With more than 2,600 accredited schools across the United States and in 112 other countries, MSA-CESS reviews hundreds of accreditation reports each year. The final decision makers in the process are the MSA Commissioners, a representative body of our membership made up of leaders in education and business.
In addition to school accreditation actions, Commissioners also review the MSA budget, policies, and strategic planning, so in addition to school leaders, we include several public members with expertise in these areas. Commissioners are elected for a three year term, which is renewable for a second term.
The slate of six nominees was sent to the full membership for a vote over the last two weeks. We are pleased to announce our six new Commissioners who will join the full Commissions at their next meeting in early November. For a full list of our current Commissioners click here.
Commission on Elementary Schools (CES)
Suzanna Jemsby is the head of Washington International School in Washington, D.C. Ms. Jemsby has extensive experience in schools in the U.S. and overseas, and has served on accreditation visits at a number of international schools. As a multilingual international educator, Ms. Jemsby will join the PK-12 Membership and Accreditation Committee of the Commission, which reviews many international and independent school reports.
Timothy Purnell, Ed.D., CEO of NEXT for Autism, brings a strong history of leadership in both schools and educational organizations. Dr. Purnell is a former National Superintendent of the Year, with expertise in implementing system-wide initiatives and programs in mental health and trauma, as well as learning differences. As a Public Member (not representing a member school) Dr. Purnell will join the Finance and Policy Committees of the Commission.50816.jpg)
John Sturges, former President and Managing Director of a New Jersey based business consulting firm for more than three decades, and board member of a number of businesses and community organizations. Mr. Sturges brings significant expertise in human resources, finance and investments. A former MSA Commissioner, Mr. Sturges will join the Commission again as a member of the Finance and Policy Committee of the Commission.Commission on Secondary Schools (CSS)
Jennifer Beckwith, Ph.D., Founding Director of the American United School Kuwait, has extensive experience leading schools across Europe and the Middle East. In addition to volunteering as an accreditation team chair, Dr. Beckwith holds leadership positions in international education associations and is a founding member of the Diversity Collaborative with ISS. Dr. Beckwith will join the PK-12 Membership and Accreditation Committee of the Commission, which reviews many international and independent school reports.
Ron Davis, Ed.D. is the Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education at Mt. Lebanon School District in Pennsylvania. Dr. Davis has taught for and served as a mentor for aspiring principals, and is a frequent accreditation team leader for MSA. Dr. Davis will join the Membership and Accreditation Committee of the Commission which reviews accreditation reports for all secondary schools.
Christopher C. Irving, Ed.D., Superintendent of Teaneck Public Schools, has extensive leadership experience in both schools and government in New Jersey. Dr. Irving has a background in workforce development and research and university lecturing experience in public policy and Africana studies. Dr. Irving will also join the Membership and Accreditation Committee of the Commission.