The School Board acts as the governing body of the International School of Djibouti. This team is made up of a diverse group of educational and regional experts. ISD is excited about the group of professionals brought together to make the school function and grow in quality and relevance to the Djiboutian context. Participation on the School Board is voluntary and board members receive no compensation for their investment in education for Djibouti.
Thomas Jones, Ph.D., Board member
School Director Dr. Thomas Jones is passionate about and committed to developing quality educational opportunities in the Horn of Africa. He believes that when children thrive at school, their families will also thrive and the future of entire communities will be positively impacted.
Dr. Jones has been at the forefront of educational development in the Horn of Africa for the past twelve years. He completed his doctoral studies in International Educational Leadership and Development with a specialization on the Horn of Africa and continues to pursue the latest knowledge in education through research in the region.
Lucy Johnson - Board member
Lucy is originally from the UK and graduated from Cambridge University with a Masters of Engineering in Sustainable Building Design. Following that she went to Oxford University and obtained a PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate of Education). Having taught science in a secondary school in the UK, specialising in A-level (AP) Physics and Electronics, she moved to Sudan. In Sudan she taught Year 6 (5th Grade) at a International School, and oversaw the Primary Science curriculum. She also volunteered at a residential programme for teenage street boys, and was involved in some other educational projects including a school start-up. She now lives in Djibouti with her husband and children. All three of her children are students at ISD. She is particularly interested in literacy and building design.
linda b. bruce, ed.d - board member
Dr. Bruce worked as a teacher educator for the Regis University, College of Professional Studies program and the University of Colorado, Denver, Urban Community Teacher Education program. In these programs she instructed and supervised pre-service teachers. She also facilitated a university-school partnership in an elementary school of predominately second language learners. Prior to this, she taught French in public and private schools. Her doctoral studies focused on teaching practices to foster students' intrinsic motivation. She consulted for REI in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, 2001-2003. She is currently serving her second term as member of the REI Board of Directors.
Dr. Bruce currently lives in Denver, Colorado, with her husband, Karl Bruce. Their two grown children and five grandchildren also live in the Denver Metro area.
John Nordmeyer - Board Member
John Nordmeyer has worked in education and development in Africa for over 30 years. Projects he directs have influenced the livelihood outcomes of thousands of refugees, at risk children and women, and internally displaced peoples. He has four children that he and his wife, Lorraine have raised in Djibouti. He contributes to ISD with his significant experience with non-profit work, logistics and shipping, and wisdom in relationship with local government.
rachel jones - board member
Rachel Jones is a prolific writer. She has raised her three children in Djibouti and contributes to ISD through marketing and first hand knowledge of expatriate life in Djibouti. Her blog, "Djibouti Jones" is a go to resource for English speaking people to access knowledge about life and work in the region.
Ayanne hassan omar - board member
Ayanne Omar is an adviser to the President of Djibouti for educational development and research. She has been instrumental in promoting the school to key local stakeholders and advising on the process of initiating private education in Djibouti. She plays a key role in the school's ongoing leadership and development.
Abdikarim hersi - Board member
Mr. Abdikarim Ahmed Hersi has been a teacher for over ten years, and a teacher educator for over five years. He is currently the only English Inspector of the Djiboutian Ministry of Education. He was also a member of the curriculum design team and later became the team leader for English textbook writing in Djibouti. Under his leadership, several educational reforms have been implemented, and specifically the English language in Djibouti has been given momentum. Mr. Hersi is a researcher of teaching methodologies, and has published articles in academic journals. He advocates for inclusive education. He has also been very active in organizing civil societies and has represented his country in both regional and international networks. He has been a member of the steering committee of ECOSOCC-AU, the highest non-state actors’ entity which is an advisory group to the African Union commissions.