Cornerspring Montessori School

“Cornerspring Montessori Tax Filing Policy:At the end of each fiscal year, the head of school and bookkeeper of Cornerspring Montessori School will provide the designated financial professional with information relative to the filing of the School's required tax filings. The head of school and bookkeeper will answer any questions relative to this filing and provide this information on a timely basis. The 990 will be prepared by the School's designated financial professional based on information provided by Cornerspring. Once the tax return has been prepared by the financial professional it will be presented and reviewed by the Treasurer of the Board. The Treasurer will then present the finalized copy to the board for review. Once reviewed by the board, the 990 will be signed and filed in accordance with IRS deadlines and guidelines.”

“The initial wording to this policy was adopted by the board as part of their by-laws. This wording as documented in this policy will be reviewed on an annual basis and any upcoming conflicts will be disclosed.a) All terms shall have the same meaning as in 13-B M.R.S.A 718.b) No contract or transaction between the corporation and one or more of its directors or officers, or between the corporation and any other corporation, partnership, association or other organization in which one or more of the corporation's directors or officers are directors or officers, or have a financial interest, shall be void or voidable solely for this reason, or solely because the director or officer is present at or participates in the meeting of the board or committee thereof which authorizes the contract or transaction, if:1) The material facts as to his relationship or interest and as to the contract or transaction are disclosed or are known to the board of trustees or the committee, and the contract or transaction receives the affirmative vote of a majority of the trustees on the Board of the corporation or on a committee of the board who have no direct or indirect interest in the transaction, but a single trustee. If a majority of the trustees on the board who have no direct or indirect interest in the transaction vote to approve the transaction, a quorum is present for the purpose of taking action under this section.2) The contract or transaction is fair and equitable to the corporation as of the date the transaction is authorized, approved or ratified, by the board or a committee thereof.”

“Evaluation of Head of School:The executive committee of the board oversees the performance evaluation. The process involves gathering information, developing a written report, response of the head of school and finally the sharing of the report with the entire board. Key elements of this process involve the following:1. ) August Board of Directors Meeting: In coordination with the head of school, the board of directors creates a statement of goals for the academic year. Goals should address such topics as: a.) Mission based criteria (i.e. individualized education, life-long-learning skills) b.) Faculty Morale c.) Parent satisfaction d.) Student satisfaction e.) Community relationships f.) Advancement of school g.) Existing school data such as enrollment numbers and annual fund raising amounts2.) In April: The head of school submits the following documents to the executive committee: a.) The head of school self-evaluation report based on the initial goal statement b.) Staff survey c.) Parent satisfaction surveyThe executive committee solicits board evaluation forms, which are submitted anonymously by each board member.3.) In May: The executive committee writes an evaluation report based on th documents described in step 2.4.) In June: The report is shared by the Board of Directors president with the head of school.5.) Two weeks after receipt of the Executive Committee Report: The head of school has the opportunity to respond by a designated time.6.) In July: The written evaluation report and the head of school response (if necessary) is presented to the complete board in executive session. The full board should participate in setting the head's compensation and future annual goals, based on the recommendation of the sub-committee. This is one time when the head is not present at a board meeting. Performance evaluations for all top management and raises are recommended by the Board of Directors. Pay grades and amounts are compared to the Montessori Institute and the American Montessori Association for recommended salary ranges. Also, the School reviews the pay recommendations of the American Montessori Association for comparable school positions and rates of pay.”

“Performance evaluations are conducted annually by the head of school for all staff members and raises are recommended to the Board of Directors. Pay grades and amounts are compared to the Montessori Institute and the American Montessori Association for recommended salary ranges. Also, the School reviews the pay recommendations of the American Montessori Association for comparable school positions and rates of pay.”

“It is the policy of Cornerspring Montessori School to make available governing documents, conflict of interest policy and financial statements upon public request. In addition, Conerspring Montessori School will make available in accordance with section 6104, forms 1023 and 990 upon request. This information will also be made available through guidestar on the internet.”