Governance Council

The Governance Council members are responsible for ensuring that the academic program of CCCS is successful, that the school’s program and operation are faithful to the terms of its charter, and that the school is a viable organization. The purpose of the Governance Council is to set the general direction and policy of the school, not manage it on a daily basis.

Specific Duties of Governance Council

Implement the vision and mission statements as well as the school’s philosophy and objectives. The philosophy should be read on a regular basis and taken into consideration wherever possible changes of policy are under discussion.
Establish and approve policies for operation of Coral Community Charter School, ensuring that the provisions of the By-laws and contracts with the charter authorizer are being followed.
Establish fiscal policy and boundaries, with budgets and financial controls for the school.
Select a new Head Administrator when needed.
Establish and approve policies under which the Head Administrator will manage the school.
Establish necessary working committees and being sure that all members are actively involved in appropriate committee assignments.
Conduct periodic evaluations of the school, taking into consideration CCCS’s stated philosophy and goals.
Conduct a written evaluation of the performance of the Head Administrator and establishing goals for the following year.
Conduct a written annual self-evaluation, including consideration of whether the board and its committees are independently knowledgeable concerning school matters or are relying too heavily upon the Head Administrator and other staff for guidance.
Keep full and accurate minutes of its meetings and those of its committees.
Maintain a record book so that governing decisions made over a period of years may be readily available to subsequent leadership and administrators.
Serve on one board committee and/or one board position.
Obtain 8 hours per academic year of state mandated governance council training. New board members must obtain the 7-hour training provided by the PED and complete 10 hours of training within the first fiscal year of service.

If you are an individual with a disability who is in need of a reader, amplifier, qualified sign language interpreter, or any other form of auxiliary aid or service to attend or participate in the hearing or meeting, please contact the Governance Council Chair at least one (1) week prior to the meeting or as soon as possible. Public documents, including the agenda and minutes, can be provided in various accessible formats. Please contact the GC Chair or Secretary if a summary or other type of accessible format is needed.

Governance Council Members

Susan Steketee, Chair

Favorite Quote: "If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude." Maya Angelou

Sue Steketee studied Physical Education as an undergraduate and has a Master of Arts degree in Education from UNM. She taught K-2 for 10 years, followed by 10 years in the for-profit sector learning about business practices. Sue spent the next nearly 30 years in not-for-profit healthcare. Over that time, she managed clinics and became Vice President of Operations and Finance for Planned Parenthood of New Mexico. She currently volunteers for the Development department at Planned Parenthood, is the treasurer for her religious congregation and is delighted to be involved with Coral Community Charter School. She feels that working with fellow Governance Council members to provide an environment supporting the learning and growth for Coral students is a rewarding endeavor.

Karin Trujillo, Vice Chair

Favorite Quote: Dr. Seuss- “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

Ms. Karin Trujillo is a veteran 27-year, Level 3 teacher/librarian from Los Lunas Public Schools with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Master’s in Literacy. Upon retirement in 2018, Ms. Trujillo joined Gumdrop Books to continue to spread her love of reading throughout New Mexio and West Texas. In 2020 she founded Book Me Library Consulting to assist non-certified library personnel in New Mexico with managing their library as well as promoting a love of reading through the use of literature. Spending time with her girls and their families in San Diego and Denver is a favorite activity. After a trip to Alaska in the summer of 2025, traveling has become another important goal. On her bucket list is sky diving.

Tim Tokarski, Treasurer

Favorite Quote: "If you make your bed every morning you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride, and it will encourage you to do another task and another and another. By the end of the day, that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed. Making your bed will also reinforce the fact that little things in life matter. If you can’t do the little things right, you will never do the big things right". Admiral William H. McRaven

Throughout his career, Tim Tokarski has balanced his professional life with a commitment to service. He has spent most of his career as an entrepreneur, in several different industries, and is currently the executive director of a healthcare nonprofit. As a parent of a former seahorse (now a middle schooler), when the opportunity to join the Governance Council at Coral Community Charter School was presented, he quickly said 'Yes'! Supporting the growth and development of our student community continues to be an incredibly rewarding experience.

Melinda Thompson, Member

Favorite Quote: Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." —Nelson Mandela

Melinda is a semi-retired and currently working in Government Prime Contractors doing procurement and contract administration. She has worked for several contractors since 1998. Melinda has lived in New Mexico since 1991. She enjoys quilting, being outdoors, spending time with family and friends, and traveling.

Allison Hendricks-Smith, Member

Favorite Quote: “Man becomes great exactly in the degree in which he works for the welfare of his fellow-men.” Mahatma Gandhi

Allison Hendricks-Smith is a licensed mental health counselor and art therapist, who completed her graduate work at Southwestern College in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She has been involved in nonprofit leadership positions here in New Mexico for the past twenty years. Allison was the Vice President of Operations for Make-A-Wish New Mexico for ten years, and the Executive Director for Christina Kent Early Childhood Center for four years, before launching Pink Warrior House in 2019. Allison is a proud mother, devoted wife, community organizer, and a compassionate and dedicated leader.

Regular meetings are held the second Tuesday
of each month at the school.
Upcoming Meeting Date: