Board Committee Overviews

WE WELCOME YOUR PARTICIPATION...
Board committee members help VMS continue to thrive by working to sustain an environment where children are inspired. Committees plan for the immediate and long term future of the school. The overall responsibility of providing governance and direction to the organization and the Head of School is the charge of the VMS Board of Trustees. However, much of this direction is generated by ideas and planning processes created at the committee level and stem directly from the VMS community at large. Participating on a board committee gives you direct input on the school's decision making process. 

The following is a short list of descriptions for a few of the main standing committees and commitments for committee members. 

Strategic Planning
The Strategic Planning Committee assists the Director and the Board of Trustees to set the long term direction and plans for Valley Montessori School. The committee looks at the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for our school community and helps to set the priorities and programs for the long term well being of VMS. Members of the Strategic Planning Committee help evaluate the school's 3-year plan which addresses educational, financial, campus and organizational goals, review measures of success, linkage to operational plans, and provide recommendations to the Board on an ongoing basis. 

Finance
Fiduciary responsibility is a key function of the Board of Trustees. On behalf of the Board, the Finance Committee has oversight of the current and long-term financial health of Valley Montessori School.  This oversight includes development and monitoring of the annual budget, management of financial reserves, maintenance of covenants related to the bonds we obtained to finance construction of our North Livermore campus.

Development
The Development Committee works to create and build a “climate of philanthropy” among the members of our Valley Montessori School community. Development activities include the Annual Giving Campaign, the Annual Auction, and grant seeking.  Funds raised through these various activities are devoted to forwarding the strategic objectives of the school. Our partnerships with VMS parents are key, as most of our development revenue is generated by those most personally connected to the school--parents and staff! Contributions from our community enable us to enhance our educational programs and facilities for the children we serve. The Development Committee helps evaluate and fine-tune the school’s development and fundraising plans, works closely with the marketing team and seeks generous contributions of time, talent, and treasure from everyone in our school community.


   
   
   
 

Commitments

• Commitment to the mission and philosophy of Valley Montessori School
• Commitment to serving the VMS community
• Commitment to devoting time to individual projects (amount varies)
• Ability to attend monthly committee meetings (typically 2 hours in length)
• Capacity to lend expertise in a strategic area of operations (education, finance, management, law, technology, etc.)
• Ability and willingness to work collaboratively
• Commitment to being an ambassador for Valley Montessori School