Governing Board Committee Application

SKTCS Board Member Job Description

Susie King Taylor Community School is a tuition free public school. SKTCS’s mission is to cultivate a vibrant, academically challenging learning community that celebrates each individual’s gifts and instills in students a sense of stewardship as members of the Savannah community and as citizens of the world. Learn about our namesake: Susie King Taylor

Being a governance board member at Susie King Taylor Community School is a little different than serving on the board of a non-profit or advisory board. We use a collective decision-making process. Our board members are active, and there are unique requirements for being on the governing board of a charter school.

As a member of the governing board, you’ll help guide the growth and development of the school in a number of ways. You might join the development committee and help secure the funds needed to keep the school doors open, or the governance committee and make sure we’re following our own rules, applicable laws,
and are setting wise policies. There’s a role for everyone on the board, and you’ll be expected to help out somewhere, either on a committee, or a task group
(see https://www.sktcs.org/governance for a list of all of our current committees and task groups).

The board’s role is to oversee the big picture and monitor how well the school is completing the educational innovations set out in our charter (place-based education, peaceful schools, and competency-based learning). Students’ needs are at the center of all our decision making.

There is a substantial time commitment to board membership. You’ll need to complete 15 hours of training your first year, and then 9 hours every year after that, as required by the state. You’ll be expected to attend all monthly board meetings, and work on board assignments as needed. That could be anywhere from three hours a month to many more (15-20), depending on the committee you join and your role

Board members aren’t compensated for their time, but we feel it is a worthwhile investment; it’s a rewarding experience being part of a diverse board committed to governing by a collective decision making process and all driven by the vision and goals of our school.

If you’re interested in serving on a committee or on the Governing Board, please apply below (scroll down).

Responsibilities of Governing Board Members RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Approve the organization’s mission and review performance in achieving both the mission and the charter contract.
  • Annually assess the ever-changing environment and approve the organization’s strategy to be responsive and meet the goals outlined in the charter contract
  • Annually review and approve the organization’s funding plans
  • Review and approve the annual financial goals.
  • Annually review and approve the agency’s budget.
  • Approve major policies.
  • Abide by state-mandated open meeting laws.

ORGANIZATION:

  • Elect, monitor, appraise, advise, stimulate, support, reward, and, if deemed necessary, change the School Director. Regularly discuss with the School Director matters that are of concern to that person or to the board.
  • Annually approve the performance review of the School Director and establish compensation based on recommendations of the executive committee and board Clerk.
  • Be assured that management succession is properly planned.
  • Be assured that the organizational strength and employee base can substantiate long-range goals
  • Approve appropriate compensation and benefit policies and practices.
  • Propose a slate of prospective board members to current members and fill vacancies as needed.
  • Annually review the performance of the board (including its composition, organization, and responsibilities) and take step to improve its performance.

OPERATIONS:

  • Review results achieved by staff and students compared with the organization’s mission and annual and strategic plan long-range goals. Compare the orga – nization’s performance to that of similar institutions.
  • Be certain that the financial structure of the organization will adequately support its current needs and long-range strategy.
  • Provide candid and constructive criticism, advice, and comments
  • Approve major actions of the organization such as capital expenditures on all projects over authorized limits and major changes in programs and services.

FISCAL:

  • Ensure that the board and its committees are adequately informed of the financial condition of the organization and its operations through reports or any appropriate method.
  • Ensure that published reports properly reflect the operating results and financial condition of the organization.
  • Ensure that management has established appropriate policies to define and identify conflicts of interest throughout the organization and is diligent in its admini- stration and enforcement of those policies.
  • Appoint independent auditors subject to approval by board members.
  • Review compliance with relevant material laws affecting the organization and its programs and operations
  • Help ensure the future of the school by giving to the school annually – the amount doesn’t matter as much as consistency, as most grants and funders will ask if we have 100% board giving.
  • Each board member is also responsible for giving or getting $1,000 every year for the school.

Please direct any questions to Governing Board Clerk: clerk@sktcs.org

GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE APPLICATION