Washington Montessori Association Inc

“The organization amended its by-laws and made the following changes: 1. Clarified member meeting procedures, notice requirements, quorum rules, and permitted telephonic participation. 2. Updated trustee powers and qualifications; created a new section defining the head of school as a voting ex-officio trustee (with limits when employment matters are discussed); revised trustee term limits, resignation and removal provisions, and clarified procedures for meetings and emeritus trustees. 3. Established a new article defining the head of school's role as the chief executive officer, including responsibilities, reporting, and evaluation procedures. 4. Renamed and redefined certain standing committees (e.g., governance; audit and risk), specified annual performance evaluation of the head of school, and expanded risk-management responsibilities.”

“The members of this corporation shall consist of the parents (including father, mother and/or legal guardian) of each child in actual attendance at the school.”

“At each annual meeting of the members, the members shall elect trustees from among those persons who have been duly nominated for a term of three years unless another such term, not to exceed three years, is specified, provided that the number so elected shall be such that following such election there shall be not less than 11 nor more than 20 trustees then in office. Each trustee so elected shall serve until the annual meeting of the board of trustees in the year in which their term expires and until their successor has been duly elected and qualified, or until the trustee sooner resigns, is removed by the board of trustees, or dies.”

“The board treasurer or the audit chair reviews a draft of the return with outside preparers and the cfo. Once edits have been made, the return is shared with the audit and finance committee and questions are addressed. After satisfactorily addressing any questions, the audit and finance committee report to the full board that the return is available for review, that the subcommittee has accepted the return as accurate and recommends filing as presented. Any additional members of the full board requesting copies upon notification are provided the return, excluding schedule b and given a short deadline to address any further concerns. Any further questions are addressed and the return is filed.”

“Each year, all board members are asked to sign a current conflict of interest form declaring any relationships with vendors, contractors, employees, students, etc. If a conflict of interest is apparent, the board members are given the opportunity to initiate a leave of absence (if the conflict is temporary) from the board or resign from the board. If the conflict is isolated, the board member may excuse themselves from any discussions and votes involving the potential conflict.”

“Compensation is compared to published compensation data for the position. The comparable data obtained from the nais (national association of independent schools) and the cais (ct association of independent schools) databases provide relevant independent compensation data. Reviews and analysis of experience, education, and regional compensation levels are considered in determining the final compensation package. The process described here was last completed in 2024.”

“The organization makes its form 990 available for public inspection as required under section 6104 of the internal revenue code. The return is also posted on guidestar.org and other similar types of websites. In addition, financial statements, conflict of interest policy, articles of incorporation and by-laws are also available upon written request.”

“Jamie spannhake, board member, provided consulting services prior to serving on the board. She did not receive any compensation to serve as a member of the board.”

“The organization has a committee that is responsible for the oversight of the audit of its financial statements and selection of an independent accountant. The process has not changed from the prior year.”