![]() 2020 continues to be a year of change for all of us, and we are grateful that the exceptional education Mark Day School is known for continues, whether from home or on campus. As we begin the school year, the Mark Day Board is busy planning and securing the school's long-term success. Read on to learn more about our Board structure, committees, and goals for 2020-2021...
Who is on the Mark Day School Board? The Board is largely made up of parent and guardian trustees who serve in support and care of the school and contribute time and judgement based on their expertise and personal experience. Members are nominated and elected by the current Board membership. No parent or member represents any particular constituency, but rather the institution as a whole. The Board also typically includes a faculty trustee, an alumni trustee, and the Parents' Association president in addition to an outside member who comes from an educational or community leadership background. Trustees generally serve two three-year terms.
What are desirable qualities of a trustee? The criteria for electing new trustees include strategic expertise, diversity in perspectives and experience, and time to serve. Depending on anticipated needs, we may look for special skills like finance, marketing, human resources, real estate, law, and others. These criteria enable the Board to be effective in furthering the strategic plan and the school's mission.
Does the Board get involved in classroom issues? No. Trustees do not engage in issues related to school curriculum or program, personnel, staff, or student matters. The Board delegates all day-to-day operational school management to Joe Harvey, Head of School. His experienced leadership, along with his stellar administrative team and faculty, inspires us as trustees to bring our best selves to every Board and committee interaction.
How does the Board get its work done? The Board meets as a whole group every month to make decisions. Most of the substantive work is achieved outside of those meetings in small groups and committees. We currently have five standing committees:
In addition to standing committees, from time to time the Board takes on special projects and organizes task forces to lead them. This year the Board has two:
What are the 2020-2021 Board Priorities? With a constant eye toward the future, the Board uses the school's Strategic Plan as a roadmap. It is a dynamic vision for teaching and learning in the current century; broadening and strengthening our community; and building on our financial strength. In 2020-21, we will specifically take aim at:
Stay tuned for upcoming editions of In Step With The Board to learn more about our work in service of Mark Day School.
Visit the Board of Trustees web page for more information. Robert Hee, Board President, or Sharina Belani, Chair of the Governance Committee, would be happy to answer any questions and welcome your feedback.
All the best,
Members of the Board of Trustees
Robert Hee, President Julian Allen, Treasurer Lindsay Bartsh Sharina Belani Ryan Brown Nishant Budhraja '06, Alumni Trustee Prathap Dendi Ethan Dornhelm, Assistant Treasurer Scott Faber Aimee Foreman, Vice President Alexander Fraser Reetika Grewal Chelsea Ialeggio Joe Harvey, Head of School Andrew Kawahara Chris Mazzola Michelle Mulkey Steve Polsky Ashley Ransom, Trustee Emerita Carl Reichardt Shalu Saluja, Trustee Emerita David Shapiro David St. Martin, Faculty Trustee Rachel Street, PA President Peter Supino ![]() |