Governance Self Study Report The Levine Board of Trustees (BOT) is considered a strategic and fiduciary board. The BOT's focus is on the long-term stability of the school. The relationship between the President of the Board and the Head of School (HOS), the strategic board retreat, the new board member orientation, the organization of board meetings, and the board committees exemplify the strategic/ fiduciary nature of the Levine BOT. There is a concerted effort to continually remind board members of the strategic and fiduciary and not operational/ managerial role of the BOT. Focus of the Annual Board Retreat: Ensuring that the Levine BOT focuses on strategic and fiduciary issues begins over the summer when the President of the Board, in conjunction with the HOS, determine the strategic focus of the board and lay out agenda priorities for each board meeting in the coming year. The first board meeting of the school year is a strategic retreat during which the issues and agenda priorities for the school year are presented to all board members. Also, during the strategic retreat, the Committee on Trustees (COT) clarifies the responsibilities of board members and the strategic/ fiduciary role of the board. It is during the retreat that board members are required to complete the board profile, confidentiality agreement, and conflict of interest statements. Academic department heads and Administrative staff will present during the board retreat an outline of their goals for the school year. These presentations help further clarify the strategic and fiduciary nature of the board, while the faculty, staff, and administration focus on the academic, operational, and management issues of the school. Strategic Nature of the Board: It is the responsibility of the COT to orient the new board members to the strategic and fiduciary nature of the board before the annual retreat. The primary board committees (i.e., finance, development, etc.) are strategic and fiduciary; and not operational or academically oriented. Board Members receive ongoing coaching regarding the difference between operational and strategic issues, and board meeting agendas and discussion further reinforce the focus of the board. There are times when the HOS may seek advice on operational matters of the school. The Head of School Evaluation and Support Committee (HOSEC), the HOS relationship with the President of the BOT, and the Executive Committee provide a mechanism in which the HOS can seek strategic advice on operational matters. Board vs. Head of School Roles: As previously outlined, the Levine BOT is strategic, while the HOS, the only employee of the BOT, is responsible for the operation and performance of the school. The HOS will consult and advise with the Board in the hiring of key leadership positions in the school. The Board also operates as ambassadors of the school in promoting it to the community at large and directing inquiries, accolades, and complaints to the appropriate administrative function/personnel. The Board does not engage in the operational details except for providing professional guidance in non-academic (finance, facilities, etc.)
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