After 31 years in public education, Lance Menster, Managing Director of Elementary at YES Prep, is stepping into retirement with a legacy that will continue shaping the future of students for generations to come. His journey—from a young boy in a small town in Iowa who dreamed of becoming a teacher to a visionary leader responsible for building YES Prep’s elementary program from the ground up—is nothing short of extraordinary. 

When Lance joined YES Prep, the idea of an elementary program was just that—an idea. No buildings, no students, no curriculum. But through his leadership, passion, and unwavering dedication, YES Prep’s elementary schools have grown from a vision into a thriving reality, currently serving students across nine campuses. His belief in the power of education, equity, and opportunity has not only transformed the student experience but has also paved the way for a seamless pre-K through 12th-grade pathway—something that once seemed like a distant dream. 

His impact is evident in the carefully designed elements of YES Prep’s elementary schools: a strong foundation in early literacy through high-quality pre-K programs, a bilingual education that empowers students with biliteracy in English and Spanish, and the creation of vibrant school libraries that foster a lifelong love of reading. More than that, he has built a community—a team of educators who share his passion for excellence and equity, and a culture of joy and resilience that defines YES Prep’s elementary program today. 

But Lance’s legacy isn’t just measured by the number of schools opened or programs launched. It’s reflected in the thousands of students whose lives have been forever changed because of his vision. It’s in the teachers and leaders he has mentored, the countless “aha” moments in classrooms, and the future Senior Signing Days where students who began their journeys as YES Prep SPARKS will declare where they are heading for college. 

As he steps away, Lance does so with pride, gratitude, and confidence that the work he helped start will only continue to grow. He leaves behind a foundation that will support students for years to come and a lasting reminder that one person’s dream can transform the future for so many. 

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Colleagues Reflect: Stories and Memories from Those Who Worked Alongside Him 

We wanted to share reflections from colleagues and leaders who have had the privilege of working alongside Lance—honoring his impact, sharing cherished memories, and celebrating the incredible journey that has led to this moment. 

A Leader Who Led With Collaboration and Care 

For those who have worked alongside Lance Menster, one thing has always been clear—his leadership was never about him. It was about the collective, the shared vision, and the unwavering commitment to students. Elizabeth Carlson-Young, who worked closely with Lance from the earliest days of YES Prep’s elementary schools, recalls his unique ability to bring people together, ensuring that every challenge was met as a team. 

 

“Lance cares for his team by spending a lot of time doing the work with people,” she shared. “He is always willing to sit down and collaborate. It has always felt like this on the elementary schools' team, this work is all of our work. Not just Lance’s work, or my work, or the Head of Schools' work—all of our work.” 

From late-night planning sessions to early Saturday morning work blocks where he made himself available to problem-solve alongside his team, Lance’s dedication went beyond the traditional expectations of leadership. He ensured that not only were students positioned for success, but so were the educators and leaders who served them. 

Beyond his collaborative spirit, Lance brought a sense of joy and humor to his work. Whether dressing up as The Cat in the Hat for a leadership summit, shaking maracas while reading to students, or even sitting on the floor with kindergarteners on the first day of school, helping ease their nerves, his presence was one of warmth, encouragement, and energy. 

But perhaps one of the greatest lessons he leaves behind is his ability to see students not just for where they are, but for where they can go. 

“Lance looks at our students’ data through the lens of hope,” Elizabeth reflected. “He always sees opportunity. He always talks about what our students can do. And that’s powerful.” 

Through his leadership, Lance ensured that YES Prep’s elementary schools weren’t just about academics—they were about fostering confidence, belonging, and the belief that every student, given the right tools and support, could thrive. His ability to focus on what mattered most—students’ success and well-being—will continue shaping YES Prep’s elementary program for years to come. 

A Visionary Who Led With Heart and Determination 

Michelle LaFlure, one of YES Prep’s first-ever elementary school principals, describes Lance’s leadership as not only visionary but deeply personal. 

“He has absolutely had a long-lasting impact on me, on North Central Elementary, and on all of our elementary schools,” Michelle shared. “Lance not only had the vision of what elementary should look like and the expertise, but he also was the kind of person who was just on the ground with you.” 

Launching elementary schools was a challenge in itself—but launching them in the middle of a global pandemic added layers of uncertainty and hardship that few leaders had ever encountered. Through it all, Lance remained steady, ensuring that every decision—whether about curriculum, student safety, or classroom structures—was grounded in what was best for people. 

“I always felt as a leader that Lance saw me first as a person,” Michelle reflected. “He cared about me as a person first. And when he was making decisions, I always knew they were grounded in his love for people.” 

That people-first mentality extended beyond his leadership style—it shaped the very structure of YES Prep’s elementary schools. From bringing in a variety of stakeholders to help select curriculum to ensuring every elementary student had access to enrichment courses, intervention support, and a strong foundation in literacy and math, Lance built systems that allowed students and teachers alike to thrive. 

“He founded the work that still makes an impact today,” Michelle said. “The structures he put in place—the expert content teams, the way we analyze data, the belief that all students should be held to high expectations—those things aren’t just part of our schools now, they’re part of our DNA.” 

But beyond the policies and frameworks, Lance’s influence was felt in the connections he built. Michelle fondly recalled how he often stopped by North Central Elementary, bringing a box of cookies to share as they talked through challenges and celebrated progress. 

“There were a lot of times I cried with him that first year,” she admitted. “But Lance gave me a lot of grace, a lot of encouragement—and a lot of cookies. And that really helped me get through those harder times into where I am today.” 

His legacy will not just be remembered in the administrative decisions or academic milestones but in the relationships he nurtured and the belief he instilled in those around him. Whether hosting celebrations in his home, bringing his team together for meaningful moments, or simply making time for one-on-one conversations, Lance’s leadership was defined by his ability to connect, uplift, and inspire. 

And the impact of that leadership will only grow. With each new class of elementary students advancing to middle school and beyond, the ripple effect of Lance’s work will be seen in their confidence, readiness, and achievements. 

“He’s made such a huge difference already,” Michelle said. “And as more and more of our elementary students move into their secondary schools, we’re only going to see his impact expand in ways we can’t even measure yet.” 

A Leader Who Made the Hard Work Feel Possible 

Terrence Andrews, who worked with Lance at both HISD and YES Prep, recalls the steadiness that defined his leadership. 

"No matter how difficult the situation, Lance never showed fear. If he was nervous, we never saw it. And because of that, even when I felt anxious, just looking at him and seeing how calm he was helped put my mind at ease, too."  

In the most challenging moments, Lance had a way of making the impossible feel possible. Whether it was launching elementary schools in a pandemic or preparing for a major shift in state testing, his leadership brought confidence, clarity, and an unwavering belief that, together, his team could rise to the challenge. 

That sense of calm wasn’t just a leadership style—it was a mindset he instilled in his team. When YES Prep was preparing for the implementation of the redesigned STAAR assessment in 2022, the weight of the challenge was palpable. As the team of principals and district leaders sat together, their concerns rising, Lance could feel the tension. But instead of letting fear take over, he reminded them of something simple, yet profound: 

"This is hard," he said. "But we can do hard things." 

For Terrence, that moment became a defining memory of Lance’s leadership. It wasn’t just about problem-solving—it was about resilience, about trusting in the strength of the team, and about believing in the power of perseverance. It’s a lesson that Terrence carries with him to this day, both in his work and in life. 

Beyond his ability to lead through challenges, Lance had a gift for ensuring that every voice was heard. His team knew that when they shared an idea, a concern, or a new approach, Lance was truly listening. 

"Being a part of Lance’s team has been an incredible experience," Terrence shared. "Whenever I spoke with him, I felt heard. He invited all voices to the table, and he always gave the best guidance imaginable." 

That ability to bring people together—to foster collaboration, to build confidence, to remind his team that they could tackle even the hardest of challenges—is what makes his legacy so powerful. 

"He reminded us that we won’t always get it right—and that’s okay," Terrence reflected. "What matters is that we keep showing up for our students. And that’s something I will carry with me always." 

Reflections from CEO Mark DiBella 

A Vision That Will Shape Generations to Come 

Some leaders leave an impact that can be measured in years. Others—like Lance Menster—leave a legacy that will shape generations. 

YES Prep CEO Mark DiBella remembers the very first conversation he had with Lance over coffee, long before the first elementary school had been built. 

"I walked away from that interview, and I said to Nella Garcia Urban, who was then our Chief Program Officer, ‘We have to hire this guy.’ He has a vision for where YES Prep needs to go with elementary schools, and we have to do whatever it takes to get him here." 

That vision, once just words spoken across a table, is now a reality that stretches across nine campuses—and is still growing. But what makes Lance’s legacy so profound is that its full impact has only begun to unfold. 

"We’re starting to see the impact as our first cohorts of elementary students move into sixth grade," Mark shared. "But the real impact is still 10 years in the future. When kids who joined us in pre-K go all the way through YES Prep and come out college-ready in a way we’ve never seen before—that’s when we’ll see the full power of what Lance has built." 

That’s the mark of a true visionary. Someone who not only lays a foundation but ensures it’s strong enough to support the future. 

As Lance steps into retirement, his legacy will continue to grow. The schools he helped build, the students he empowered, and the educators he mentored will all carry his work forward—ensuring that the seeds he planted will flourish for decades to come. 

"Lance, thank you for creating this firm foundation for YES Prep Elementary," Mark said. "I’m deeply grateful for you, and I know the best is yet to come." 

Honoring a Legacy That Lives On 

Lance Menster’s impact at YES Prep is immeasurable. From a visionary plan laid out over coffee to a thriving elementary program that will prepare generations of students for success, his work has forever shaped the future of YES Prep. 

But more than the schools he helped build, Lance will be remembered for the heart and humanity he brought to the work. His leadership was defined not just by his ability to solve problems or execute a plan—but by his deep care for people, his ability to make the hardest challenges feel possible, and his unwavering belief in what students and educators can achieve. 

As we celebrate his retirement, we do so with gratitude, admiration, and the certainty that his legacy will live on in every student, every school, and every future graduate who began their journey as a YES Prep Spark. 

Lance, congratulations on an incredible career. You will always be a part of YES Prep’s story.