On behalf of the Eagle Ridge Academy Board of Directors, we are issuing a call for nominations for the 2026 Board of Directors election. Please read on for more information regarding the election process.
Board of Directors Composition
The 2026-27 Board of Directors will consist of seven seats. The Board of Directors includes teacher, parent, and community member seats. The bylaws were amended over the last year to ensure that no single group can hold a majority of the seats. There must be at least one member from each group. According to Board bylaws, no more than three members can be up for re-election in a single election cycle. To ideally ensure continuity in Board leadership, the Board has decided to offer Sam Sundermeyer (Current Board Secretary) and Elliott Loutsch (Current Board Chair) a one-year extension to their terms, where were originally set to expire June 2026. While Board leadership roles are elected annually and there’s no guarantee that the current Board Secretary and current Board Chair will continue in these positions, the extensions help maintain stability. These extensions have been accepted.
As a result, there will be three seats open for the 2026 Board of Directors election. Based on the current makeup of the Board of Directors, the following seats will be opening:
One teacher member
One parent member
One community member
Under the Board bylaws, this means that the following groups can fill the seat openings:
Only one teacher member
Only one parent member
Up to three community members
The Nomination Process
The Board of Directors invites you to nominate yourself or other individuals who possess the competence and vision to provide skilled leadership for the Academy. Any member of the corporation, parent, or staff may submit a nomination. To submit a nomination, please complete the Board Election Nomination Form. This form is also available through the Eagle Ridge Academy Board of Directors page. Nominations are due before 4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 6.
Election Schedule
Friday, February 6: Call for Board nominations due by 4:00 p.m. All nominees will receive an information packet containing a detailed description of the requirements of Board service as well as details for accepting the nomination, including a candidate questionnaire.
Friday, February 13: A complete questionnaire, submitted by 4:00 p.m., is the official notification that they accept the nomination.
Friday, February 20: An Election Guide with information on all candidates, their qualifications, and their views as stated in the candidate questionnaires will be available on the official election site and Eagle Ridge Academy Board page by 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday, March 18: A Candidate Forum will be held virtually at 6:00 p.m. This online forum will provide an opportunity to meet and question all the candidates who are running for election. All candidates are encouraged to take part in this online forum.
Wednesday, March 18: The official election will open at the conclusion of the Candidate Forum. All eligible voters will receive an individualized ballot passcode and log-in information as well as further directions via email.
Monday, March 23: Election will close. All votes must be cast no later than 12:00 p.m.
Tuesday, March 23; Official results will be announced at the Annual Board Meeting at 6:00 p.m.
Nomination Considerations
Please consider the skills and attributes that are desirable for members of the Board of Directors. It is important to nominate individuals who possess these qualities to ensure the Board has a broad range of expertise to guide the school's future. These include: A Commitment to the Academy’s Classical Mission and Vision; Development/Fundraising; Non-Profit Management; Education; Facilities Management; Finance/Accounting; Governance/Law; Human Resources; Marketing/Public Relations/Advertising; Strategic Planning
Additional points to consider:
Board members can expect to spend roughly 12-15 hours per month contributing to Board efforts through meetings and assignments.
If you are nominating someone other than yourself, please discuss the nomination with that person so that they are aware of the nomination.
Thank you for giving this election your careful thought and attention. Participating in this cornerstone of our country’s system of government is an excellent way to exercise and model true citizenship.
Election Communications
Please note that all communications regarding this year's election will take place primarily through email. If you do not have access to email or Infinite Campus inbox, please contact the school office by calling 952-746-7760 so that other arrangements can be made. If you have any questions about the election, please contact Board Election Coordinator Elliott Loutsch at eloutsch@eagleridgeacademy.org.