Explorer West an Independent Middle School

“The board by resolution adopted by the majority of the voting members may designate one or more committees, each of which shall consist of two or more members of the board plus any non-board members as the committee chair sees fit to appoint. These committees to the extent provided in such resolution shall have and exercise the authority of the board in the management of the corporation; but the designation of such committees and the delegation thereto of authority shall not operate to relieve the board of trustees or any individual member thereof of any responsibility imposed on it, him or her by law.”

“The finance committee (which includes cpa's) reviews the draft 990. After any necessary changes, the draft 990 is forwarded to all board members and comments/feedback is requested.”

“The school has conflict of interest policies for both its employees and members of its board of trustees and their representatives. The employee policy requires that employees avoid situations that might cause their interests to conflict with the school's or might compromise the school's integrity and reputation. Each employee has the duty to disclose any potential conflict of interest to the head of school. The trustee conflict of interest policy requires that any trustee must avoid a conflict of interest while serving on the board. Also, each trustee, committee member or person present at a meeting of the trustees must declare if any actual or perceived conflict of interest exists concerning a matter being discussed by the board. Further, trustees affirm that they will not nor will any related person enter into business or financial relationships with the school or use their position to influence a school or board decision related to any person or entity with which they have a financial interest. This policy is reaffirmed annually by the members of the board of trustees. Any disclosed conflicts of interest are reviewed by the board's executive committee, and trustees with a conflict of interest are prohibited from participating in a vote upon the matter in which a conflict of interest has been declared. All deliberations and decisions are recorded in the board minutes.”

“The compensation of the head of school is dictated by her contract. The contract is renewed every three years. Compensation is determined by a combination of performance evaluations and comparable salaries for heads at similar-sized schools. The board executive committee communicates its deliberations and decisions to the rest of the board. Compensation for all other employees is determined by the head of school based on compensation for similar positions in similar schools. Both compensation reviews were completed in the last fiscal year.”

“The organization's governing documents, financial statements, and conflict of interest policy are not made available to the public.”

“Middle school education - grades 6, 7 & 8 with a current enrollment of 100 students. Explorer west produces students with a global perspective who will actively contribute to a sustainable future. The school offers the benefit of small class sizes and rigorous academics and the entire community supports values that promote a strong and healthy learning environment. Challenging and supported classroom content and experiences encourage all students to actively engage in their learning, giving them tools and skills they will need as members of their communities. Our immersive outdoor education program expands the learning outside of the classroom and teaches real world skills and strengths that students use for a lifetime. Our school culture is based upon respect and focuses on the core values of integrity, confidence, creativity and inquiry, and personal and community responsibility.”