SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Prep Charter School recently announced the election of the two newest additions to its board of trustees, Ron Molina-Brantley and Amneris Narvaez.

“With two Springfield Prep scholars of my own, I feel proud and excited to join the Springfield Prep family in another capacity,” Molina-Brantley said. When my children go to school each day, nothing is more reassuring than knowing they are being challenged, believed in, and included in all spaces. I look forward to taking part in the excellent work going on here at Springfield Prep and serving a school that has had such a positive impact on me and my family.”

Narvaez noted that “what sets Springfield Prep apart is its dedication to the academic achievement of all students, which is something I care deeply about. I am very excited to be joining the board and to closely support the school’s work.”

Narvaez is senior director of Central & Western Mass. Programs at Generation Teach. In her current role, she develops new generations of diverse teachers and leaders, while providing summer enrichment opportunities to local students. Prior to this, she was the Engagement Organizing manager for Stand for Children and also served for seven years as a special-education teacher for Springfield Public Schools.

Molina-Brantley serves as vice president and relationship manager for Berkshire Bank. Previously, he served as chief operating officer at Valley Venture Mentors, as well as a senior program manager & energy manager for the city of Springfield. He is also an adjunct professor for Uptima Entrepreneurial Cooperative. In his work, he fosters organizational and departmental growth driven by his several years of experience as a business and financial professional. He is also a member of the board at the MassLGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, Wellspring Cooperative (as treasurer), and Massachusetts Special Olympics.

“This is an exciting and important moment in Springfield Prep’s history,” said Bill Spirer, founder and executive director. “As we transition out of a pandemic-influenced landscape into our first year fully grown to grades K-8, our board of trustees plays a critical role in setting the strategic direction of our school in accordance with our mission. Ron and Amneris bring extensive experience in the entrepreneurship and education sectors, and both have a deep connection to public-education work in Springfield. It is an honor to welcome them to the board.”

SPRINGFIELD — Today, Sept. 23, Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito will join Springfield Prep Charter School students, families, faculty, and partners for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the site of its newly renovated facility in Springfield.

The $20.4 million project will serve nearly 500 students each year from throughout the city of Springfield. The new, 50,000-square-foot location offers students and faculty access to facilities that support a college-preparatory curriculum, including classrooms designed for its unique two-teacher model, breakout rooms for small-group instruction, a full gymnasium with a stage for performances, and dedicated science, art, and dance rooms.

Baker and Polito will tour the school at 12:30 p.m. with a small group of school leaders and students. The formal ribbon-cutting ceremony will begin at 12:45 p.m. with a keynote address from Baker, followed by remarks from Polito. Addresses from the executive director, a student, a faculty member, and a board member will follow.

The school is located at 2071 Roosevelt Ave., Springfield. Parking is available in the school’s main parking lot (enter from Memorial Drive). The event will be held outdoors or in the school’s gymnasium in the event of rain. Masks will be required for all attendees, and seating will be spaced to allow for social distancing between attendees.