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School Board Info

HPA Board of Directors

The High Point Academy Board of Directors is made up of nine officials who are either elected or appointed. Board positions are staggered two-year terms with seats up for election each spring. Those who serve on the school board are either elected by parents, High Point Academy faculty and staff, or are appointed by current members. Each family of an enrolled student at High Point Academy receives one vote per the number of children enrolled at the school.

Those who serve on the Board do so because they care about providing quality education for students. The Board of Directors asks for your support in meeting our shared goal of educational excellence at High Point Academy. Most regularly scheduled board meetings are on the fourth Monday of the month, at 6:00 P.M. and are open to the public. All discussions are held in the open, except for executive sessions. Meetings are held in the HPA Board Room on the campus.

Current Board Members:

Rob Gouge

Rob Gouge
Board Chair
[email protected]

Rob Gouge brings a “big picture” idea to the High Point Academy Board of Directors. His passion for doing things in the right manner drives his desire to lead our school into the future. He believes his ability to apply practical knowledge and wisdom to situations will help create better relationships throughout the school and our community. Rob enjoys interacting with people and connecting with them on a personal level. Mr. Gouge is a pastor and works to teach and share God’s word. Rob is a native of Hampstead, Maryland, and has lived in both Carolinas; however, he now calls Spartanburg home. He says this is his favorite place to live because of its proximity to “so many great places and things to do.” He’s been happily married to his wife Sharon for 28 years. The couple has two children Josiah, and Lauren. Josiah was part of High Point Academy’s inaugural 2018 graduating class and now attends North Greenville University. Lauren is a junior at HPA. In his spare time, Rob enjoys cooking, gardening, and remodeling. His favorite vacation spot is the Smoky Mountains.

Denia Brown

Denia Brown

Denia aims to bring her leadership experience and strong communication skills to “make sure all teachers and administrators are certified and highly qualified for the respected positions so they can provide the best instructions to learners.” As a part of the Board of Directors, she also strives to help see all HPA students succeed by providing academic resources and opportunities. Mrs. Brown joined the HPA Board of Directors in 2017. She is a native of Spartanburg County and has spent a lifetime in the field of Education. She holds principal certifications in both the elementary and high school levels. Denia spent most of her career teaching English Language Arts to young people inside the public school system. Currently, she works for a nonprofit organization training adult caregivers who work with special needs individuals. Happily married for 11 years and a mother of four, Denia enjoys spending time with her family, especially traveling and taking cruises.

Ann Marie Israel

Ann Marie Israel
Treasurer
[email protected]

Ann Marie Israel looks to bring an analytical style of reasoning and effectiveness to the HPA Board of Directors. Her professional success has come with multiple start-up businesses. Currently, she manages the operations, human resources, and marketing campaigns for a five-store clothing chain. She believes her financial experience will allow her to look at things from an operational standpoint and understand its impact on the organization as a whole. Ann Marie is passionate about bringing the very best educators to High Point Academy and equipping them with the resources and tools they need to succeed in the classroom. She attended Wofford College and grew up in Spartanburg County. Ann Marie and her husband Brent have been married for 20 years and have two sons, who attend HPA, and a yellow lab named Charlie. On vacation, you will most likely find Ann Marie and her family in the South Carolina Low Country. Ann Marie says she is a true “boy mom” and spends many weekends at soccer games or volunteering in her local Cub Scout Troop.

Broncher Hosley

Broncher Hosley

In her career dedicated to education, Broncher endeavored to make sure each student left her class performing far above the average academic level. Mrs. Hosley is passionate about helping children set goals and achieve them. She uses her gifts of motivation and encouragement to that end, insisting they can accomplish anything to which they set their mind. Mrs. Hosley grew up in Spartanburg but has lived in Greenville, and Princess Anne, MD. She loves to vacation in Charleston, and her hobbies include reading and crocheting. 

Derek Hawk

Derek Hawk
Board Member
[email protected]

Originally from Southeastern Michigan, Derek Hawk now calls Spartanburg his home and is excited to be a part of the High Point Academy family. He aims to bring a dedication of service to all families at HPA. Derek makes a living as a Certified Financial Planner. He believes his strength is “studying the numbers and situations to summarize and find a workable solution to problems.” Each day, Derek’s goal is to help families prepare and plan for the future. He hopes to bring that same passion to High Point Academy. Derek and his wife, Elizabeth, have five beautiful children, four of which attend HPA. They enjoy spending family time together on the coast of North Carolina at Holden Beach. In his spare time, Derek enjoys spending time weightlifting and mountain biking. 

Scott Taylor

Scott Taylor
Board Member
[email protected]

Scott brings an analytical mind to the board to interpret data and apply it to “real world” situations for practical solutions. He is an advocate for students and believes all children should have an opportunity for quality education. Taylor has a background in electrical and computer engineering and has most of his career in the printing industry's IT field. Mr. Taylor is a lifelong resident of Spartanburg County and is a proud graduate of Clemson University. He is happily married and has one daughter who loves attending HPA. Scott is an active member of his church and enjoys making new memories and sharing new experiences with his wife and daughter. In his spare time, Scott enjoys collecting antique radios, photography and is an avid car enthusiast. 

Matt Nestberg

Matt Nestberg
Board Member
[email protected]

With a degree in Education, Matt is passionate about caring for people and nurturing relationships. A strategic thinker, he endeavors to face challenges and conflicts in a way that builds others up and creates opportunities to find healing and resolution. His desire for HPA is to create an environment for students and teachers alike to grow in their relationships and foster a sense of community. Matt has lived in the Upstate his entire life and is married to Katie. They have three children, Jake, Molly, and Andy. They love to travel, especially to the American West and the National Parks. Matt enjoys roasting coffee, reading, hunting, gardening, and also cares for honeybees. Matt is currently the Pastor of Counseling Ministries at North Hills Church in Taylors.  

Jimmy Blaser

Embedded Image for: Jimmy Blaser (2020914163251174_image.jpg)
Board Member
[email protected]

Genna-Jo Parker

Genna-Jo Parker
Board Member
[email protected]

Genna-Jo brings a passion for loving others to the High Point Academy Board of Directors. She is dedicated to working as a collaborative unit to achieve whatever is needed for our school's students, staff, and families. She brings an attention detail and a sharp sense of organization to the board. In most cases, Genna-Jo says she likes to think things through before making a decision. She also strives to see things from all perspectives. Genna-Jo is originally from Virginia but moved to the Upstate of South Carolina during her childhood. She has three children, including a 19-year-old step-son who currently serves in the U.S. Marine Corp. One of her favorite experiences is visiting the African safari. Genna-Jo enjoys going to concerts, volunteering, and going to Clemson Football games in her spare time. She also recently took up competing in triathlons.