The volunteer leadership team for the proposed Scintilla Charter Academy recently announced the addition of six new governing board members.  

This is a major step toward the opening of a public, tuition-free school of choice in Valdosta/ Lowndes County, according to the organization.

“We are thrilled to add the talents and experiences of these high-caliber members to our Scintilla Charter Academy team,” said Board Chair Dr. Lars Leader, a professor at the James L. and Dorothy H. Dewar College of Education & Human Services at Valdosta State University. “Each member has a distinct skill set that will be a benefit to our group and our mission of bringing Scintilla Charter Academy to our community.”

The new founding board members and leadership team have worked on completing the required steps to make SCA a reality in Valdosta/Lowndes County. SCA delivered the completed charter application on May 1 to both local school boards. The Charter application was delivered to the State Board of Charter Schools on May 15.   

Scintilla Charter Academy intends on opening for the 2015-2016 school year. The school will serve students from kindergarten through third grade and will increase one grade per year through fifth grade. The goal of SCA is to aid in increasing student achievement and developing social responsibility through educational innovation in a safe community of involved families and educators.

The following board members were added by unanimous vote:

• Jeremy Baker is a native of Lowndes County. Baker graduated from Valdosta State University and St. Mary’s School of Law. He is an attorney and an advocate for school choice in Valdosta/Lowndes County.

• Zachary R. Cowart was born in Valdosta and attended Valdosta City Schools graduating from Valdosta High School in 1996. He attended the University of Georgia for undergraduate and law school. He is a partner at a local law firm and wants area parents to have public school options for their children.   

• Leroy Henderson Jr. is a pastor at a local Baptist church. He hosts a weekly public affairs radio program, “Sunday Morning Gospel.” He joined the Valdosta community 15 years ago and has been committed to making the area a better place for its residents.

• Jerry Jennett came to Valdosta 40 years ago to run a small subsidiary of an agricultural chemical firm. He bought the subsidiary and eventually added three other companies. Thanks to the generosity of Jennett and his partners, many significant gifts have been made to Valdosta State University including to the Langdale College of Business Administration and several athletic programs.

• Enid Santana has been a resident of Valdosta for 30 years. She is a licensed real estate agent and is employed as a marketing/leasing manager. As the mother of two boys, she has become a passionate advocate for school choice.

• Eric Tillman was born and raised in Valdosta. He graduated from Valdosta High School and Valdosta State University where he received both a bachelor of business administration of accounting and finance. He is a third-generation certified public accountant and partner at a local accounting firm.  

In addition to preparing and delivering the charter application, the group hosts a 5K race on June 7. More information on Scintilla Charter Academy and upcoming community outreach events, visit www.scintillacharteracademy.com.