January is School Board Recognition Month, and at Creative Technologies Academy (CTA), we are proud to recognize and thank the dedicated individuals who serve on our Board of Directors.
As a K–12 public charter school in Cedar Springs, Michigan, CTA is strengthened by leaders who care deeply about students, families, and the future of our community. Our board members volunteer their time, talents, and leadership to help ensure that Creative Technologies Academy remains a place where students are known, supported, and never just a number.
Behind every strong school is a committed board focused on keeping students first.
Serving Students and Supporting Educators
School board members often work quietly behind the scenes — attending meetings, reviewing policies, overseeing finances, and helping shape the long-term vision of the school. Their leadership helps protect CTA’s mission and ensures that our teachers can focus on what they do best: teaching, mentoring, and investing in students.
Lisa Ludwig shares,
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on the CTA Board, which supports the community of students, staff, and families in the important work of teaching and learning.”
Anthony “Tony” Domico reflects,
“I am honored to help support our local community and believe we are obligated to use our God-given talents and abilities to serve others which is deeply rewarding.”
Cindy Patin highlights the impact on students, saying,
“It’s an honor to serve behind the scenes on the board at CTA. It offers us an opportunity to help teachers do what they do best, which is to form our children into thoughtful, compassionate, and intelligent adults and future leaders for our community."
Shanielle Rypma shares,
“So proud to serve my CTA family as a board member! Supporting our students and educators is truly an honor, and a responsibility I carry with pride.”
Jim Comden brings both leadership and family perspective to his service:
“I'm honored to be part of the CTA board. I have three great grandchildren who attend CTA and they are getting an excellent education. I wanted to do whatever I could to insure CTA's continued success. Go Chargers!”
Michael Tawney reminds us of the bigger picture of education’s impact:
“As CTA Chargers, we should adopt Nelson Mandela's quote… ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’
We are Chargers and we will change the world!”
Together, their words reflect a shared belief: education matters, community matters, and students matter.
Leadership That Keeps Students at the Center
The CTA Board of Directors plays a vital role in ensuring that Creative Technologies Academy continues to provide a student-centered education in Cedar Springs. Their stewardship helps maintain:
A supportive, family-focused school community
Individualized attention and meaningful relationships
High expectations for academic excellence
Character development that prepares students to lead and serve
At CTA, we believe students thrive when they are known, valued, and challenged. Our board’s leadership allows us to continue building a school environment where every child has the opportunity to grow academically and personally.
Thank You for Your Service
We extend our sincere appreciation to Anthony Domico, Austin Hilyer, Cynthia Patin, Jim Comden, Lisa Ludwig, Michael Tawney, and Shanielle Rypma for their commitment to Creative Technologies Academy. Your service strengthens our school and our Cedar Springs community.
If you are a family seeking a K–12 charter school in Cedar Springs where students are supported, challenged, and cared for, we invite you to learn more about Creative Technologies Academy. CTA is currently enrolling for the 2026–2027 school year and also welcomes families looking for a better fit during the current school year.
Click here to explore enrollment opportunities or discover more about our school community.