What is it like to be on the school board?

By Kelley Toole, Board Member
 
Elections for new board members will take place at the Board meeting on 16 April, with nominations due by 26 March.  Being on the board is a great way to get more involved in the school.  If you are thinking about standing, but not sure what being on the board involves, then read on.  Feel free to have a chat with any of the board members also.
 
What does the school board do?
The board looks at the long-term direction of the school, including vision, finances, building etc.  It does not get involved in the day to day running of the school, which is the job of the director and staff.
 
What is the make-up of the school board?
The board has seven members. The chair and one other member are appointed by the US Ambassador.  Two elected members must be from the US Embassy community and the remaining three are elected from the general parent community.  Board terms last for two years.  This year four of the five elected positions are up for election.
 
How much time does it take?
Board meetings are just once a month during the school year (generally a Monday evening).  There is usually some reading/prep work.  Board members also generally participate on two board committees each (Governance, Finance and/or Building). The committees each meet about once a month (in the morning after school drop-off).  So, it works out to about an hour a week (yes, that’s all!).
 
What is a board meeting like?
Board meetings are very business-like with diverse views expressed but in a collegial atmosphere.  Come along and see for yourself! All board meetings start with an open session that members of the association are encouraged to attend. 
 
Why should you join the board? 
This will be different for everyone:  to get more involved in the school where your children spend most of their day; being a long-term resident with young kids and a personal interest in the long term direction of the school; wanting to be involved in constant improvement as the educational needs of our children change, etc.
 
How can you get involved?
Come to the next board meeting on 19 March and see what it is all about.  If you are interested in joining the board then two people of the association will have to nominate you via a short form available from Shantall in the main office.  You will then need to submit a brief write-up about yourself and why you want to join on the board, which will be shared through the Leopard’s Tale.  Short speeches and then elections will take place by secret ballot during the Board meeting on 16 April.