Algiers Charter Schools Association

Dr. Andrea Thomas-Reynolds was named Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Algiers Charter Schools Association (ACSA) in July 2009. She has a distinct background in education, higher education, non-profit management, and community economic development. She is an advocate of school choice with over 13 years of experience working with charter schools in Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Maryland.

She has provided organizational leadership to school leaders in the ACSA network and has focused on ensuring quality service to school employees, parents, and over 5,000 students. Her collaborative management style has brought more continuity of educational resources and coordination among the schools in the charter consortium; and she has led school leaders in the continued success of value-added achievement growth across the association.

A recognized educational leader, Dr. Thomas-Reynolds has been selected to speak at various local and national educational conventions including the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET)’s Teacher Incentive Fund National Panel and the National Teacher Advancement Program (TAP) conference for NIET. She has also served on several boards, including The Reinvestment Fund (1998-2001), the Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition (1998-2005), and as president of the Philadelphia Association of Community Development Corporations (1998-2000). Currently she serves on several educational boards and committees, including the Louisiana Department of Education Trailblazer Initiative, the Louisiana Department of Education’s Advisory Committee on Educator Evaluation, and the Louisiana Master Plan Educational Standards Review Committee.

Dr. Thomas-Reynolds is a native of Avondale, LA and a graduate of the Jefferson Parish Public School System. She earned a Bachelor of Science from Louisiana State University, a Master of Business Administration from Loyola University of New Orleans, a Master of Science in Community Economic Development from Southern New Hampshire University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania.

Michelle Harvey was named Chief of School Administration for Algiers Charter Schools Association (ACSA) in August 2009, overseeing operations of the human resources division and school compliance matters for the association and its network schools. Ms. Harvey received a Bachelor of Science from Winston-Salem State University and a dual Master of Arts in Curriculum/ Instruction and Administration /Supervision from the University of Phoenix. She is a certified principal and holds several certificates in administration from various states. She has seven years of experience in educational leadership ranging from an administrator in a high school setting to regional based responsibilities overseeing the administration and instructional programming for charter schools in Louisiana and Georgia.

Patricia F. Spampneto was named Executive Director of Exceptional Student Services for the Algiers Charter Schools Association (ACSA) July 2009, after serving as the association's Director of Exceptional Student Services since December 2005, and later as the Chief of Student Services. Ms. Spampneto currently supervises compliance and implementation of all educational and related services for students with disabilities and gifted/talented students, Section 504 services, school social work services, and health services for both ACSA students and staff. Ms. Spampneto received a Bachelor's Degree in Education from the State University of New York College at Buffalo. She later received a Master of Science Degree in Early Childhood Special Education from the University of New Orleans, and a Master's Degree in Educational Administration from Tulane University and the University of New Orleans. Ms. Spampneto holds certification in several areas of teaching.

David Jackson was named Director of Marketing and Communications for the Algiers Charter Schools Association (ACSA) in April 2011. Mr. Jackson oversees the marketing and communications program for the association and its network schools. Jackson received his Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from Nicholls State University. He is currently pursuing his Master's Degree at Kent State University in Mass Communications. Jackson's accomplishments include several Louisiana Press Association Awards, recipient of the New York Times Scholarship and Best Regional Newsletter for large housing agencies 2003 - 2005 (NAHRO). He has more than 10 years experience in graphic design, branding, media relations, web design, sound/video editing and computer network implementation.

Tamara Griffin-Major was named TAP Community Advisor for the Algiers Charter Schools Association (ASCA) in August, 2010. Mrs. Griffin-Major works closely with the association's school site parent liaisons, local agencies, civic and community groups, political leaders, and governmental agencies, to positively promote ASCA and align all support with the association's mission and vision in educating its students and building its leadership capacity. Mrs. Griffin-Major received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Southern University at New Orleans in Mathematics and a Master of Arts Degree from Xavier University of Louisiana in Educational Administration and Supervision. In addition to her professional career in the field of education, Mrs. Griffin-Major has also worked in the public and political sectors within the New Orleans area.

Renae’ Montegut was named Director of Finance for the Algiers Charter School Association (ACSA) in June 2011 after serving as the association’s Controller since September 2009. She is responsible for overseeing the day to day operations of the finance department including accounting procedures, internal controls and meeting all financial reporting requirements by the State Legislative Auditor and the Louisiana State Board of Education. Mrs. Montegut worked for a parish school board for three years as the Chief Accountant before joining ACSA, and prior to that was a senior auditor for seven years at a large local firm where she audited non-profits, corporations, retirement systems and government entities. She is a graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. She received her C. P. A. license in 2003.

Charlie Mackles was named Director of Budget and Revenue for the Algiers Charter Schools Association (ACSA) in December 2009. Mr. Mackles is charged with managing the budget of the ACSA’s member schools which includes federal, state, and local appropriations. Mr. Mackles received a Bachelor of Science in Economics and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Louisiana State University. He also holds a professional certification as a Certified Fraud Examiner. Before joining ACSA, Mr. Mackles worked in higher education and research managing multi-million dollar grants awarded by such entities as the National Institute of Health and various universities and foundations. 

Tansy Magendie was named Director of Human Resources for the Algiers Charter Schools Association (ACSA) in July 2011. Before working as the Assistant Director of Human Resources, Ms. Magendie worked as the Payroll and Compensation Manager for the ACSA. Ms. Magendie is a member of the local chapter of Human Resources Management Association (HRMA) and earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Nicholls State University. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both Human Resources and Payroll Management.

Tracy Mercadel was named Director of Site Services for the Algiers Charter Schools Association (ACSA) in July 2011. Mr. Mercadel previously worked as the Vice President of Asset Management for the Housing Authority of New Orleans. Mr. Mercadel has practical construction experience by preparing bids for new construction work along with the full duties associated with budgeting, staff management and accounting estimation. His training and licenses include: LIHTC Tax Credit Compliance, Certified Louisiana DEQ Lead Supervision, OSHA Safety, AHERA Asbestos Removal, Louisiana Public Bid Law and Hazwoper 40. Mr. Mercadel earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Xavier University.

Wilson Cole III was named Director of Technology Services for the Algiers Charter Schools Association (ACSA)in July 2011. Before working as Director of Technology Services, Mr. Cole worked as the IT Network Administrator for the ACSA where he managed the network infrastructure. Cole received his Bachelor of Arts in Internet System Security from ITT Technical Institute. He brings depth of experience, technical skills and management capabilities to his current position where he supports the administration and management operations as well as the association’s instructional and learning activities to support its educational mission.

Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr. was named Director of Academics and Instructional Technology for Algiers Charter Schools Association (ACSA) in June 2011, overseeing the academic programs for the association and its network schools. Dr. Lewis received a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Mathematics Education from Southern University at New Orleans, a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from the University of New Orleans and a Doctorate of Philosophy degree in Educational Leadership from Mississippi State University. He brings over 15 years of educational experience to the network’s Academics and School Turnaround Office. Prior to ACSA, he served as a teacher and department chairman at Andrew Jackson Fundamental Magnet High School and district middle school curriculum coordinator with the St. Bernard Parish Public Schools and currently serves as a member of its board of education. Dr. Lewis served as the founding principal of ATA.