Board of Directors

A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
Ever wonder who sets the policies guiding Monroe Charter Academy, and who determines the school’s annual budget? Like all public charter schools, MCA is governed by a Board of Directors operating under North Carolina’s basic charter school law. It’s composed of unpaid volunteers who are willing and able to dedicate some of their time, expertise, and resources to the school to help it achieve its mission.

The board meets monthly to fulfill its obligations. As a public school, MCA is subject to the state’s Open Meetings Law. That means that the meetings are announced in advance on the MCA website and are open to the public. One feature of MCA’s charter is a requirement that the board always have at least one member whose child attends the school (though we can have more, if more are interested in serving!).

Service on the board is challenging but rewarding, and I urge anyone interested in finding a way to serve his or her community to consider applying for a seat. We are always looking for smart, dedicated people who are willing to help us build on what we’ve started. The number of seats on the board is flexible and we are empowered by our charter to add members as we see fit. We’re especially interested at this time in adding members who can bring some expertise in the fields of finance or accounting, marketing, law, real estate and the building trades, and of course, education. One doesn’t have to have any prior knowledge or experience in the classical education model or how charter school boards operate as long as one is willing to learn.

If you think serving on the MCA board might be for you or someone you know, contact board president Jim Stegall at jstegall8@carolina.rr.com for more information.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MEMBERS

Jim Stegall

Jim Stegall

Chair

Jim Stegall has served as a board member of Monroe Charter Academy since its inception. He graduated from Appalachian State University with a Bachelor’s degree in History and a commission as a second lieutenant in the US Army. He earned a Master’s degree in Political Science in 1990 from the University of Florida and retired from the army in 1996. He worked as a public school teacher in Union County Public Schools from 1996 to 2005, and since then has taught political science at South Piedmont Community College and Wingate University.

Rev Dr. R.J. Lightsey

Rev Dr. R.J. Lightsey

Vice Chair

Dr. R.J. Lightsey retired in 2019 as a Pastor and Chaplain after serving 28 years. Currently, he is the Literacy Services Director at South Piedmont Community College in Monroe. Dr. Lightsey is the Co-founder (along with his wife, Sharen) of Faith and Favor Ministries, Lightsey Ministries, and We Be Buds Marriage Educators. He is an author, motivational speaker and mentor. He has been involved in volunteerism and served on several boards since 1991.

Dr. Lightsey graduated from PennWest Edinboro University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. He received a diploma in Supervisory Management from LaSalle Extension University in Chicago, Illinois and is also a graduate of the South Jersey Professional School of Business in Marlton, NJ. He earned a Master of Divinity degree and a Doctor of Divinity degree from Christian Bible College and Seminary in Blue Springs, Missouri.

Willie Owens

Willie Owens

Board Member

Felicia Ratliff

Felicia Ratliff

Board Member

My name is Felicia Ratliff. I was born and raised in North Carolina. I am a test administrator at South Piedmont Community College. I have been employed there for 3.5 years. I am a graduate of Winston Salem State University. My work background includes early childhood, literacy, and standardized testing.

I have been happily married to Tony Ratliff for 27 years. He is also a graduate of Winston Salem State. We have three children, Kendall, Kenya, and Kendré. All three graduated from Sun Valley High School. They are graduates of Belmont Abbey College, Charleston Southern University, and UNC-Chapel Hill. My daughter received her master’s in school counseling from Gardner Webb University. We also have our daughter-in-law Katherine and one granddaughter.

Here is a quote that I discovered written by GK Chesterton, “Education is simply the soul of a society as it passes from one generation to another.” I look forward to the opportunity to serve.

Marcia Jeter

Marcia Jeter

Member

My name is Marcia Jeter. I have three children and 6 grandkids. I’m originally from Jamaica, West Indies. I moved to the United States in 1974 at which time I joined the Army and worked in the Admin field. I served 22 yrs in the Army which gave me an opportunity to travel to places such as Korea, Belgium, Paris, Holland, London just to name a few. After my retirement from the Army I settled in Charlotte. I then became a JROTC instructor at Harding University High school with the hopes of motivating young people to become better citizens. I was the first female JROTC instructor in CMS. I served in that position for 20 yrs. After retiring in 2016, I now spend my time helping with my grandkids, working in my community and serving on this board.

Terea Hill

Terea Hill

Member

My name is Z. Terae Hill. I have 7 Children and 5 grandkids. I was born in Newark NJ and attended Rutgers University from 1986-1992 completing my studies in a double major of Economics and Finance. My very first job out of college was as an assistant to the finance director at the YMCA in Monroe NJ. I then moved to NC in 1996, beginning my career with Nations Bank, now known as Bank of America, as a Jr. Quality Control Analysis. I have always been an entrepreneur at heart owning an income tax business and construction company for over 15 years. I currently work in residential construction as a Purchasing Manager. My current hobby is roller skating and keeping up with my 9yr old son, the youngest of 7 children. My passion is helping people. If one was to ask me what I truly enjoy doing. I would respond, “helping others”.

Eric Hall

Eric Hall

Member

Eric Hall Sr. is a seasoned professional with a rich 27-year career in Information Technology (IT)-related fields. Armed with a degree in Electronic Engineering Technology, his career has been marked by various IT leadership roles, where he consistently demonstrates expertise in aligning technology with organizational goals to enhance efficiency and innovation.

A devoted husband of 20 years to his wife Karen and a proud father of three girls and one boy, Eric understands the importance of education firsthand. His unwavering belief in the transformative power of education drives his active involvement in educational programs and initiatives, ensuring that individuals have access to quality education opportunities.

Eric’s commitment to inclusive education is further underscored by his special interest in the special needs community. He actively supports and engages with organizations dedicated to providing opportunities and resources for individuals with unique needs. His passion for education and his advocacy for inclusion make him a valuable asset in fostering equitable and diverse educational environments.

Eric is not only dedicated to his family but also to his community. He is an active member of A Few Good Men Inc., where he actively contributes to initiatives that support and uplift the community. Additionally, Eric is a proud member of the local chapter of the NAACP, as well as an active member of his local church, where he serves as the Trustee Chairman, demonstrating his commitment to faith and community involvement.

As a dedicated member of the Board of Directors, Eric Hall leverages his diverse experience and unwavering commitment to community and education to make positive contributions to the organizations and causes he supports.

Students

After School programs

Faculty

Years Established

Get In Touch

Location: 2850 Old Charlotte Hwy, Monroe, NC 28110

Telephone: (980) 210-3627

Email: monroecharteracademy@gmail.com

School Hours: M-F: 7:15am - 3pm

Non-Discrimination Policy

Monroe Charter Academy administers all educational programs, employment activities and admissions without discrimination against any person on the basis of gender, race color, religion, national origin, age, or disability.

If at anytime an individual has a grievance, we instruct them to follow our grievance policy, here to ensure due process.