Prelude Prep announced the appointment of Sonya Cardenas and Laura Rhoades to its Board of Directors, strengthening the board's leadership as the charter school continues to grow as a high-quality academic option for families on San Antonio's southside. The appointments reflect the school's continued focus on strong governance, accountability, and community partnership.
Sonya Cardenas brings more than 34 years of experience in public education and school leadership to the board. A retired school principal, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Education, a Master of Arts in Education, and an Administrative Certification. Beyond her instructional leadership background, Cardenas has experience in employee benefits administration and client relations as a licensed Life and Health Agent. She serves on the board's Development Committee and contributes expertise in family engagement and community partnerships.
Laura Rhoades brings more than 30 years of combined experience in education, insurance, customer service, and business to her new role. A retired educator, Rhoades has dedicated her career to supporting student success and building strong community relationships. Her professional background supports the board's work in governance, strategic planning, and operational oversight.
Jen Taylor-Paquette, Chair of the Prelude Prep Board of Directors, welcomed the new members. "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 appointments come at a significant time for Prelude Prep, which has established itself as a high-quality academic option since opening in 2021. As a tuition-free public charter school serving students in Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade, the school's continued growth requires experienced governance. The addition of two education veterans with deep community ties signals the school's commitment to maintaining strong oversight while expanding its impact on San Antonio's southside.
For families in the community, these appointments represent increased stability and expertise guiding the school's direction. The combined experience of Cardenas and Rhoades in both educational leadership and business operations provides balanced oversight that can help ensure the school remains financially sustainable while maintaining educational quality. Their backgrounds in community engagement suggest Prelude Prep will continue strengthening relationships with families and local organizations.
In the broader charter school landscape, such appointments demonstrate how schools can leverage experienced professionals to enhance governance structures. As charter schools face increasing scrutiny regarding accountability and performance, strong board leadership becomes essential. The specific expertise brought by Cardenas in family engagement and Rhoades in operational oversight addresses key areas of focus for growing educational institutions.
Prelude Prep's website at https://preludeprep.org provides information about the school's programs and mission. The appointments of Cardenas and Rhoades represent strategic investments in governance that could influence the school's trajectory for years to come, potentially serving as a model for other charter schools seeking to strengthen their leadership structures while maintaining community connections.
