GPA Board

Founding Principle

The central role of the Guajome Park Academy Board of Directors is to be the keepers of the mission of the organization. The Board will work to promote a shared vision among all members and stakeholders. The Board will continuously model that vision through its work, practices, and achievements. The Board of Directors will concern itself first and foremost with student achievement, what it can do to support and enhance that achievement, and how it can help build a sense of connectedness and community for each student and stakeholder.

In order to facilitate and support the vision and mission of Guajome Schools, members of the Board of Directors are committed to:

• Embrace the vision and mission of the organization;

• Ensure implementation of strategic planning;

• Ensure that students participate in educational programs aimed at stimulating high academic achievement in a safe nurturing, and respectful learner-centered environment;

• Ensure that students use "cutting edge" technology as a tool for problem-solving;

• Ensure that the educational program includes an international perspective designed to create contributing citizens who live and work in a global society;

• Implement annual goals established by the Board;

• Conduct annual self-assessment of the Board; and

• Identify and align appropriate resources and support for educational goals, using collaborative processes with all stakeholders, which include selection and development of staff, seeking and establishing partnerships throughout the community, program development, and maximizing current income sources, as well as pursuing new income sources for identified priorities.​

Anna McAfee - Chairperson

Anna McAfee joined the Guajome Park Academy board of directors as a parent representative and has continued to serve as a community member. Anna has worked in a public school setting in San Diego and Orange County for over 15 years and brings her experience to support the mission of Guajome Park Academy. Anna believes all students should have access to quality education and she is dedicated to ensuring all students at Guajome are afforded that opportunity. In her spare time, she enjoys her five adopted children, her extended family, and spending time outdoors.

Sylvia Harper - Board Director

Sylvia Harper has lived in Vista since 1975. She and her husband Duane raised their two children, Lanae and Nathan in the community, and her children both attended Guajome Park Academy. Sylvia received an Associate Degree in Science and a certificate in Medical Assisting, leading her to work as a Medical Assistant/Supervisor for eight years. Sylvia started as a parent volunteer at Guajome and has worked in various capacities for over 12 years. She has served on the GPA Board for over 5 years and is dedicated to ensuring that Guajome Park Academy continues to grow in positive ways to help all students achieve their full potential. 

Steve Kildoo - Board Director

Steve Kildoo has been involved in community service for over 40 years as a member and/or president in Rotary and Kiwanis. When his (now grown) son was in school, he was either a member or president of every PTO through 12 years of school. His commitment to education continued as a community member of the San Marcos Unified School District where he served on the State Accreditation Committee and as Chair of the 1996 school bond effort. He has also served as the Alumni Chair of CSUSM Extended Studies. Steve is excited about continuing his lifelong commitment to quality education for every student as he embarks on this journey with the Guajome Park Academy Board of Directors.

Debbie Duffy - Board Director

Debbie Duffy’s rich history with Guajome began in 1998 when she started as a middle school English teacher. In her time at Guajome she served as a Subject Area Leader, House Leader, BTSA Support Provider, and Work Experience Teacher. Debbie also coached middle school cross country, high school softball, high school cross country, and high school track and field for 22 years. Over the years, Debbie has dedicated over 8 years to the Guajome Park Academy Board as a director and executive board member. She retired as a teacher from Guajome in 2016 and from coaching in 2020.

Casey Semrow - Board Director

Casey Semrow has lived in North County since 2001 when she and her family moved to the United States from Canada. She has been a history teacher at Guajome Park Academy since 2017. During this time, Casey received her Masters in Education (Curriculum and Instruction) from California State University, San Marcos. She has served as the 7th grade Student Achievement Collaboration (SAC) lead for 4 years. Casey is passionate about providing rigorous instruction while also supporting the social and emotional needs of her students. In her free time, she enjoys going to the beach and spending time with family and friends. Casey enthusiastically supports the mission and vision of Guajome Park Academy and is looking forward to helping continue to grow the organization.

When and Where We Meet:

The GPA Board of Directors meets on the first Thursday of every month unless otherwise posted. Meetings are held at Guajome Park Academy in Building 1; Student Services Building; Upper Administration Training Center located at 2000 N. Santa Fe Ave., Vista, CA 92003. 

Closed session: 

3:30 p.m. in Building 1- Upper Administration Conference Room

Public Session:

4:00 p.m. in Building 1- Upper Administration Training Center