The Georgetown Day School Board of Trustees governs the affairs of the School in close partnership with the Head of School and the School's senior administrators. Although it is not involved in the day-to-day management of the School, the Board ensures that GDS -- a non-profit, parent-owned corporation -- operates in a financially sound manner and adheres to the values set forth in its mission statement.
Under the leadership of its president, the GDS Board carries out many of its responsibilities within a structure of working committees that make recommendations for action to the entire Board. The Board selects from its membership a president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer for one-year terms. The Board meets monthly throughout the school year to act on committee recommendations and receive information about the operation of the School from the Head of School and other administrators. These meetings are listed on the school calendar and are open to parents, students, faculty, and staff.
The majority of Board members are current GDS parents elected by the parent body, but up to three non-parent members may be appointed to serve on the 18-person Board. Parent members of the Board are elected annually for overlapping three-year terms at the Parent Corporation meeting in the spring. Members are eligible to serve two consecutive (full or partial) terms up to a maximum of six years. If a Board member resigns before concluding his or her term, the Board appoints a replacement for the remainder of that member's term. Board members may be re-elected or re-appointed after a one-year break in service. The Board will increase to 19 members for the 2000-2001 school year as specified in the School Bylaws.
Nominations
Identifying and selecting nominees is a long and careful process. Each year the Board appoints a Nominating Committee, which includes three Board members and six non-Board parents (two from each division of the School) to prepare a slate of nominees. The committee looks for candidates who have demonstrated their commitment to the School through their involve-ment and support. In addition, the committee seeks individuals who can bring to the Board the professional expertise needed to carry out its work. Other factors which the Nominating Committee considers include the need to replace the expertise of departing members, the diversity of the Board, and an equitable representation of all divisions of the School. All nominees must be willing to make the significant time commitment necessary for Board service, which includes one evening a month for Board meetings and several hours a month for Board committee meetings, which are usually held on weekday mornings.
The Nominating Committee encourages parents throughout the School to submit names for consideration. The Committee consults with the Trusteeship Committee, parent leaders, and school administrators to identify potential nominees. After its deliberations, the Nominating Committee offers the final slate of nominees without further discussion or approval by the Board as a whole. GDS's Bylaws require that the number of nominees presented by the Committee be equal to the number of openings on the Board. Additional nominees may be added to the ballot through parent petitions for candidates. The petition process, outlined in the Bylaws, is explained to the parents each year during the election process.
Nominees, whether presented by the Nominating Committee or parent petition, must submit a brief biography outlining their professional credentials and record of service to GDS and the community. Each nominee must also include a statement expressing his or her views about GDS and Board service. The biographical information and statements of each nominee are sent to all parents along with the election ballot. All nominees also make a short presentation at the Parent Corporation meeting in May. Parents vote by secret ballot, which may either be mailed or cast at the Corporation meeting.
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