Open Positions for the Board of Directors of Stepping Stones Montessori School in East Lansing

2 year term beginning May 2006

Apply Today!

• Are you committed to the Montessori philosophy?  Would you like to contribute to our school’s mission in carrying out that philosophy?
• Do you want to become more knowledgeable about Montessori education?
• Do you have experience in fundraising? Law? Volunteer organization? Community outreach? Small business accounting or finance?

The Board is looking for dedicated volunteers to participate in oversight and strategic planning for Stepping Stones Montessori School in East Lansing.   The Board meets monthly and each Board member serves on a committee: a commitment of approximately 5 hours a month. See below for additional responsibilities.

To apply to the Board please answer the following questions and either return this form to the main office or e-mail it to Phylis Floyd at floyd@msu.edu. Please feel free to e-mail any questions you might have

• Please give an introductory paragraph about yourself

• Why do you want to serve on the Board?

• What experience, skills, or talents would you bring to the Board?  Please include information about any previous experience you have had on a board of directors,
• What is your vision of the role of a Board member?
• Why did you enroll your child at the Montessori Center?
• What do you feel are important issues facing our school?
• The Board’s subcommittees include: Fundraising; PR/Marketing (internal and external relations); Executive Committee, Finance, and Board Development.  On which of these committees do you feel you could make a contribution?

If you are interested in serving the school, but feel you can not give as much time as a board member, you can serve on a sub-committee as a non-board member.  Please contact Phylis Floyd at floyd@msu.edu indicating the committee service that interests you.

The Monetessori Center of East Lansing

Board Member Service Commitment Plege

Our school community strives to create a learning environment that nurtures the development of the whole child.

As a member of the Board of Directors of Stepping Stones Montessori School in East Lansing I understand my role to include

·        making policy decisions that support and promote the school’s mission and the Montessori philosophy.

·        recognizing the board as a governing body that sets the policies of the organization.

·        understanding and following board policies, as well as state, local and federal laws that apply to our nonprofit.

·        disclose any conflict of interest before the Board votes on the issue or resigning when a conflict of interest will interfere with my duty as a board member.

  Duties include:

• preparing for and attending monthly meetings from July through June
• serving on at least one Board committee
• other responsibilities assigned by the board and approved by governance policies

As a board member, I will

• help review and update board policies and procedures (including Standard Operating Procedures, existing Governance policies, Parent Handbook and policies to evaluate the effectiveness of the board and Administrator) as required
• help develop long-range plans for the organization’s growth, development and fiscal stability, including fundraising programs developed by the board
• work to develop public and community relations: promote the services of the school to the community at large; inspire confidence in the school and its programs

I recognize that I may not always agree with all actions taken by the Board, however, I will not present my opinions so as to undermine those actions.  If for any reasons, I find myself unable to carry out as best I can the duties above, I agree to resign my position on the board.

_______________________________                

Applicant signature                                                                           

____________________________                                               

Date