Prelude Prep announced the appointment of Sonya Cardenas and Laura Rhoades to its Board of Directors, strengthening the board's leadership as the charter school continues to grow as a high-quality academic option for families on the southside of San Antonio. The appointments reflect the school's continued focus on strong governance, accountability, and community partnership.
Sonya Cardenas brings more than 34 years of experience in public education and school leadership to the board. A retired school principal, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Education, a Master of Arts in Education, and an Administrative Certification. In addition to her background in instructional leadership, Cardenas has experience in employee benefits administration and client relations as a licensed Life and Health Agent. She serves on the Board's Development Committee and contributes expertise in family engagement and community partnerships.
Laura Rhoades brings more than 30 years of combined experience in education, insurance, customer service, and business to her new role. A retired educator, Rhoades has dedicated her career to supporting student success and building strong community relationships. Her professional background supports the Board's work in governance, strategic planning, and operational oversight.
Jen Taylor-Paquette, Chair of the Prelude Prep Board of Directors, welcomed the new members. "Sonya and Laura bring valuable experience and perspective to our Board," Taylor-Paquette said. "Their commitment to students, families, and thoughtful leadership aligns with Prelude Prep's mission, and we are excited to welcome them."
Prelude Prep is a tuition-free public charter school on the southside of San Antonio serving students in Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade. Since opening in 2021, Prelude Prep has established itself as a high-quality academic option for families in the community. More information about the school can be found at https://preludeprep.org.
The appointments of Cardenas and Rhoades represent a strategic investment in educational leadership that could have significant implications for San Antonio's southside community. With over six decades of combined experience in education and community engagement, these new board members bring specialized knowledge that could enhance the school's operational effectiveness and community relationships. For families in the area, this strengthened governance structure suggests increased stability and potentially improved educational outcomes as the school continues to grow.
In the broader context of Texas education, such board appointments demonstrate how charter schools are investing in experienced leadership to compete with traditional public schools and meet growing demand for alternative educational options. The emphasis on governance and accountability aligns with statewide trends toward greater transparency in educational institutions. For the education industry in Texas, this move highlights the importance of experienced leadership in charter school expansion and sustainability, particularly in underserved communities where quality educational options can drive economic development and community improvement.
The appointments also signal Prelude Prep's maturation as an institution, moving from startup phase to established educational provider with strengthened oversight mechanisms. This development matters because strong governance correlates with school performance and longevity, factors that directly impact student outcomes and community confidence. As Texas continues to see growth in charter school options, the quality of board leadership becomes increasingly important for ensuring these institutions deliver on their educational promises while maintaining financial and operational stability.
