West Side Montessori School

West Side Montessori School
Governance and Organization

BOARD OF TRUSTEES


The primary responsibility of the Board of Trustees is to see that the School operates in the best interests of its students, teachers, and parents. The Board sets the purpose and policies of the School, ensures its financial stability, plans for its future, and hires the Head of School. The Head of School, Mimi Basso, is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the School.

 

TRUSTEES: 2008-2009


Mimi Basso, Head of School
Jim Blaney
Natalie Danner, Faculty Representative
Marie M. Dugan
Alex Evans, Vice President
Sue Foley, Secretary
Charles Harkless
Peter Howell
Lisa Kohl, Vice President
Phil Korologos, President
Alicia McGill, PA Co-President
Michael Moran
Jennifer Morrissey, PA Co-President
Renan Pierre
Raul Pineda, Treasurer
Barbara Root
Beth Savage
Thomas Sebok
Alex Southwell
Valda Witt, Vice President
 
 

 


The Board meets approximately five times during the school year. There are generally eighteen Trustees. Fifteen are elected by parents and staff; they serve a three-year term with five positions filled each year. A Faculty Trustee is elected by the teachers for a two-year term. The Head of School and the PA President serve as Ex Officio Trustees. The Board also appoints additional members as needed.

Most of the Board's work is done by committee. Committees explore issues and develop recommendations for consideration and action by the Board:

  • The Executive Committee consists of the officers of the Board and the Head of School. It provides guidance and makes decisions on matters requiring immediate action.
  • The Finance Committee is responsible for budgets, financial reports, and management of the School's finances.
  • The Development Committee develops and implements fund raising goals and campaigns.
  • The Communications Committee strengthens the communication outreach to parents and the broader community.
  • The Nominating Committee canvasses the School community to find potential candidates for Board vacancies and conducts the annual election of Trustees.
  • The Trustee Committee facilitates governance issues, recruits potential Trustees and is responsible for the Board and Head of School's evaluation processes.

Committee membership (except for Executive and Finance Committees) is not limited to members of the Board. Parents and teachers provide valuable help by their involvement in the work of the Board. Parents interested in serving on a committee should contact the President of the Board.

Any person desiring to bring a matter before the Board of Trustees should initially discuss it with the Head of School. If this cannot be done, it should be brought to the attention of the President of the Board of Trustees or to another member of the Executive Committee. It will then be the responsibility of the Executive Committee to see that the matter is given proper consideration. Only in very unusual circumstances are matters brought directly to the Board of Trustees without first being considered by the appropriate committee.