Three Local Leaders Assume Officer Roles at Estancia Valley Classical Academy

EDGEWOOD — There are some new faces assuming the top three leadership roles of the Estancia Valley Classical Academy’s Governing Council and they are committed to promoting the school’s mission of proving a free high school education and focusing on a classical curriculum in the humanities, sciences, and arts, with an emphasis on civic virtue and moral character.

After first serving on the school’s council for a year, Michelle Kelton, Katie M. Spaeth, and Angela Holmes have assumed the positions of Secretary, Vice President and President of the tuition-free public charter school, bringing a combined decades of experience in public service, law, and education advocacy to their new roles.

The appointments come as EVCA, which serves kindergarten through 12th-grade students in the East Mountain and Estancia Valley regions, continues to build on its mission of providing a rigorous classical liberal arts education.

Kelton (Secretary), a New Mexico native who has lived in the East Mountains since 2003, currently works as a contractor with the federal Department of Energy. She earned her master’s degree in organization, information, and learning science from the University of New Mexico in 2017.

“The Kelton family has had a student enrolled at EVCA since the doors opened in 2012, including two alumni,” Kelton said. She noted that her primary objective on the council is “growing and improving EVCA to ensure the school can serve future generations in the East Mountains” while maintaining its core mission.

Spaeth (Vice President), an Edgewood resident and practicing attorney, brings a legal background focused on analyzing complex issues, negotiating solutions, and ensuring accountability. As a parent and active community member, Spaeth said her goals include championing transparency, supporting educators, and strengthening student outcomes.

“District decisions must be made with clarity, integrity, and the long-term well-being of students in mind,” Spaeth said, emphasizing her commitment to responsible governance and open communication with families.

Holmes (President), a Realtor and former Department of Defense civilian, joins the board with more than 24 years of experience in leadership, operations, and public service. As a mother of five children—including one EVCA graduate and two current students—she has a personal investment in the school’s academic success.

“I am committed to preserving EVCA’s classical mission, supporting our families and staff, and ensuring the school continues to provide an exceptional education through transparent and thoughtful governance,” Holmes said.

Founded in 2012 by a group of local parents and community members, EVCA was established to offer families in the Estancia, Moriarty, and Edgewood areas an alternative educational model. The school provides a classical curriculum focusing on the humanities, sciences, and arts, with an emphasis on civic virtue and moral character.

As a state-authorized charter school, EVCA is entirely tuition-free. Operating on a public, per-pupil funding formula established by the state of New Mexico, the academy accepts all students regardless of background through an open enrollment and lottery system.

Today, the school serves communities spanning Edgewood, Moriarty, Estancia, Stanley, Tijeras, Sandia Park, Cedar Crest, and the Albuquerque East Mountain areas from its campus in Edgewood.

Interesting in enrolling a student a Estancia Valley Classical Academy? Here’s a link to the enrollment page https://theevca.com/enrollment/