The Salish Sea School

“The board reviews form 990 before it is filed.”

“The board and staff annually disclose potential conflicts of interest, which are documented and reviewed to maintain transparency in financial and operational decisions.”

“The salish sea schools process for determining compensation for the executive director and other key employees is as follows: independent review and approval: the compensation of the executive director and other key employees is reviewed and approved by the board of directors during the annual budget process. The board is composed entirely of independent members who do not have a conflict of interest and are not compensated by the organization. Comparability data: while the organization does not conduct a formal compensation study, the board considers compensation data from comparable nonprofits in the local area. This informal review ensures that the organizations compensation levels are reasonable and aligned with the bare minimum necessary to attract and retain qualified staff, given the organizations limited resources. Contemporaneous documentation: the boards discussions and decisions regarding compensation are documented in the meeting minutes during the annual budget approval process. Process overview: the process begins with a review of the organizations financial position and budget by the board. The board discusses the compensation of the executive director and other key employees, taking into account the organizations mission, financial constraints, and informal comparisons to similar nonprofits in the area. The board then approves the compensation as part of the annual budget. While the organization does not yet have a formal job performance evaluation process or kpis for the executive director, the board provides informal feedback and guidance to ensure alignment with the organizations goals and mission. The organization is committed to improving its governance practices and plans to formalize its compensation and performance evaluation processes as it grows.”

“The salish sea school's form 990 and financial summaries are made publicly available on the organization's website to ensure transparency and accessibility for donors, stakeholders, and the community.”

“Student summer camps: the salish sea school offered immersive summer camps for elementary, middle, and high school students, combining adventure with education to inspire the next generation of marine conservation leaders. Participants engaged in experiential learning activities, including observing marine wildlife on guided boat trips, kayaking through kelp forests and intertidal zones, and conducting hands-on marine research. These activities deepened students understanding of the salish seas ecosystems and the importance of conservation. The program emphasized environmental stewardship, scientific inquiry, and personal growth, helping participants develop leadership skills and a meaningful connection to the natural world. As junior citizen scientists, students collected data on species like tufted puffins and southern resident killer whales, actively contributing to real-world conservation efforts. In 2024, students took part in small-group activities, which provided impactful educational experiences. Scholarships ensured access for students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.”

“Student field trips: the salish sea school provided outdoor, experiential field trips for k-12 students, focusing on marine ecosystems, salmon habitats, and watershed health. These programs combined shore-based and boat-based activities, immersing students in hands-on learning experiences that fostered environmental awareness and scientific curiosity. Participants engaged in guided wildlife observation, explored the salmon life cycle, analyzed plankton samples, and investigated intertidal zones. These activities connected students directly with the natural environment, enhancing their understanding of the salish seas unique ecosystems and the importance of conservation. In 2024, students participated in field trips, including many from underserved communities in skagit county and beyond. Scholarships provided opportunities for students, including those experiencing the salish sea for the first time.”

“Puffin ecotours: puffin ecotours offered guided boat trips to observe tufted puffins and other seabirds while promoting conservation awareness. Participants contributed to bird surveys supporting the tufted puffin recovery plan in collaboration with the washington department of fish and wildlife. In 2024, these tours advanced research on puffin populations and their prey while fostering an appreciation for the salish seas ecosystems. Proceeds funded scholarships for underserved students, providing first-time access to marine education programs. Puffin ecotours directly supported the salish sea schools mission to inspire stewardship and conservation.”

“Contract teacher 29,254 770 770 contract work 5,871 155 155 contributions to others 392 10 10 training 457 12 12 payroll processing 3,942 0 0 total 39,916 947 947”