Governance

Capitol Hill Day School's Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees is the governing body of Capitol Hill Day School.

Who are the Trustees?

Trustees at Capitol Hill Day School are current parents, alumni, parents of alumni, professionals with independent school experience, and community members from our neighborhood and beyond. Trustees bring important skills and points of view to the Board of Trustees, giving the School their time and talent.  Board Members serve staggered three-year terms.

Do the Trustees run the day-to-day operations of the School?

The Board entrusts daily operations to the Head of School, who supervises all programs and personnel, and is the final arbiter in all matters involving parents, employees, students, teaching, curriculum, and disciplinary actions.

What are the responsibilities of the Trustees?

The Board works on behalf of the School in:

  • Selecting, supporting, nurturing, evaluating and setting appropriate compensation for the Head of School 
  • Undertaking strategic planning and leadership on behalf of the School’s future
  • Setting or reviewing basic school policies and principles in consultation with the Head of School
  • Providing for the financial health of the School through fundraising, strategic financial planning, and financial oversight
  • Supporting and promoting the School’s mission, vision, strategic goals, and policy positions

The Board maintains several standing committees: Audit, Development & Marketing, Facilities, Finance, Governance, Executive, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Through committee work, the Board also draws on the expertise of faculty, staff, and current and alum parents.

When does the Board meet, and how are the Trustees directly involved in the School?

The Board meets at least six times per year.  Trustees are also expected to participate in or attend School events such as Head of School coffees, the Back to School Picnic, the annual spring fundraiser, and other events throughout the year. These community events are important opportunities for Trustees to learn more about the daily life of the School and educate community members on the critical role that the Board plays in the community.

How are the Trustees selected?

The Capitol Hill Day School Board of Trustees is composed of 17 members elected to staggered three-year terms. Eleven of these are parents elected by the Capitol Hill Day School Corporation (composed of parents and staff of the School) by secret ballot at the annual spring meeting. Up to six community members are appointed by the Board to complement its own skills or backgrounds, as well as to give representation to alumnae. The Head of School and one or two faculty members are ex officio (non-voting) members.

In the spring of each year, the Board selects and nominates a slate of candidates, based on recommendations from the Board’s Governance Committee. In selecting a slate of candidates, the Governance Committee considers the following:

  • knowledge and skills in an area of current need on the Board;
  • diversity of background and experience;
  • personal qualities of leadership, character and judgment;
  • prior roles and contributions of value to the School;
  • absence of conflicts; and
  • the time and availability to provide the level of commitment necessary to effectively serve on the Board.
What is the process to be considered as a candidate?

Parents or Guardians who wish to be considered as candidates must submit a nominating petition, signed by five Corporation members and the nominee, and a personal statement addressing the following questions:

  1. Why are you motivated to run for the Board, and what do you expect to contribute to the School through your service (e.g., describe any special skill sets that you believe would benefit the Board)?
  2. Have you served in other capacities at the School (e.g., homeroom parent, annual giving chair, auction chair, advisory committee, etc.)?
  3. How have you demonstrated a philanthropic commitment to the School?