Board of Directors

James Sander, Board Chair

James Sander has served on the Board since November 2013 and currently serves as Chair of the Board. Mr. Sander received a Master of Science Degree in Elementary Education from the City College of New York and a Master’s in education from Teachers’ College at Columbia University. Mr. Sander has served in numerous leadership roles in the education space, and has received State certifications to serve in the roles of principal of a day elementary school and assistant principal of a day elementary, intermediate and junior high schools. Mr. Sander has experience in organizing and creating fitness programs, nutritional education choice programs, and teacher-pupil counseling programs. Mr. Sander is a mentor to our teachers and students and continues to remain a leader in his local community. Mr. Sander volunteers at his local immigration office, counseling and teaching citizenship classes and English.

Christopher Brignola, Vice Chair

Christopher Brignola has served on the Board since August 2017 and currently serves as the Vice Chair of the Board. Mr. Brignola received a Master of Science in Teaching Childhood Education from Pace University and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Professional Studies Degree in Computing for Education Professionals at Pace University. Mr. Brignola has experiences as a classroom teacher for elementary and middle school students in Math, Science and ELA. Mr. Brignola has experience in data collection, data sourcing and data reporting for schools in the State. Mr. Brignola is a leader and has substantial experience implementing data tracking processes for standards based analysis. As Vice Chair, Mr. Christopher Brignola supports Mr. James Sander in executing and carrying out the varied responsibilities of the Board that collectively contribute to the Charter School’s success.

Lucas Doe, Treasurer

Lucas Doe joined the Board in December 2015 and currently serves as Treasurer of the Board. As a certified financial accountant, Mr. Lucas Doe lends his experience in financial services sector to the Board and related Finance Committee. Mr. Doe received a Master’s in Electrical Engineering and Applied Science and a Master’s in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from the University of Virginia. Mr. Doe’s areas of expertise including investment planning and portfolio management.

Robert Ansbro, Member

Robert Ansbro is a graduate of Westchester Community College and has more than 50 years of experience in construction including his roles as President of the New York Roofing Company and an estimator for Eagle One Roofing. Mr. Ansbro has experience as a superintendent of various residential properties in New York. Mr. Ansbro is committed to volunteer work including his role as Board Member of the Building Trades Employment Association and President of the Subcontractors Trade Association. Mr. Ansbro joined the Board in September 2019. Mr. Robert Ansbro has been the chair of our Development Committee and has been instrumental with the selection of a highly qualified Owner’s Representative for our new building project. He has helped us communicate with city agencies such as Con Edison and FDNY to ensure all building requirements are met.

Sean Blackwell, Member

Sean Blackwell graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture. Mr. Blackwell’s extensive experience as an architect and project manager has been valuable to Academic Leadership Charter School’s new building project. Mr. Blackwell assists the rest of the board and school leadership with reviewing timelines, budgets, and necessary preparations for the new building. Sean Blackwell has been a member of the board since January 2022. Mr. Sean Blackwell has also assisted us with managing the architects and reviewing drawings and renderings for the new building project.