About SVP · Governing Council
The people who keep SVP on track
Five community members volunteer their time to oversee our academics, budget and charter. Every agenda, set of minutes and financial report the council approves is posted here for families and neighbors to read.
What the council does
Direction and oversight, not day-to-day management
The council makes sure SVP's academic program works, that the school stays true to its charter, and that it stays on solid financial footing. Members set policy and approve the budget. Running the school each day is left to our principal and staff.
Meetings follow New Mexico's Open Meetings Act. They usually happen once a month on a Wednesday, and they're open to the public.
Meet the council
Educators, organizers and neighbors
Between them: years in New Mexico classrooms, a term in the state House, and the woman who founded SVP.
Chair · Audit & FinanceBrittney Barreras
Raised in the South Valley and proud of it. Brittney served in the New Mexico House of Representatives after winning her seat in 2020, and she still pushes people to use their voice. She is also mom to Isla.
General MemberBernadette Frietze
Assistant principal at Albuquerque Charter Academy, where she works with students ages 16–21 coming back to school. She sat on this council from 2012 to 2023 before returning.
General MemberJessica Montoya
A gifted itinerant teacher with Bernalillo Public Schools and a former classroom teacher at Mountain Mahogany. Jessica cares as much about how students feel at school as how they test.
Member · FinanceCharlotte Alderete
SVP’s founding head administrator, who led the school from 2009 to 2022. She now coordinates the high school and TOPS program at Albuquerque Sign Language Academy.
General MemberMelissa Toledo-Ontiveros
Directs the Thriving Families Program at the Community Action Agency of Southern New Mexico. She has worked as a school counselor and family therapist, and her family roots run through the South Valley.
Interested in serving?
Seats open up from time to time. If you'd like to be considered, send the council a note and tell us a little about yourself.
Public records
Agendas & minutes
Documents open right here on the page. Looking for something older or can't find a file? Email gc@southvalleyprep.org.
Where the money goes
Financial reports, FY 2025–26
The monthly reports shared with the council, plus any budget adjustment requests (BARs) that came with them.