New Leaders Guiding Foundation Academies

New Board Members, School Leaders Focus on Empowering Students to Lead Purpose-filled Lives

Trenton, NJ – Foundation Academies welcomes a local pastor active in social justice, and an education innovator from New York City to the FA Board of Trustees, as they join new Chief Executive Officer Sheria McRae and other school leaders focused on enhancing opportunities for Trenton students.

Mrs. McRae took over as CEO in July, when Graig Weiss stepped down after 13 years of leading the public charter school. McRae joined FA in 2010 as a Middle School English teacher. She also served as a Dean of Instruction, Middle School Principal, and schoolwide Chief Academic Officer. She is a Trenton native who lives in the city, a Teach for America alumna and graduate of Howard University.

“I am so proud to be leading this community of caring adults working together to deliver on Our Promise to scholars and families,” Mrs. McRae said. “At Foundation Academies, we promise to equip our scholars to excel in learning and empower them to lead purpose-filled lives.”

Ready for the New School Year

Foundation Academies, the only K-12 charter school in the city, will open August 22 for the 2022-23 academic year with longtime educators in new leadership roles.

• Chief Academic Officer Natasia Cooper joined FA in 2016 and served as Primary School principal before taking on schoolwide supervision of curriculum, instruction and assessment.
• Chief Talent Officer Shanesia Davis joined FA in 2020 and previously served as Director of Talent, guiding schoolwide leadership development and innovations in both academic and character curriculum at FA.
• FA Collegiate Principal Isabel Goss joined Foundation Academy in 2011 as a Middle School Leader of Student Culture and has served in several school leadership roles. FA Collegiate serves scholars in grades 9-12. For the past eight years, all graduating seniors have been accepted into colleges or universities.

The Power of Public Education

New FA Board member Antonio Bellamy has served as Lead Pastor at Transformation Church of Trenton NJ since 2018. He brings to FA years of community service experience with Urban Promise of Trenton, Children’s Home Society, Mercer County Board of Social Services and Mercer Street Friends – along with his youth mentoring skills as a coach for North Trenton Youth Baseball.

“I believe a good education is the key to helping every child in our community fulfill their God-given dreams,” Pastor Bellamy said. “I am grateful to be part of FA, an organization committed to educating youth in our city so they have a strong foundation to build a bright future upon.”

Richard Seigler-Carter, appointed in March, is Managing Director at LeveragED Foundation, a New York City nonprofit ensuring all school communities have access to the best educational experiences and outcomes. His focus is working with school leaders to implement clear and kind management.

“I understand the difference that quality education makes for students and families,” said Mr. Seigler-Carter. “When I visited Foundation Academies, I remember feeling my kids would like it here. I look forward to partnering with board members, teachers, staff and the community to enhance the legacy of success at Foundation Academies.”

Foundation Academies Board of Trustees members believe in the power of public education and share time, energy, experience and knowledge with our K-12 learning community. Pastor Tone and Mr. Seigler-Carter join Board President Kimme Carlos, and members Stacy A. Denton, Al-Lateef Farmer, Jacqueline Griffith, Todd Kent Ph.D., and Carl Seiden.

“Both Richard and Pastor Tone bring a wealth of talent and experience to our learning community,” said Board President Kimme Carlos. “We are excited to engage their expertise and insights as we continue to support Foundation Academies.”

Remembering Our History, Looking to the Future

Foundation Academies also congratulates Grecia Montero, as she retires from service after 13 years of guiding FA. Mrs. Montero joined the Board when FA served only middle school students on one campus. FA now serves about 1,000 students K-12 across two local campuses.

Foundation Academies new Chief Executive Officer Sheria McRae will be working alongside new school leaders and Board of Trustees members to enhance opportunities for Trenton students. Foundation Academies is the only charter school in Trenton serving students in kindergarten through grade 12. For the past eight years, every graduating senior has been accepted into a college or university.

Mrs. McRae took over as CEO in July, when Graig Weiss stepped down after 13 years of leading the public charter school. She joined FA in 2010 as a Middle School English teacher, and also served as a Dean of Instruction, Middle School Principal, and schoolwide Chief Academic Officer. She is a Trenton native who lives in the city, a Teach for America alumna and graduate of Howard University.

“I am so proud to be leading this community of caring adults working together to deliver on Our Promise to scholars and families,” Mrs. McRae said. “At Foundation Academies, we promise to equip our scholars to excel in learning and empower them to lead purpose-filled lives.”