MEET THE FOUNDERS

    THE SAVANT STORY​

    In 2011, Eva, Jea, and Jeannette formed a working relationship that would later manifest into a genuine bond and the creation of Savant Prep, an up-and-coming charter school in San Bernardino, rooted in financial literacy and entrepreneurship. Throughout the years, they acquired the knowledge and confidence to establish a successful charter school. 

    The plan to begin the work was birthed in the winter of 2016 and they submitted their charter on November 13, 2017. On March 20, 2018, their petition was approved by the San Bernardino City Unified School District and Savant Prep opened its doors for the first year of operation on September 4, 2018. Savant, a name synonymous with scholar, intellectual, sage, etc., started the school year with transitional kindergarten to second grade.Every year the school will grow a grade level until it reaches sixth grade in 2022. It provides a distinctive educational opportunity for children that focuses on financial literacy and entrepreneurship. The school implemented the Never Too Young: Personal Finance for Young Learners curriculum, developed by The Council for Economic Education, to teach students skills such as credit, money management, budget, and philanthropy. Savant is dedicated to making sure that all students experience academic success and are prepared to become the future leaders of San Bernardino city. Savant would not have been possible without the support of the community. The ladies pay homage to all of the programs and local heroes who have paved the way for them to become successful leaders, and they will pay it forward though continued service to the children and families of the Inland Empire.

    EVA TILLMAN

    Principal

    Eva Tillman is a credentialed teacher who has been teaching in San Bernardino since 2011. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from California State University, Long Beach and obtained both a teaching credential and master’s degree in educational administration from California State University, San Bernardino. She is a founding member for Savant Preparatory Academy of Business and brings seven years of educational experience and accomplishments. She has been recognized as Teacher of the Year from Students First, a Community Builder from Black Voice News, an Outstanding Technology Educator by the San Bernardino City Unified School District, and humbly honored for her “dedicated service in the education of youth” by New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. Within Savant Prep’s first successful year, the team was also awarded with community service awards from the Lily of the Valley and the Eta Nu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
    Eva has experience in quality lesson design, student engagement, analyzing student data and outcomes, improvement processes, and staff development and assessment. Since 2014, she has volunteered her time to tutoring students in her community after school and, as a result, has developed Savant Prep, a free, public charter school authorized by the San Bernardino City Unified School District in March of 2018 . Eva is determined to use her work in education to make a lasting impact on the lives of students and families so future generations may further the development of her beloved San Bernardino community.

    JEA REESE

    Director of Operations

    Jea Reese obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education and Public Policy from Ashford University. As a visionary leader with excellent management skills and knack for directing school operations, Mrs. Reese has been helping charter schools reach their full potential for over 10 years. Jea has served in many different capacities from administrative assistant to office manager. As the Director of Operations, she leverages her excellent leadership skills and teamwork skills in order to ensure that objectives are completed on time.
    With her knowledge, experience and passion for the mission and vision, Savant Preparatory Academy of Business’s daily operations run smoothly because of Mrs. Reese. She oversees facility management. Human resources, student admissions, information and technology, branding, credentialing, procurement and administration operations. Having spent much of her career working in charter schools, Jea has extensive experience leading organizational teams and transformative projects. Professionally, she has managed general and administrative expenses, analytics, finances, and compliance agreements. Jea’s professional exposure has been the foundation of her credible background as she demonstrates proficiency in various accounting and enterprise resource systems.
    As a member of the community, Jea takes ownership and responsibility for making sure that students in San Bernardino are reaching their full potential and achieving academic excellence.

    JEANNETTE BALCAZAR

    Director of Curriculum and Instruction

    Jeannette Balcazar obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies from University of California, Riverside and obtained both a teaching credential and master’s degree in education from University of Phoenix. She completed another master’s degree in educational administration at California State University, San Bernardino. She is a founding member for Savant Preparatory Academy of Business and has seven years of experience in education. She is a credentialed teacher who has been teaching in San Bernardino since 2012.
    Jeannette is a strong advocate of hands-on, inquiry-based learning, involves her students in a variety of community service, problem-solving, and technology-infused activities that provide them with opportunities to become an educated person in the twenty-first century. After Savant Prep’s first successful year, the team was awarded with community service awards from the Lily of the Valley and the Eta Nu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She is committed to working extensively and effectively in her hometown community of San Bernardino to provide students with the tools to become successful scholars in the years to come.