Prelude Prep announced the appointment of Sonya Cardenas and Laura Rhoades to its Board of Directors. The appointments strengthen the Board's leadership as Prelude Prep continues to grow as a high-quality academic option for families on the southside of San Antonio.
Sonya Cardenas brings more than 34 years of experience in public education and school leadership. 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. 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."
The appointments reflect Prelude Prep's continued focus on strong governance, accountability, and community partnership. This matters because effective school governance directly impacts educational quality and student outcomes. With public charter schools facing increased scrutiny nationwide, experienced board leadership ensures proper oversight, strategic direction, and responsible use of public funds.
For families in southside San Antonio, these appointments signal Prelude Prep's commitment to maintaining and improving educational quality. The school serves students in Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade and has established itself as a high-quality academic option since opening in 2021. Strong board governance helps ensure the school remains responsive to community needs while maintaining academic excellence.
In the broader education landscape, such appointments demonstrate how charter schools can leverage experienced educators in governance roles. This approach combines educational expertise with operational oversight, potentially serving as a model for other charter schools seeking to strengthen their governance structures. The school's website at https://preludeprep.org provides additional information about its programs and mission.
The impact extends beyond the school itself, as strong educational institutions contribute to community development and economic opportunity. By appointing board members with deep roots in education and community relations, Prelude Prep reinforces its role as a community partner dedicated to student success and family engagement.
