SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Prep Charter School, a free charter public school, announced Meghan Wagner as its new executive director starting April 1. Wagner has served as a senior operations and finance leader for more than a decade, and currently serves as the school’s chief operating & financial officer.

The move comes after an extensive, months-long hiring process by the board of trustees after Springfield Prep’s founder and current Executive Director Bill Spirer, announced plans to pursue a new professional chapter early this fall.

“Meghan’s leadership is a tremendous asset as Springfield Prep moves into its next phase,” Spirer said. “I’ve had the honor of working with Meghan for over a decade and have gained so much from her expertise. She has consistently guided us through periods of growth with assurance and navigated difficulties with composure, integrity, and care for our community. The school would not be where it is today without her profound impact, and I am eager to see Springfield Prep thrive under her leadership.”

Wagner, a leader with more than 16 years of experience in public education, is celebrated for her collaborative approach to problem solving, ability to unify people, and unwavering dedication to achieving positive outcomes for students and families. Over the past decade at Springfield Prep, she has been instrumental in the school’s success, leading operations, finance, and human resources. Her contributions have been key to the school’s expansion, encompassing management of the school budget, oversight of the new school building’s construction, and leadership of critical initiatives for teachers, staff, and students. Furthermore, she has consistently empowered instructional leaders to implement student-centered, data-driven approaches to learning.

“I care deeply about preserving what makes Springfield Prep so special while also continuing to grow and evolve to meet new challenges,” Wagner said. “Our success has always come from the strength of this community, and I’m excited to work alongside our staff, families, and board as we begin this next chapter together. I am deeply grateful for the support of our team and the board and for the commitment and dedication of our incredible staff. I also want to thank Bill for his leadership and partnership over the past decade and for all he has done to help Springfield Prep grow into the incredible place it is today. It is an honor to step into this role and continue this work with this community.”

Since opening its doors in 2015, Springfield Prep has grown to be a K-8 charter public school that now serves 486 students each year.

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.