Board of Trustees

Trustees come from our current and former parent community, as well as from the external community, and bring particular talents to the school. Each member of the Board has demonstrated commitment to our mission, values, and strategy; support for our community; and a focus on our school’s long-term success. The Board follows best practices in non-profit and independent school governance, and is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in its membership and practice.

French American and International enjoys a wide variety of community members who could serve as Trustees. The Board's Governance Committee determines which mix of skill sets and outside experiences may be needed for incoming board members based on our school’s strategic needs and goals. The Governance Committee also looks at the skills and experiences of departing Trustees and tries to maintain a balance of skills and perspectives from one year to another. Once the Board’s current needs are identified, the Governance Committee reviews the alumni, parent, and former parent communities as well as external educators and community leaders to determine the right mix of time, skills, and expertise currently needed to help steward French American and International.

The Governance Committee takes its role of presenting potential trustees to the full Board very seriously. Over the course of each school year, members of the Committee meet with candidates to get to know them, and familiarize them with the work of the Board. New Trustees are voted in by the full Board. Trustees are expected to participate fully in all areas of school life and serve three-year terms, which may be renewed three times. The Board's bylaws allow for up to twenty-five voting members. 

We deeply appreciate those volunteers who serve as Trustees. We thank them for their time, talent, and deep dedication to the long-term success of our school.

The Board meets regularly as a full Board, and committees meet separately, and more frequently, from the full Board. There are currently six standing committees: Advancement, Audit, Executive/Strategy, Facilities, Finance, and Governance. These committees are composed of smaller groups of Board members. Committees generally work to research and develop recommendations on issues of importance to our school. Board members typically serve on one or two committees. Most committees also include at least one French American and International staff member who participates as a liaison to school administration.  

The full Board meets regularly throughout the school year. These meetings typically include reports from school leadership and from Board committees addressing matters that require the Board's attention. Meetings can also include presentations from experts on key topics such as diversity, fundraising, trusteeship, and trends in independent school education.

As is prescribed in the Board's by-laws, the Board is led by the Officers. Following the Principles of Best Practice for governance set out by NAIS, the Executive Committee at French American and International includes the Board Chair, at least one Vice-Chair, the Secretary, the Treasurer, and chairs of the advancement and governance committees.

The Board, with the Head, creates our school's strategic plan. The Head and Leadership team are responsible for overseeing its implementation. The Head also works in partnership with the Board to fulfill and articulate our mission to students, faculty and staff, families, alumni, and the community. The Head is responsible for collaborating with faculty and staff to develop and maintain the academic programs that fulfill the school's mission, and the Head deals directly with families’ needs and concerns and is also responsible for the management of the school’s regular operations.