Board of Directors

If you would like to contact Morning Star Academy’s Board of Directors, please email board.president@msa-qc.org

The Morning Star Academy Board of Directors is a policy-driven governing board responsible for the school’s adherence to the Statement of Faith, Mission, Vision, Bylaws, and the Board Policy Manual.

The Board of Directors speaks with one voice. No individual director has authority. The board of Directors is committed to the long-term viability of Morning Star Academy by fulfilling its four primary roles.

Ensure Financial Stability

Develop and approve an annual budget
Provide oversight of the budget
Fundraising that supports the strategic plan

Strategic Planning

Develop an overall strategic plan
Develop a strategic financial plan that derives from the strategic plan
Establish expenditure systems consistent with strategic plans

Develop Policy

Set policy consistent with MSA’s mission and strategic plan

Select and oversee headmaster

Hire and evaluate a Headmaster who will function as the Chief Executive Officer
Set the compensation for the Headmaster
Extend or bring to closure the contract of the Headmaster

Communications

Questions or concerns about the operational management of the school should be directed to the Headmaster.

Questions or concerns about high-level strategy or budget issues should be directed to the board president (board.president@msa-qc.org)

Board Members

John Amman

PRESIDENT
I am serving the Board and the Morning Star community because I am committed to ensuring our classical Christian education is available to as many Quad Cities students as possible. Our family believes this foundational education model is essential for all students’ faith as well as sharpening their abilities to think critically, defend truth, and enjoy the freedoms upon which our great country was founded; endowed by our Creator. Our family will continue to invest time and resources into Morning Star Academy for years to come.
Director of Automated Solutions, Tri-City Electric
On MSA Board since: 2021
Children at MSA: 2
Joel Rohde

VICE PRESIDENT
Worship Pastor at North Ridge Community Church
On MSA Board Since: 2023
Children at MSA: 4
Tyson Fulton

TREASURER
I appreciate Morning Star for the curriculum taught through a Christian worldview, supportive teachers and administrators that guide and grow the students, and the Morning Star community that desires to make a difference for Christ.
Accountant, Deere & Co.
On MSA Board since: 2022
Children at MSA: 2
Sara Miller

SECRETARY
My husband Matt and I have two boys. We placed them at Morning Star so that our Lord Jesus Christ and His teaching would be at the center of their education. The classical Christian model is not only excellent for cultivating learning ability; it also helps protect our sons from an increasingly hostile culture that seeks to lead them away from the truth.
On MSA Board since: 2021
Children at MSA: 2
Chad Raeside

BOARD MEMBER
We send our children to Morning Star because we believe the classical Christian Education provided in the Trivium shapes their character like no other form of education. In the end, we firmly believe the school will train our children to be thinkers, leaders and lovers of Jesus while at the same time serving their communities for the greater good.
Financial Services Coordinator for MercyOne - Genesis.
On MSA Board since: 2015
Children at MSA: 1
Michael Mack

BOARD MEMBER
I appreciate Morning Star because of the values it instills in children while maintaining excellence in its challenging academic curriculum. It is evident how Morning Star's board and staff have Jesus as their center and foundation.
Physician, Unity Point
On MSA Board since: 2022
Children at MSA: 5
Lacey Zimmerman

BOARD MEMBER
I have been called to serve on the board of directors at Morning Star Academy due to a deep commitment to classical Christian education and a desire to help cultivate a learning environment rooted in timeless values and academic excellence. My heart is passionate about fostering the next generation and I am eager to support our school’s mission and contribute to shaping a Christ-centered community.
Stay at home Mom
On MSA Board since: 2023
Children at MSA: 4
Marisa Sorensen

BOARD MEMBER
As a graduate of Morning Star Academy’s class of 2013, I have such an appreciation for Classical Christian education and a love for this school. My parents sacrificed so much for my brother and I to receive an education that taught us how to think, not what to think. Morning Star gave me the tools needed to stand firm in my faith and defend my Christian worldview as I stepped into life after high school. I feel called to give back to the school that helped shape who I am today. I look forward to serving and giving back to Morning Star Academy in my unique role as an alumnus.
Compensation & Benefits Analyst, HNI Corporation
On MSA Board since: 2024
Maxim Pikulskiy

BOARD MEMBER
Eric Bortner

BOARD MEMBER
I am serving on the Board with the support of my wife Alicia to further the Classical Christian curriculum to instill the love, knowledge and wisdom of Christ Jesus into our students. I am excited to engage with the faculty and parents of MSA to develop a culture that will thrive and build the next generation of servant leaders.
On MSA Board since: 2024
Children at MSA: 2
Nathaniel Schaefer

BOARD MEMBER
Nate Schaefer is a native of the Quad Cities. Born and raised in Moline by Scott and Brenda Schaefer, Nate was brought up in the church with a love for the Body of Christ beyond the four walls of a building. He served in ministry from a young age, but in 2016 had an encounter with Jesus that would leave him forever changed. In 2017, he became the lead Pastor of Passion Church QC in Davenport and continues to devote his life to, not just Passion QC, but the local churches of this region. Nate has been married to his wife, Kat, for fourteen years and the two of them have 5 children ranging in age from 3-13. Their family has been a part of the MSA community for 8 years and are deeply passionate about seeing this school impact our community for the sake of Christ.
Lead Pastor at Passion Church QC
On MSA Board since: 2024
Children at MSA: 2