By Scott Spendlove The Steering Committee-D’Evelyn’s Unique Answer to School Governance You may not be aware of the Steering Committee, or how it participates in the operation and running of the School. But this 8-member committee, set up by the Founders of the School to safeguard the program and make decisions in the best interests of the School, is critical to D’Evelyn’s continued success. The Steering Committee was created by D’Evelyn’s Founders to be the governing Board of the School, as part of our initial contract with the District. The job is essentially “(t)o make broad decisions such as upholding, interpreting and clarifying the philosophy, approving new curriculum, maintaining relations and communications with the District, and reacting to new laws or District policies etc.” The Committee is comprised of 5 parent members, two teacher/staff members, and the Principal, who are committed to upholding the Founding document, and to ensure that our next 25 years of operation are as successful as the first 25! So, are there any openings coming up, and how does one become part of the Steering Committee? There are currently two openings, one for a parent, and one for a teacher, that will be filled by an election of qualified candidates this Spring. These three-year terms will begin next Summer. And the good news is, that if you are interested in joining Steering Committee, your timing couldn’t be better! Steering Committee held an initial Candidate Information evening on November 13th, where we were joined by several parents and teachers who may have an interest in serving on Steering. If you were not able to join us that evening, don’t worry, you can catch up. Participants were to have read “The D’Evelyn Difference” which describes what makes the D’Evelyn curriculum and philosophy special and unique, particularly in Jefferson County public schools. Participants also read pages 4-14 of the D’Evelyn Founding Document, the program narrative and philosophy statement. These initial readings will give you more of sense about the role of Steering Committee, and whether it might be a good fit for you. If you are interested, great! We would encourage you to join us at our next Candidate Training evening, Tuesday February 12th, at 6:30 pm in the Library. This will follow the regular Accountability Meeting scheduled that night. At that meeting, we will discuss the role and purpose of the Steering Committee; responsibilities and obligations of serving, and what it REALLY means regarding time commitment and effort required. Prior to the meeting check out the Application packet, and the associated Candidate readings. These readings are all available to check out from the Library as well as linked here. Some of the other things you will need to do is serve on a committee or subcommittee of the school, such as a hiring or curriculum committee. And come visit us to watch us in action! To apply, you need to attend at least two Steering Committee meetings, or a Steering Committee meeting and a Subcommittee meeting, in the last 12 months. Our next meeting is Monday January 28th at 4:30 and are generally every other Monday. Check the School Events calendar for future meeting dates and times. And the most important qualification? An interest in supporting the Founding Document, serving the wonderful school of which we are all a part, and excitement to help build the next 25 years of D’Evelyn’s legacy! |
The Steering Committee is the governing board of the school and establishes policies designed to maintain and enhance its liberal arts philosophy. The Steering Committee appoints Directors to the Board of the D'Evelyn Education Foundation. Archives
March 2023
|