Highland Hall Waldorf School Board of Trustees Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Since we have no headmaster or principal—who’s in charge of the school?
A: Highland Hall Waldorf School is a non-profit organization incorporated in the state of California. The school’s bylaws designate the Board of Trustees as the body that is “in charge” in the sense that the Board has responsibility for the school’s programs, students, faculty and its overall well being. Of course, the Board cannot possibly attend to even a fraction of the day-to-day operations of a school, so it delegates authority to the administration and the faculty of the school. The Board gives administrative authority to the Administrative Director (AD), who is hired by the Board of Trustees. The Board gives the Leadership Team (LT) the authority to act on behalf of the faculty and the pedagogical program of the school. The faculty and staff choose the members of the Leadership Team.

Q: So, exactly what does the Board of Trustees do?
A: The Board of Trustees establishes policies and provides oversight to the Administrative Director (AD) and Leadership Team (LT), to whom it has delegated the actual day-to-day running of the school. The Board governs through policies which set limits in various areas, such as school finances, contracting of services, hiring/employment policies, conduct, programs, etc., within which the AD and LT have flexibility in how they manage every area of the school and its programs. In its oversight role, the Board monitors overall performance, refining or creating policies as necessary, and intervening directly only when circumstances require immediate action to safeguard the school legally, financially, and with regard to its overall mission.
Other responsibilities of the Board include the Ends or “mission” of the school, strategic planning, and long-term initiatives such as the building projects.

Q: How does the Board tell if their policies are being followed?
A: The governance structure the Board has adopted is based on the Carver Policy Governance Model, and adapted for Highland Hall’s needs. Policy Governance includes a requirement for scheduled reporting by the Administrative Director (AD) and Leadership Team (LT). The AD and LT use these monthly monitoring and key indicator reports to inform the Board whether the activities of the school are in compliance with the established policies. If activities are not in compliance, the AD and/or LT also provide plans for corrective measures.

Q: How often does the Board meet?
A: Scheduled Board meetings are held monthly, year-round. Additional meetings are common, and held as necessary, either by the whole Board or smaller work groups tasked with specific projects.

Q: That sounds like it could be a lot of work. How much are Board members paid?
A: Board members are volunteers and are not paid for their service. The school operating budget does provide for a take-out dinner for each meeting as a convenience to Board members.

Q: How do people get on to the Board?
A: The Board elects its members according to the corporate bylaws, the ultimate legal document defining the “constitution” of Highland Hall. Board members may be current or alumni parents, members of the faculty, or individuals outside the school community. A majority of members must not be employed by the school. Prospective members are vetted after being brought to the attention of the Board in a number of ways:
· By their service to the school community through their participation as an officer on the Parent Association or other working groups, such as Annual Giving or the Development Committee, among others.
· Recommendations by teachers, the Leadership Team, or parents.
· Having professional expertise or other experience that aligns with the school’s needs.

Q: How do I recommend someone to be considered as a Board member?
A: You may send your recommendation via email to boardoftrustees@highlandhall.org and include the following information:
· The name of the person
· If a parent, in which class(es)
· Brief statement explaining why you are recommending them
· Your own name and contact information
The Board will contact you for further details about your recommendation.

Q: How are Board members vetted?
A: The Board strives to insure that it elects members who are committed to supporting Waldorf education, the success of Highland Hall in providing an excellent education to its students, and the health of the school community, while bringing their unique abilities to the Board. The Board is also mindful to insure that prospective (and current) members have the capacity to take on the demands of board work in addition to their careers and family life. Some of the areas considered include:
· Standing in the community in regard to relations with parents and teachers and/or colleagues
· Standing in regard to business dealings with the school
· Participation in the school community, including leadership bodies (P.A.), committees, events
· Willingness to serve in accordance with Board Code of Conduct
· Willingness to put the school’s interests before one’s own
· Overall balance of the Board membership

It sometimes happens that not all the stars align, and perfectly wonderful, capable individuals are not invited to the Board. It also happens occasionally that a prospective board member declines an invitation to join.

Q: Why are elections for board members not based on a community vote?
A: Highland Hall’s founders incorporated the school as a non-profit with a “board-only” structure, which mandates, through the bylaws, that the Board appoint its own members/successors.

Q: Are the bylaws and other governance documents available to parents?
A: Yes, a copy of the bylaws and Policy Governance Manual are available for review in the school office.

Q: Can I communicate directly with the Board if I have a problem at the school?
A: The Board recommends that you contact the Administrative Director for administrative and school business issues, and the Leadership Team for pedagogical issues, which includes all programs and classroom issues. The Board may be contacted if your issue involves the Administrative Director or Leadership Team. You can write to the Board via email to boardoftrustees@highlandhall.org or mail to the school to the attention of the Board of Trustees.