Board of Trustees

Dean Elliot - Chairperson

Dean Elliott is Director of Governmental Affairs for Dillard's, Inc., where he is responsible for advocating of behalf Dillard's at the Federal, State, and local levels of government. He has represented the residents of Maumelle in various capacities since November of 1996 when he was appointed to the Maumelle City Board of Directors. Dean was elected to the Arkansas House of Representatives in November of 1998, where he served on the Transportation Committee, the Revenue and Tax Committee and was Vice Chair of the State Agencies Committee.

Dean has been active in increasing the educational opportunities in Maumelle since first serving on the Educational Task Force formed by the City of Maumelle in 1997 and then transitioned to the Academics Plus Board of Directors when the school became a reality.

J. E. Jess Sweere - Vice Chairperson

J. E. Jess Sweere is a labor relations, employment, commercial & corporate, and transportation attorney having been admitted in 2005 to practice in Arkansas and United States District Courts, Eastern and Western Districts of Arkansas and the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. Mr. Sweere is an alumnus of the University of Arkansas having graduated in 1988 with a BSBA in Transportation. Further, Jess received is Doctorate of Jurisprudence with honors in 2005 from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock School of Law, where he was an Associate Research Editor for the UALR Law Review; and, 2004-2005 Law Review Member of the Year. Trustee Sweere is an active member of the American Bar Association (including Labor and Employment Division), Rotary Club of Maumelle, Arkansas Bar Association, Pulaski County Bar Association, Transportation Law Association and the Arkansas Trucking Association. Prior Jess's posts include 18 years management experience in the trucking and logistics industry.

Luke Ribich - Treasurer

Luke Ribich is Managing Partner of the Avionics & Systems Integration Group, LLC (ASIG), where he is responsible for day-to-day operating activities, sales and marketing, program management, production, customer support and exacts a special expertise in avionics engineering, installation and certification management. Mr. Ribich has 15 years avionics and airframe related experience. Prior, Mr. Ribich managed Aircraft & Systems Modifications for Air Transport International and has held positions of increasing responsibility including avionics mechanic, avionics installer, inspector, line mechanic, lead mechanic, shift supervisor, program coordinator, and avionics manager for airline and repair station employers. Mr. Ribich has completed study requirements with Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in the university's B.S. Management of Technical Operations program.

Cynthia Scheuerman - Secretary

Cynthia Scheuerman is a teacher in the state of Arkansas currently and holds a valid certificate in Florida. As an elementary classroom teacher she wears many hats on a daily basis i.e. teacher, administration team member, district trainer for new teachers into the field of education, psychologist, nurse, disciplinarian, and when needed parent. Mrs. Scheuerman has 18 years of classroom teaching. Mrs. Scheuerman has taught in Duval County School District in Jacksonville, Fl., North Little Rock School District and Pulaski County Special School District both in North Little Rock, AR. Mrs. Scheuerman earned her Bachelors Degree from the University of Florida, and finishing her Masters Degree in Instructional Technology from the same institution.

Keith Robinson - Member, City Appointee

Keith Robinson is a Board Certified Entomologist who specializes in urban and industrial entomology.  He has spent the last 16+ years studying termites and other insects that invade homes and buildings.    He is the owner / operator of OPTIMAL PEST SOLUTIONS, Inc.

Keith has been married for over 17 years to Laura Robinson (his high school sweetheart) and they have two daughters.  Faith who is 13 years old and Lauren who is 10 years old.  Both are students at Academics Plus Charter School.

Keith and his family have lived in Maumelle since March of 2005.  They are active members of New Life Church as well as event Chairs for the 2008 Maumelle “Relay for Life” which  supports  the  efforts and mission of the American Cancer Society . 

Jann Keesee - Member, City Appointee

Jann Keesee of EXIT One Realty in Maumelle spent over thirty years in retail sales and merchandising, handling everything from marketing and managing to owning and operating. In 2006, she gave up the long hours and stressful setting to become a REALTOR for EXIT Realty in Maumelle.

Jann is a Maumelle resident and mother of three grown children- Lanae, Amy and Jason- and grandmother to Briana, Whitney and Chance.

Ms. Keesee is a member of the National Association of REALTORS, the Arkansas REALTORS Association, the Little Rock REALTORS Association and the Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce. Jann received the EXIT Maumelle's Rookie of the Year award in 2006 and is a graduate of Leadership Maumelle, as well as donating time to her community as a Board Member for the Academics Plus Charter School.

Vacancy - Member, Elected

The APCS Board of Trustees is currently taking nominations to fill an Elected Boardmember position vacated by Mr. David Dowers in May 2008. Interested parties should notify Mr. Jake Honea (District Superintendent) or Dr. Buster Lackey (School Principal) of their own intent to be considered.