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 experience points of view to the Board of Trustees, giving the School their time and talent. The Board strives to have its membership mirror the diversity of the School community. 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 broad, institutional policies 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: 

• Development
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Assets
• Trustee Affairs
• Executive

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 8-13 members elected to staggered three-year terms. Board membership should include current parents as well as alumni, professional staff members from peer schools, local business leaders, or others whom the Board recognizes will best fulfill a need of the Board at the time of their election. The Head of School is an ex officio (non-voting) member of the Board of Trustees.

In the spring of each year, the Board selects and nominates a slate of candidates, based on recommendations from the Board’s Trustee Affairs Committee. In selecting a slate of candidates, the Trustee Affairs 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?

Community members who wish to be considered as candidates should contact the Board Chair or Chair of the Trustee Affairs Committee for more information on the nomination process.