Board of Trustees
Saratoga Independent School (SIS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees composed of members from within and beyond the school community. The Board is entrusted with the long-term stewardship of the school, including safeguarding its mission, ensuring its financial sustainability, and supporting its continued strength for future generations.
The Board’s work is primarily governance, strategic oversight, and long-range planning rather than the day-to-day management of the school. The Board and Head of School work in partnership, with clearly defined and mutually respected roles, to advance SIS’s mission and ensure the long-term health and vitality of the school.
The Board of Trustees is committed to following the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) Principles of Good Practice for Boards of Trustees and Individual Trustees, which establish high standards for effective governance, ethical conduct, fiduciary responsibility, and Board–Head partnership within independent schools.
P = Current Parent
PP = Past Parent
Board Committees
Board committees support the work of the Board of Trustees by examining issues in greater depth, providing strategic oversight, and developing recommendations for consideration by the full Board. Committees help the Board fulfill its fiduciary, strategic, and generative responsibilities while maintaining a clear distinction between governance and the day-to-day management of the school.
Board committees do not exercise independent authority or direct school operations. The Head of School is responsible for the leadership and management of the school, while the Board acts collectively through its committees to provide oversight, establish policy, and advance the school's mission and long-term strategic priorities.
Executive Committee
Purpose: The Executive Committee provides leadership and coordination for the work of the Board of Trustees by collaborating with the Head of School on Board priorities, meeting agendas, strategic initiatives, and governance matters.
When urgent matters require Board action before the full Board can reasonably convene, the Executive Committee may act on behalf of the Board as authorized by the Bylaws. All such actions are promptly reported to the full Board and remain subject to Board review and ratification.
Governance Committee
Purpose: Promotes effective Board governance by overseeing trustee recruitment and succession, Board composition, orientation, continuing education, Board self-assessment, and periodic review of the bylaws and governance policies. The Committee also supports the Board's annual evaluation of the Head of School and advises on governance best practices.
Development Committee
Purpose: Provides strategic oversight of the school's philanthropic efforts by partnering with the Head of School and Development Office to establish fundraising priorities, strengthen donor engagement, and promote a culture of philanthropy. The Committee monitors progress toward fundraising goals and supports the school's long-term financial sustainability.
Finance Committee
Purpose: Provides Board oversight of the school's financial health and long-term sustainability. Working with the Head of School and Director of Finance, the Committee reviews the annual budget, monitors financial performance and risk, recommends financial policies, and oversees the annual independent audit before making recommendations to the Board.
Facilities Committee
Purpose: Provides Board oversight of the school's campus, buildings, grounds, technology infrastructure, and other physical assets. In partnership with school leadership, the Committee supports long-range facilities planning, capital improvement priorities, campus safety, and stewardship of the school's physical resources while making recommendations to the Board.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB) Committee
Purpose: Provides Board oversight of the school's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in alignment with the school's mission and strategic priorities. In partnership with the Head of School, the Committee reviews institutional practices, monitors progress toward DEIB goals, and advises the Board on policies and initiatives that foster an inclusive and welcoming community.
Strategic Planning Committee
Purpose: Provides leadership for the Board's strategic planning process in partnership with the Head of School. The Committee facilitates stakeholder engagement, monitors progress toward strategic priorities, and recommends actions to the Board that advance the school's mission, vision, and long-term sustainability.