Meet The Board Members

Connie Brachtenbach, Board  President (Term 2023-2027)

I am a 4th generation Coloradoan, who has lived in Manitou Springs since 1990. My partner, Vicky and I have 2 daughters, Emma, and Nora, who attended school in Manitou Springs. Emma is a middle-school teacher at Fountain-Ft. Carson and Nora was recently employed at the Manitou Elementary School as a para-professional. We also have 2 grandchildren, who we hope will be enrolled in District-14 when they are ready to begin their educational journey, from kindergarten through 12 th grade. I have a BA in Sociology from FHSU in Hays, KS. Most of my professional career has been with Deluxe or you many of you may know better, Current or Checks Unlimited. While with Deluxe, I worked in a wide variety of operational, managerial, and senior leadership roles. I was also the Executive Director at TESSA, a local non-profit, served as a campus safety officer at Colorado College, and most recently worked as the plant manager at EduKit. I currently work for the State of Colorado, in the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, as the Business Outreach Specialist, serving El Paso and Teller counties. In addition to my work experience, I have served on numerous, non-profit boards and committees, including the Community Prep School Board of Education. I am also the founder of the RJR Fund for Kidpower. I look forward do to serving the community and the Manitou Springs School District as a member of the Board of Directors. and I look forward to the opportunity to meet with students, parents, staff, and teachers.Manitou Springs resident since 2004. Email  Connie Brachtenbach

Jill Bishop,  Board Vice President (Term 2023-2027)

I have been a district #14 resident since 1996 happily living in sunny Cascade. I have long loved the Manitou Springs School District and take great pride in residing in a school district that values educating the whole child and sees every student as a unique individual. I have been a public-school educator for twenty-five years as both a classroom and elementary art teacher. I have served on multiple education committees both as a teacher and as a parent. As an educator, and a board member, it is my belief that every action must be driven by what is best for kids. My children both attended MSSD#14 kindergarten through twelfth grade. As a teacher and Manitou parent, I was very pleased with the opportunities and education my kids received in district #14. It is my goal as a school board member to ensure current and future Manitou parents can say the same.
Email Jill Bishop

Maggie Santos,  Board Treasure (Term 2023-2027)

I have lived in Manitou Springs since 1999. I moved here specifically so my kids could attend a small school district and have the benefit of a community that revolved around the school. Both of my children went through MSSD kindergarten-12, and it was a wonderful experience. . My father retired after traveling the world with the military and I graduated high school in Colorado Springs. I graduated from Colorado College with a degree in Spanish, and a certificate in secondary education. After teaching and coaching middle/high school, I transitioned to law enforcement where I was a DARE/School Resource Officer, was the supervisor of Sex Crimes/Crimes Against Children and the Internet Crimes Against Children Unit. I became the Director of Campus Safety and Emergency Management for Colorado College. After leaving Colorado College, I have been substitute teaching and coaching Track at MSSD.
Email Maggie Santos

  
Kimberly de La Harpe, Board Director (Term 2025- 2029)

My husband and I have proudly called Manitou Springs home since 2012. Our son attends Manitou Springs Elementary School, and I am deeply grateful to be part of this vibrant and close-knit community. When I am not working, you will find my family and me in our garden, exploring local trails, or chatting with neighbors.

I serve as a Professor of Physics at the United States Air Force Academy and hold a Ph.D. in Chemistry, with a specialization in Physical Chemistry, from The Ohio State University. I am passionate about education and continually seek ways to improve how we teach and inspire the next generation of scientists. I am also committed to community outreach, sharing my love of science through physics demonstrations and educational events in Manitou Springs and beyond.

I am honored and excited to serve our community as a member of the Manitou Springs School District School Board.
Email Kimberly de La Harpe

Kelley Parker, Board Director (Term 2025- 2029)

I have lived in Manitou Springs since 2006 and I can't imagine living anywhere else.  My husband and I moved from Kansas to Colorado specifically to live in Manitou; we fell in love with the beauty, vibrance, and acceptance of this unique community.  After we had kids, our appreciation for Manitou only grew.  Our children's experiences in this district have been exceptional and I'm grateful for the way our schools have helped shape my sons into kind, engaged citizens.  As a past classroom and library volunteer and a member of the District Accountability Committee, I've seen first-hand the way that our schools benefit our students.  I'm excited to be part of our School Board to support families, teachers, and administration.

Email Kelley Parker