The Common Ground Board of Directors
Common Ground is governed by a Board of Directors – volunteer community members who provide oversight and support to the organization so it can fulfill its mission as a community non-profit organization and public charter high school. Board members come from different backgrounds and reflect the rich diversity of our community.
Alexis Smith, Chair, Executive Director of New Haven Legal Aid, Email
Jeff Carter, Treasurer, Owner of Westmount Group, Email
Terri Snell, Secretary, Common Ground High School Parent Representative Email
Kyeen Andersson, Public Health Policy Analyst, Email
Sarah Field, Common Ground High School Science Teacher, Email
Lizanne Cox, Retired Common Ground High School Director, Email
Alisha Crutchfield, Owner of Bloom, Email
Shelly Hicks, VP of Education at UWGNH, Email
Brian Kelahan, Retired Common Ground Teacher, Email
Karen Jenkins, Common Ground’s Interim Executive Director, Email
Peter Ludwig, Connecticut Green Bank, Email
Carly Osborne, Pootatuch Watershed Association and Go Fish Memorial Fund, Email
Michelle Sepulveda, Dropout Prevention Officer at New Haven Board Of Education, Email
Common Ground is Seeking New Board Members
Each year we recruit a class of 3-4 members to serve a 3 year term. Board members are expected to attend monthly public board meetings, contribute to meetings of one of our standing committees (Audit, Development, Finance, Governance, School), and support fundraising efforts (including by contributing to the organization at a level that is personally significant). Board members find that they spend an average of 10 hours a month on board-related tasks and can attend most meetings virtually. If you’re motivated and excited to help Common Ground serve our community and contribute to a just and sustainable world, please email Board chair Alexis.Smith@nhep.com with a resume or bio to express your interest.
Common Ground Board of Directors Meeting Schedule 2023-2024
All in- person meetings will be located at the Hilltop Picnic Pavillion at 358 Springside Ave. New Haven, CT unless otherwise noted. In person meetings include: August, October and March.
- September 30th *In Person
- October 28th *On Zoom Video
- November 18th *On Zoom Video
- December 16th *On Zoom Video
- January 27th *On Zoom Video
- February 24th *On Zoom Video
- March 31st *In Person
- April 28th *On Zoom Video
- May 19th *On Zoom Video
- Annual meeting June 30th *On Zoom Video
Board Subcommittees
- School (Committee Minutes)
- Audit & Finance (Committee Minutes)
- Development (Committee Minutes)
- Governance (Committee Minutes)
- ED Search (Committee Minutes)
Board of Directors Meeting Agendas
Common Ground Board Meeting Agenda for November 18, 2024
This meeting will be held in person. November 18th 5:30pm In person at Common Ground – Springside 205 Welcome Public Comment (5:30) (two minutes per person for a total time limit of 30 minutes, or
Common Ground Board Meeting Agenda for October 28, 2024
October 28, 2024 AGENDA By Microsoft Teams Join the meeting now Meeting ID: 269 876 442 273 Passcode: YjD3Xo Welcome Public Comment (5:30) (two minutes per person for a total time limit of 30 minutes,
Common Ground Board Meeting Agenda for September 30, 2024
This meeting will be held in person. September 30th 5:30pm In person at Common Ground – Springside 205 Welcome Public Comment (5:30) (two minutes per person for a total time limit of 30 minutes, or
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
Common Ground Board Meeting Agenda for November 18, 2024
This meeting will be held in person. November 18th 5:30pm In person at Common Ground – Springside 205 Welcome Public Comment (5:30) (two minutes per person for a total time limit of 30 minutes, or
Common Ground Board of Directors Meeting Minutes: Meeting October 28, 2024 (DRAFT)
October 28, 2024 Board of Directors Minutes Microsoft Teams Link Microsoft Teams Recording Present: Alexis Smith, Alisha Crutchfield, Brian Kelahan, Carly Osborne, Jeff Carter, Karen Jenkins, Liz Cox, Michelle Sepulveda, Terri Snell. Staff: Amanda Byam,
Common Ground Board Meeting Agenda for October 28, 2024
October 28, 2024 AGENDA By Microsoft Teams Join the meeting now Meeting ID: 269 876 442 273 Passcode: YjD3Xo Welcome Public Comment (5:30) (two minutes per person for a total time limit of 30 minutes,