian Brothers University in Memphis with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, Netra then earned a Master of Arts in Teaching: Curriculum and Instruction in 1999 from the University of Memphis. She was also selected in 2006 to participate in the highly regarded Project Zero Summer Institute at Harvard University where she took a deep dive into learning and intelligence. Netra has great enthusiasm for teaching, a love of the children and a Christ centered approach to education. Her almost instant and genuine connection with all she meets is remarkable to observe. Both her academic background and her professional experience fit beautifully with our beloved Saint Michael Episcopal School.
Netra, her husband Ty and their adult children (Kelsey studying to be a nurse and Kyle applying to medical schools) are delighted to be part of our school and our community.
