Board of Trustees

List of 10 frequently asked questions.

• What is the role of the Board of Trustees?

  The role of the Board is to establish strategic policies, principles, and practices to accomplish the mission and educational philosophy of the school. The Board has the duty to manage the affairs of the school. The Board appoints and employs the Head of School to conduct the daily administration of the school.

• What is the relationship between the Board and the Head of School? The Faculty?

  The Head of School is the general manager and fiscal agent responsible for the daily administration of the school’s programs, finances, and personnel within the framework of the policies, principles, and practices established by the Board to accomplish the mission and educational philosophy of the school. All faculty and staff report directly or indirectly to the Head of School. The Head of School reports directly to the Board of Trustees.

• How is the Board structured?

  The Board, per the bylaws, must maintain no fewer than nine and no more than 17 members. There are four officers of the Board: Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer, who serve as the Executive Committee. There are five standing committees of the Board: Finance, Facilities, Advancement, Governance, and Head Support and Evaluation.

• What is the process for Board member selection?

  The Governance Committee is a standing committee of the Board. This committee evaluates the composition of the existing Board, determines Board needs, identifies potential new Board members, and recommends candidates for approval by the Board. The Committee appreciates and welcomes recommendations of potential candidates from any individual in the community.

• What criteria are used for Board member selection?

  The Governance Committee looks for specific skills or experience in areas that include the following: leadership, academics, development, clergy, legal, athletics, facilities, finance, public relations & marketing, and technology. Typically a candidate will have expertise in at least one of these areas. Secondary attributes are also considered and include: racial diversity, non-parent, parent, religious diversity, and gender diversity. The Governance Committee is always looking ahead to the future requirements of the four standing committees as well as to upcoming programs, construction projects, etc. Potential Board members must also be able to commit a significant amount of time to Board activities that include preparing for and attending regularly scheduled Board meetings, special meetings, and committee meetings as well as helping out periodically with fundraising and special projects.

• Does the Board work with Board members at other schools for ideas and best practices?

  St. Michael's Prep has been accredited by The Texas Catholic Conference of BishopsEducation Department (TCCB-ED), and the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS). These organizations serve as great resources for the Board. NAIS and ISAS produce publications, hold conferences, and publicize websites that provide professional development for trustees as well as educating the Board on the best practices used by independent schools nation-wide. Additionally, the Diocese of Austin hosts conferences and provides support for the members of the school boards affiliated with the Diocese.

• Why do we have some Board members who do not have children attending SMP?

  Selecting members to the Board of Trustees who are not parents is a well-accepted practice of school boards. Though all Board members are expected to make decisions and vote in the best interests of the entire student population, non-parents balance the Board and help foster unbiased decision-making that assures independent and clear direction.

• Are Board members paid or do they receive compensation such as discounts on tuition? Favorable class placement? Special consideration?

  Board members are not paid or compensated in any manner. No special favoritism, class placement, or consideration is given to Board members or their children. Board members abide by the same policies and procedures as any parents of the school or community.

• Should a parent go directly to a Board member with an issue?

  In order for issues to be handled properly, there is a chain of command that should be respectfully honored. The particular Faculty or Staff member involved in the issue should be contacted first to discuss the matter. If the matter is not resolved with this meeting, then the Division Head should be contacted. Any unresolved issues should then be directed to the Head of School. Of course, if ever a matter is felt to be of a serious nature, the Head of School can be contacted immediately. The Board only becomes involved when a matter has been presented to the Head and has not been resolved.

• Why does the Board raise tuition?

  A budget plan is voted upon annually by the Board of Trustees. Prior to this resolution, the Head of School derives the anticipated budgetary needs of the school through prior year data, input from Faculty/Staff and review of cost increases/decreases. The Finance Committee along with the school’s Controller and Head of School meet multiple times to construct the best possible budget that weighs the financial needs of the school against the resulting increase in tuition. These efforts work together to ensure a balanced budget for the school while offering the best possible education for the students of St. Michael's Prep.