The College School represents a unique and exceptional learning environment for children, and the Board works to ensure the mission is preserved and the program grows for years to come. This is accomplished through long-range/strategic direction setting, annual budget and major capital expenditure approval, and the maintenance of governance policies. The Board also employs the Head of School and ensures that they have the support they need to lead the operations of the school.
The Board is composed of 11 to 17 volunteers that can serve up to two consecutive three-year terms. The make-up of the group generally includes current and past parents, TCS alumni, and other community members who bring a diverse mix of skills and backgrounds. The Board executes its work through standing committees (Finance, Development, DE&I, Governance & Executive) – each led and directed by a current board member.
Jessica has over 25 years of experience working in higher education leading operations, managing budgets and leading people. Currently, she leads the compliance and risk efforts at Saint Louis University. Jessica enjoys coaching 6th grade girls’ basketball, hiking/skiing/kayaking and tending to her family’s backyard chicken coop. She is honored to serve the TCS community and sit on the board.

Karl Ashman
Trustee
Karl is a retired Executive Vice President of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. He has an MBA from Washington University. He has two grandchildren, James, who graduated from TCS in 2025, and Frances, a second grader at the school.
Ashley Holmes, MSW, serves as Chief Strategy Officer at Gateway to Hope, a Missouri breast health nonprofit. She brings more than twenty years of experience in nonprofit strategy, program design, and fundraising to the TCS board. Her two very curious and outspoken daughters love attending TCS.
Matthew is the Manager of School Programs and Partnerships at the Missouri Botanical Garden, where he oversees school programs, teacher professional development, teen initiatives, community partnerships, and volunteer engagement. He holds degrees in Elementary Education and Environmental Education and is passionate about helping young people build meaningful connections with the natural world.

Darel Shelton
Faculty Representative
Darel is a Middle School teacher for TCS and sits on the Board of Trustees as the Faculty Representative. Click here to read his full bio.
Carl serves as Head of School and brings more than 20 years of independent school leadership to this role. Click here to read his full bio.















