The Building Committee makes certain that the School’s physical plant reflects the spirit and needs of the School, and that the building is maintained in a fashion that preserves the value of the property. This Committee provides advice and information to the Board regarding technical issues related to maintaining the School property, renovations at the School, and the hiring of architects and contractors; in addition the Committee prioritizes proposals for renovations and monitors and guides the progress of such projects.
The Finance Committee is chaired by the Treasurer. This Committee supervises and manages the School’s assets, including making arrangements for and monitoring the School’s investments. The Committee recommends policies to the Board relating to the financial management of the School and reviews, with the Head of School and Director of Finance, the annual budget before sending it to the full Board for approval. Finance also reviews, with the Head of School and the Director of Finance, the certified public accountants retained by the Board, the audit policies, and the annual audit reports submitted to the Board.
The Development Committee supports the mission and programs of the School through multiple fund-raising efforts involving a variety of constituents—current families, Board members, former Board members, current and prospective donors, alumni, friends, volunteers, foundations, corporate personnel, and members of the community at large. The Development Committee’s goals and implementation of specific development department activities are shaped through the active participation and ideas of members of the Board.
The Nominating Committee is responsible for recruitment, nomination, and orientation of Board members. It assesses Board members’ skills, performance, and leadership development. In addition, this Committee assists the Chair and Co-Chair with Board operation and management, committee structure and assignments (including co-opted membership) and, as needed, periodic evaluations of performance of the Head of School. This Committee is also responsible for addressing governance issues, which include updates and revisions of the By-laws.
The School Affairs Committee is responsible for oversight of Personnel Practices. This Committee writes and updates the Employee Handbook, makes recommendations regarding salary policy and benefits for faculty and staff to the Board, and ensures that the Board is kept updated on educational programs.
The Spiritual Life Committee encourages Quaker Values and Practice. This Committee is the liaison to Brooklyn Monthly Meeting and the NY Quarterly Meeting.
The Executive Committee is made up of the Board Chair and co-Chair, the Treasurer, and the Chairs of Development and School Affairs and drafts the goals for the Board for the year. The committee may also act on matters which require action before the next regular Board meeting, at the discretion of the Board Chair.
The Ad Hoc Expansion Committee is charged with securing property for the expansion of the school, as dictated by the current strategic plan.
The Ad Hoc Communications Committee works to publicize the work of the Board to the wider community.
The Committee to Evaluate the Head conducts an annual review of the Head’s performance which is in turn used to set goals for the subsequent academic year.
The Care Relationship Committee of Brooklyn Monthly Meeting intends to nurture the mutual care relationship between Brooklyn Friends School and the Meeting. The Board Chair and Trustee appointed by the Brooklyn Monthly Meeting serve on this committee along with a representative of the Spiritual Life Committee.