"Our Board is deeply committed to the Quaker mission of the school. We make all decisions about policies, budgets, fundraising, and strategic planning keeping this mission in view: what will help all of our students find the special gifts within themselves that will enable them to change the world?"
Alice Pope, Chair
The Brooklyn Friends School Board of Trustees (pictured above) is charged with safeguarding the school’s mission and securing the school’s future. The Board does so by
- Setting basic policies
- Hiring and supporting the Head of School
- Undertaking strategic planning
- Evaluating the performance of the school
- Leading in financial support of the school.
The Board entrusts daily operations to the Head of School, who supervises all programs and personnel and is the final arbiter of any disputes that may arise, including those involving parent issues or student disciplinary actions. The Board of Trustees does not sit in review of administrative decisions.
Board committees, which include Board members and co-opted parents and alumni/ae, focus on specific areas of interest for the betterment of the school.
Board meetings are conducted in the style of a Friends Meeting for Worship with a Concern for Business. In this process each member may speak to a particular issue. Decisions are made not by majority vote but by reaching consensus through open and worshipful discussions of issues until a sense of unity is reached. This does not necessarily mean unanimity but it does mean that each voice is heard, and that all present accept responsibility for the decision.
“The Board of Trustees plays a behind-the-scenes role, but one that is absolutely vital to the present and future of our school. It reviews all decisions and policies in light of what will help keep the school successful for the next generation of students and parents. We are especially fortunate that the members of our Board, year in and year out, give so generously of their time and talents.”
—Dr. Michael Nill, Head of School
Click here to see the Minutes of Appreciation for Board members who have recently completed their service.
|
2009-2010 Board of Trustees
Karen Robinson-Cloete, Chair
Alice Pope, Assistant Chair
Wade Black ('92)
Karine Blemur-Chapman (faculty)
Nicole Hamilton Bernheimer
Verina Crawford
Richard Cutler ('62)
Tara Greenway-Leibowitz
Darrick Hamilton ('89)
Séamus G. Henchy
Lara Holliday
Hildemarie Ladouceur
Peter Laughter ('89)
Martin Norregaard
Ninon Rogers
Lisa Sack, Secretary
Whitney Thompson (faculty)
Shelley Ullman, Treasurer
Michael Nill, ex-officio
Mike Pellechio, ex-officio
Karen Edelman, ex-officio
|