What is the relationship between the Church and the School?
St. Michael’s is a Parish Day School operating within the framework of the Episcopal Church. The School is a part of the Parish and is not its own, separate legal entity.  Title to all real and personal property used in connection with the operation of the School is vested in the Parish.  The Rector, Wardens, and Vestry of St. Michael and All Angels Church have delegated the management of the affairs and policies of the School to the Board of Governors.

How is St. Michael’s Board of Governors different from a public school board?
St. Michael’s Board of Governors is made up of the Rector, Vestry members, parishioners, the Head of St. Michael’s School, the Development Director of the School, parents, grandparents, and community members.  Board positions other than those held by the Rector, Head of School, and Development Director, are filled through a nomination process that includes soliciting suggestions from the St. Michael's community.  Public school board members or trustees run for office and are elected by taxpayers.

Who is eligible to serve on the Board of Governors?
Anyone who understands the role of the Board and the organizational structure of a Parish Day School is eligible to serve on the St. Michael’s Board of Governors.  The Rector, with the advice of the Board’s Nominating Committee, is responsible for nominating prospective Board of Governors candidates to the Vestry.  In the past, the Nominating Committee has used the Eagle Express and the Church Bulletin to present the Committee’s task and to invite individuals to submit their names for consideration. Prospective candidates typically are asked to prepare a brief written statement expressing their interest. The Nominating Committee is responsible for preparing a slate for the Board’s annual election of new members and officers.  Ultimate approval of new members rests with the Church Vestry.  At all times, at least fifty-one percent (51%) of the voting membership of the Board must consist of members in good standing of the Church of St. Michael and All Angels.

How many Board Members serve and for how long?
The Board consists of not fewer than thirteen (13) and not more than seventeen (17) voting members.  The Rector, Headmaster, and School Development Director are non-voting members.

Members of the Board of Governors serve for a three (3) year term.  Retiring members may serve for a second term of three (3) years with nomination by the Nominating Committee.  With the exception of a member elected Chair of the Board of Governors in his or her sixth year, members who have served for six (6) years must have a one (1) year leave before being eligible for nomination to serve another term.

How are the Chair and Vice Chair Selected?
The Board of Governors elects one of the voting members to serve as Chair of the Board for a two (2) year period.  The Board also elects a Vice-Chair who in practice serves for a two (2) year period.  Upon approval by the Board, the Vice-Chair is to succeed the Chair at the end of the Chair’s term.

What are the primary responsibilities of the Board?
The Board of Governors' primary responsibilities include determining the general financial and educational policies of the School and, with the approval of the Rector, Wardens, and Vestry, monitoring the Head of School in the implementation of those policies.

The Church and Board rely on the Head to administer the day-to-day operations of the School.

How does the Board come up with a budget?
The Finance Committee of the Board of Governors is responsible for recommending an annual budget to the Board.  Members of the Finance Committee work closely with the administration to complete a proposed budget.  Ultimately the budget must be approved by full board vote.

What Committees Does the Board of Governors Have?
The Board’s Bylaws provide for two different types of committees:  standing committees and ad hoc committees.  Standing Committees regularly report to the full Board on status and voting issues raised by their committees.  Ad hoc committees are formed to carry out specific assignments on important issues.  They are not ongoing committees.

The Standing Committees of the Board are:

• Finance
• Tuition Assistance
• Head of School Review
• Nominating
• Development
• Marketing
• Buildings and Grounds
• Executive

Ad Hoc Committees currently in place are:

• Technology
• Graduation Review
• School Calendar
• Policy and By-Laws

In the daily life of the School, questions arise.  St. Michael's offers a chart to illustrate how various questions should be addressed.  Following each of the steps indicated will insure that everyone gets the best assistance.  Please note that at each successive level, an inquiry will be made as to the history of any attempt to resolve an issue.

» View Chart "Where Questions Should be Directed"

If a problem reaches the level where contact of the Board of Governors is needed, written complaints are to be submitted to the Chair of the Board of Governors.  The Board's Executive Committee, in consultation with the Rector and members of the Board, will then issue a written finding.  The decision will be reported to the full Board at the next regularly scheduled meeting.  Decisions of the Executive Committee are final.