the board

  
The AISR Board is composed of between nine and eleven voting members including the Chairman. At least half of the voting members should have direct family ties to the school's student base, although we also have non-parents on the board representing the local community and who bring specialist skills to the Board. Additionally, there are a number of non-voting, or ex-officio board members who include the Director, faculty and PTSA representatives.

The Role of the School Board

The role of the Board of Directors is to focus on questions of policy and the appraisal of results, rather than on the day-to-day operation of the school. The Board appoints the Director and holds him responsible for the efficient operation of the school and the application of Board policies. Should concerns arise, the recommended procedure is to approach the classroom teacher. Should the concern not be sufficiently addressed, the matter should be brought to the attention of the Coordinator or Principal, and then on to the Director if resolution of the concern has not yet occurred. If resolution of the concern has not been found after these three steps, a formal letter to the Board of Directors should be submitted.

Key Board responsibilities include:
  • Employment of a competent Director for the school, and evaluating him on a yearly basis.
  • Adoption of bylaws and policies that make the school effective and provide for continuous improvement in all aspects of school life
  • Securing funds through tuition and other fees to ensure that the educational program is sufficiently funded
  • Evaluation and approval of the annual budget
  • Ensuring that the school premises are both safe and educationally efficient.
  • Maintaining and upholding the school philosophy
  • Ensuring that the educational program of the school is monitored on a regular basis through our accrediting agencies.

Joining the AISR Board

If you are interested in participating further in the activities of AISR, here are some things you should consider along with an explanation of the process involved in putting yourself forward for a role on the Board.

Key duties of Board Member shall include:
  • Regularly attend scheduled Board meetings
  • Chair and/or attend committee meetings
  • Fulfill responsibilities as committee member
  • Actively support AISR
  • Adheres to N.S.B.A. Code of Ethics
  • Is prepared for Committee and Board meetings

Desirable attributes of a Board Member

A competent Board Member:

  • Is genuinely interested in, and believes in, an American International school system
  • Is committed to “active” participation at Board meetings and to serving on at least one Board committee
  • Actively supports the school
  • Is courteous and willing to discuss Board policy with all interested parties
  • Shows honesty, trust, lack of prejudice and the ability to handle confidential information with discretion
  • Honors the obligation to publicly support the Board’s decisions and the school administration
  • Has a willingness to serve which is motivated by a desire to help the school and not for personal or special interests, or political ambitions
  • Has a concern for children and their welfare
  • Is able to work in teams and meet group commitments to accomplish goals and objectives
  • Has the ability to take a mature, calm attitude in solving problems and dealing with conflicts
  • Can be flexible and versatile in dealing with the different needs and situations which are presented to the Board
  • Shows cultural sensitivity
  • Is able to maintain an open, positive attitude in the face of uncertainty
  • Supports the exploration of new ideas and directions
  • Has the ability to withstand criticism
  • Is willing to learn and seeks knowledge of the problems and needs of the school and an understanding of school financing, and is ever alert to changing trends in education
  • Is able to create positive energy when attacking unique and novel solutions to problems
  • Is interested in the community affairs which impact the school
  • Represents the school population as a whole, and not any particular segment
  • Recognizes the Board’s responsibility is not to run the school but to see that it is well run
  • Adheres to National School board Association’s Code of Ethics

Election of Board Members 

  • The Board is notified that a Board member is stepping down
  • There follows a meeting of the Governance Committee to identify the most appropriate candidates
  • Members are invited to send in suggested candidates from the AISR community and the wider community to the Chair of the Governance committee by a specified date
  • The candidates are approached to see if they are willing to be considered for the position
  • The Chair of the Board, Director and the Chair of the governance Committee will interview the candidates. The existing Board members will be informed by email of the proposed candidates and be given the opportunity to interview them
  • The Governance Committee presents a list of candidates to the Board for consideration in an executive Board session.

 If you would like any additional details regarding membership of the AISR Board of Trustees, please do not hesitate to contact the Chairman of the Board, Tim Chambers