Board Biographies

Mrs. René Chatham
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Mrs. Chatham was elected to the board in 2017.  She has a B.S. in Human Resource Management and an M.A. in Education Curriculum and Instruction Leadership.  Rene’ has worked as a part-time assistant teacher, coached junior high volleyball, and has had two children graduate from The Vanguard School.  She recently worked as an employment workshop facilitator for Army and Air Force service members as they transition to civilian life and currently works at the Fort Carson Education Center.  Rene’ has been able to form relationships at all levels K-12 and strives to support the Vanguard community as a board member.  Rene’ Chatham’s board seat is up for election in May 2024.

Mr. Matt Hughes
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Mr. Hughes was appointed to the board in 2014.  He has been a Vanguard parent since 2011 when both of his children began attending.  Desirous of becoming more active in the future of The Vanguard School, he started participating in the public board meetings held each month and strongly believes that this active participation by our parents is a unique and effective way to create positive change.  Matt attended Marshall University and has been in the mortgage, finance, and investment business for over twenty years.  He firmly believes in the time-proven effectiveness of the classical education model and that coupling this base of knowledge with a well-developed character is the foundation for creating responsible citizens who can make a lasting impression on our society.  Matt Hughes’ board seat is up for election in May 2025.

Dr. Kurt Peters
Kurt Peters

Dr. Kurt Peters joined the board following the May 2019 election.  He has two children enrolled in The Vanguard School who started at the school in kindergarten.  Kurt has a B.S., an M.S., and a Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering with specialties in optics and communications. He retired as a Colonel in the USAF Reserves in May 2018.  His last Reserve assignment was as IMA to the Site Commander and Director of Air Force Research Laboratory, Space Vehicles Directorate, at Kirtland Air Force Base.  He currently is a Chief Engineer at SAIC, performing research and development for the Department of Defense.  He has taught at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, in the Electrical and Computer Engineering department, and volunteers as a committee member for students seeking graduate degrees.  Kurt is married to Dr. Traci Peters, an optometrist practicing in the local area.  Kurt looks to increase focus on STEM at The Vanguard School and bolster student engagement in information technology.  Kurt Peters’ board seat is up for election in May 2026.

 

Mr. Eric Koppisch
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Mr. Koppisch was elected to the board in 2022. He has been actively involved in the school community as a Vanguard parent since 2013. He currently has children at all campuses of Vanguard. Eric has a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Texas A&M University and a M.B.A. from California State University at Bakersfield. He currently works as an engineer for Space Systems Command of the US Space Force at Peterson SFB. Eric firmly believes in the classical approach to education and the Vanguard focus on character building. He believes the education at Vanguard prepares students to excel at all levels and provides them the skills needed for success. Eric Koppisch’s board seat is up for election in May 2027.

 

Mrs. Tracy Coons
Tracy Coons

Mrs. Coons was elected to the board in 2023.  She has been an active volunteer and Vanguard parent since 2012 and currently has two children enrolled who have attended since kindergarten.  Tracy has had a diverse career path as a registered nurse for twenty-six years, a music teacher for twelve, and a business owner and CEO for fifteen.  She felt a calling to become more involved in The Vanguard School as she is fully committed to its mission and believes she can have a positive impact on the community.  She has been passionate about the benefits of a classical education and believes wholeheartedly that Vanguard provides our children with the work ethic and tools to be productive and leading members of our society. Tracy is convinced that the pursuit of good character development is imperative for our children’s futures and is thankful that our children attend a school that holds virtue so highly.  She is humbled and honored to serve The Vanguard School community. Tracy Coons’s board seat is up for election in May 2028.

 

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