June 2028

Mary Johnston was born and raised in Ogden. She attended Weber State University for her Bachelor’s degree in English and history. She has a Master’s of Education from WSU as well. Mary earned her Administrator’s Endorsement from Utah State University. Her education experiences were all in WSD. She taught English, drama, speech, and cheerleading at a junior high school. She then went to a high school and taught English for 11 years where she was the drill team and student government adviser.

As a 15-year veteran administrator, Mary was an assistant principal at a high school, principal of a junior high school, and Supervisor of Secondary Education at the district.

After 25 years, she retired from WSD and moved on to teaching at NUAMES as a teacher. She then became principal of HighMark Charter School for 8 years. She was a council member for Washington Terrace for three terms as well.

She is a widow with four adult children, nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.  She has been on SAA Board for nine years.

mjohnston@saacharter.org

June 2027

Neil Garner is a long-time resident of Ogden, Utah. He graduated from Weber State University with a BSN in Nursing and a BS in Health Administration.  He has worked for Intermountain Healthcare for 44 years. He specialized in Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine. Currently specializing in surgical services.  He served for 8 years on the Ogden City Council as an elected official. During this time, he served twice as chair of the council. He served for 12 years on the Weber-Morgan Health Department, during this time he has held the position of chair and vice chair. He served as the chair of the Weber County local homeless coordinating council. He has worked with the youth in the community as a Boy Scout leader and Religious leader. He recently was a recipient of the Silver Beaver Award for outstanding leadership in scouting.

Neil Garner is proud to have been an Ogden citizen where he and his wife Jill happily raised their four children. Neil and has wife Jill currently live in Syracuse, Utah. Neil is a member of the Syracuse city Planning commission. Neil and Jill are proud grandparents and enjoy this phase of their lives. He enjoys volunteering in the community and serving the youth. He and his wife love the outdoors, especially hiking and kayaking in the Uintah mountains.

ngarner@saacharter.org

June 2026

Rene Dreiling was raised in Victoria, Kansas.  Upon graduation from Ft Hays Kansas State University, he entered the U.S. Air Force and was commissioned a 2^nd Lt.   He completed Navigator Flight School and then flew multiple fighter & bomber aircraft.  Rene completed his military career as a headquarters staff officer managing flight training /exercise budgets and developing on-site inspection diagrams for the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty.   After retiring from the military, he was appointed Chief Deputy Treasurer for Sarpy County, Nebraska’s third largest county, where he served for twenty years before retirement.  In addition to his degree from Ft. Hays, Rene has completed an additional bachelor’s degree in accounting from Bellevue University and a master’s in administration from Georgia College & University.  He also graduated from Air Command & Staff College.

Rene is married to Marilyn (Mimi) Dreiling, and they have two adult children, Stephanie, and Mark. Their decision to move to Utah was predicated on being closer to their only grandchild, Katelyn, a former student at Syracuse Arts Academy, and now attending NUAMES. Rene and Mimi both enjoy time with family and friends, travel, reading, and outdoor adventures to include off-roading & kayaking.

Volunteerism has always been part of Rene’s life. He has spent many years serving on boards of the American Diabetes Association Leadership Council, Lions Club, Military Officers Association of America, and Boy Scouts of America. He currently serves as a docent at the Hill Aerospace Museum and the morning crossing guard at Syracuse Arts Academy. He enjoys safeguarding the children on their way to school every morning and greets every child, teacher, and parent with a smile. Rene values a school environment that encourages every child to do their best and achieve all their dreams, and he sees that ideal offered at Syracuse Arts Academy. 

rdreiling@saacharter.org

June 2029

Art Hansen was born and raised in Morgan, Davis and Weber Counties. He graduated from Roy High School. He attended Weber State University where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in German and History. He also earned his Master’s of Education degree at Weber State. He earned his Administrator’s Endorsement from Utah State University. Art taught German and history in Weber School District for 18 years where he was also a head track and field and cross-country coach.

He then became an administrator for the next 18 years in Weber School District and served as a high school assistant principal, a junior high principal, a high school principal, WSD Director of Student Services, Secondary Education Director, and Assistant Superintendent. After 36 years, he retired from Weber School District and became the principal of Syracuse Arts Academy Junior High for two years.

Art is happy to join the Board and has a great passion for Syracuse Arts Academy. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Utah Sports Hall of Fame. He and his wife, Diane, love to travel and have been European tour directors for more than 30 years. They have visited over 30 countries. Art enjoys hiking, fishing, camping, golf, and serving his community. Art and Diane have three children and five grandchildren who all live within a 15 minute drive from their home.

alhansen@saacharter.org

June 2029

Nate Schow was born in Ogden, Utah.  Nate now lives in Clinton, Utah with his wife Chantell and 2 of his 3 children.  Nate attended Weber High School, then Weber State University on a music scholarship where he majored in business management.  Nate graduated with his Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix in 2011.

The most important part of Nate’s life is his family.  Nate is a devoted husband and father.  Nate and his wife Chantell have 3 children, Misha, Taryn and Emeri.  All 3 of Nate’s children attended SAA. 

Throughout his life, Nate has been committed to service. In addition to serving on the SAA board for over 13 years, Nate served for over 9 years as a member and Vice Chair of the Clinton City Planning Commission.  Nate has also served on the Clinton City Board of Adjustments.

For his profession, Nate works in business operations leadership and project management.  Nate currently leads and directs the logistics and customer success teams for a medical technology company.  In business, his passion for people helps him succeed.  He truly believes “people matter”.  Nate is honored to serve on the SAA Board of Directors.

nschow@saacharter.org