The Ben Franklin Academy (BFA) Board of Directors (Board) works for the students, parents and patrons of BFA in promoting the vision and mission of the school. As a governing board, BFA’s Board sets policies and has oversight over financial matters of the school while focusing on the long-term strategic direction of the school.

BFA’s Board is comprised of seven individuals, committed to the success of BFA’s students. Brief biographies of BFA’s directors can be found below. If you are interested in learning about the composition, regulations and limitations that govern the Board, please download the Bylaws of Ben Franklin Academy.

The BFA Board holds its regular meetings on the second Tuesday of the month beginning at 5:30 p.m. at BFA. Specific dates are listed on the BFA website calendar. Agendas are posted 24 hours before a Board meeting and minutes are posted after approval at the following Board meeting. All are welcome to attend.

Board Members

Haley Maglieri

President

Bio

Haley serves as President on the BFA Board of Directors. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication from Texas Tech University and a Juris Doctor degree. She is a Colorado licensed attorney. In addition to her role and duties as a Board member, Haley is committed to providing volunteer services both in and out of the classrooms at BFA. Currently, Haley represents the Board as the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) liaison and leads the Board Succession Committee.

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Adam Lucero

Vice President

Bio

Adam Lucero is the Vice President of the BFA Board. He holds a bachelor’s degree in construction management from Colorado State University. Mr. Lucero has spent the last eighteen years working in the construction industry. Currently, he is a Project Executive for Kiewit managing projects in Colorado and Texas.  He has a focus on inspiring the next generation of talent for the construction industry. Prior to joining the Board, he served on the BFA Board Nomination Committee. Adam represents the Board on the Facility Committee and Succession Committee

Justin Mayhall

Treasurer

Bio

Justin Mayhall serves as an at-large director on the BFA Board. He is a U.S. Navy veteran who served on active duty for five years and has lived in Colorado since 2010 with his wife, Lindsay. After his enlistment, he studied Biology at the University of Colorado Denver and currently works as the Director of Product Marketing for North American Technology Advisor, Net at Work. In the past, he has served on various non-profit boards nation-wide focusing on veteran education. Justin has two children who attend Ben Franklin Academy and has previously held a position as Co-Chair of Ben’s Brigade.

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Melody Matthews

Secretary

Bio

Melody attended California Polytechnic State University, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology.  She has worked in various roles in both the financial lending and health and fitness industries.  She has four children who have all attended BFA – two of which still do.  She has been involved in many capacities serving schools and youth in recent years, such as the District Accountability Committee, School Accountability Committee, a weekly church youth leader, volunteering in school and in sports, and is a former certified foster parent.

Stephen Bentley

At-Large Director & STEM Board Liaison

Bio

Stephen serves as an at-large director on the BFA Board of Directors. He graduated from West Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science with a specialization in Finance. He has worked in the Technology space for multiple industries including Financial Services and Agriculture. Stephen is currently the Head of Engineering for Agribusiness and Animal Health at Telus Agriculture and Consumer Goods. Stephen and his wife Rosie moved to Colorado almost 16 years ago and spend their time volunteering and attending the multiple activities of their 4 children, Luke (8th Grade), Levi (6th Grade), Grace (1st Grade), and Lane (Preschool). They love being involved at BFA and volunteering in the classroom and on field trips. This year Stephen will serve as the Board liaison to the STEM Committee.

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Joe Dawson

At-Large Director

Bio

Joe Dawson brings over 10 years of experience in the real estate industry, where he has built a reputation for integrity, communication, and strong client relationships. A Colorado native, Joe graduated from Dakota Ridge High School and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Communication from the University of Northern Colorado.

Joe and his wife, Sara, live in Highlands Ranch and are proud parents to three BFA students: Isabella (4th grade), Amelia (2nd grade), and Enzo (Kindergarten). The Dawson family has been part of the BFA community for seven years, during which Joe has been a consistent supporter and engaged parent.

In addition to sponsoring BFA as a gold-level donor, Joe actively contributes his time to youth sports as a volunteer hockey coach. He is passionate about giving back and ensuring a strong educational foundation for all students. As a board member, Joe is committed to supporting BFA’s mission, fostering transparency, and helping guide the school’s continued growth and success.

 

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Trent Ongert

At-Large Director

Bio

Trent Ongert is an at-large Director on the Ben Franklin Academy Board. He graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in Communications, and obtained his Juris Doctorate from the University of Denver College of Law. Trent is a litigation attorney and enjoys his legal practice because it enables him to help people who require an advocate. He is committed to the values, mission, students, parents, and staff at BFA. Prior to joining the Board, Trent was the Co-Chair of Ben’s Brigade. In his spare time, he loves being outdoors with his family, playing tennis and the piano, and rooting for his sons in their various athletic, and non-athletic, endeavors. 

 
 

Board Elections

Board elections will take place in the spring. Generally, each January the Succession Committee will provide an election timeline and a date for when Board nominations will be requested from the community. During the election season, please see the Board Elections webpage for additional details.

Expectations

General expectations as well as Board activities, duties, and time commitments are highlighted below:
  • Only one (1) person per family may serve on the Board at any one time.
  • The Board shall not contract with directors or family members of directors.  
  • Neither directors nor family members of directors may be employees or independent contractors of BFA or serve as officers or voting members of the BFA Parent Teacher Organization.
  • The average director logs 20+ volunteer hours for BFA a month.
  • Directors are required to attend all Board meetings, strategy sessions and conferences as determined by the Board.
  • Directors new to the Board are required to complete the online charter school governance modules created by the Colorado Department of Education or Colorado League of Charter Schools.