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, Email
Kyeen Andersson, Public Health Policy Analyst, Email
Robert Parker, Retired School Principal & Communications Executive, Email
Beth Klingher, Artist & Educator, Email
Charles J. Negaro, Founder and Chairman of Chabaso Bakery, Email
Monica Maccera Filppu, Common Ground’s Executive Director, Email
Peter Ludwig, Tropical Resources Institute at Yale University, Email
Gioia Connell, Roche Dinkaloo and Associates, Email
Carly Osborne, Pootatuch Watershed Association and Go Fish Memorial Fund, Email
Jennifer Burke, Common Ground High School Reading Teacher, Email
Michelle Sepulveda, Dropout Prevention Officer at New Haven Board Of Education, Email
Alicia Crutchfield, Owner: Bloom, Email
Monique Frasier, Assistant Principal Hartford Public Schools, Email
Shelly Hicks, VP of Education at UWGNH, 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, March and June.
- August 28th *In Person
- September 18th *On Zoom Video
- SPECIAL MEETING regarding Collective Bargaining Agreement: Oct. 2 *On Zoom Video
- October 30th *In Person
- November 27th *On Zoom Video
- December 18th *On Zoom Video
- January 29th *On Zoom Video
- February 26th *On Zoom Video
- March 25th *In Person
- April 29nd *On Zoom Video
- May 20th *On Zoom Video
- June 24th *In Person
- Annual meeting June 25th *On Zoom Video
Board of Directors Meeting Agendas
Common Ground Board Meeting Agenda for Nov. 27, 2023
This Meeting will be held By Zoom Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82984917713?pwd=NG5sZ0d2UmROVGVaYnUzeG1YR2djUT09 November 27, 2023 Welcome Public Comment (5:30) (two minutes per person for a total time limit of 30 minutes, or by email; see instructions
Common Ground Board Meeting Agenda for Oct. 30, 2023
This Meeting will be held in person At Common Ground 358 Springside Ave Hilltop Room 109 October 30, 2023 Welcome Public Comment (5:30) (two minutes per person for a total time limit of 30
Common Ground Board Special Meeting Agenda for Oct. 2, 2023
This Meeting will be held by Google Meet October 2nd, 2023 5:30 pm Google Meet Welcome Public Comment (5:30) (two minutes per person for a total time limit of 30 minutes, or by email; see
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
Common Ground Board Meeting Agenda for Nov. 27, 2023
This Meeting will be held By Zoom Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82984917713?pwd=NG5sZ0d2UmROVGVaYnUzeG1YR2djUT09 November 27, 2023 Welcome Public Comment (5:30) (two minutes per person for a total time limit of 30 minutes, or by email; see instructions
Common Ground Board of Directors Meeting Minutes: Meeting Oct. 30, 2023
This Meeting will be held in person At Common Ground 358 Springside Ave Hilltop Room 109 October 30, 2023 Present: Bob Parker, Monique Frasier, Jen Burke, Liz Cox, Brian Kelahan, Shelly Hicks, Jeff Carter, Alexis
Common Ground Board Meeting Agenda for Oct. 30, 2023
This Meeting will be held in person At Common Ground 358 Springside Ave Hilltop Room 109 October 30, 2023 Welcome Public Comment (5:30) (two minutes per person for a total time limit of 30