The Seven Hills School

“The organization does not have any committees that act on behalf of the board.”

“The director of finance and operations (dfo) prepares the information for the professional firm, armanino llp (firm). The firm prepares the draft return and provides it back to the dfo, who reviews it with the headmaster. Corrections are made and submitted to the firm. The firm provides a final draft, which is presented to the board and finance committee chairs, who review. Once the firm receives the approval of the final draft from the dfo, the firm files the 990. The board receives the 990 as an information item at its next regular meeting.”

“The current policy covers trustee members in the case of personal or financial conflicts. A conflict of interest arises in any situation in which a trustee (and his or her immediate family) is involved in an activity which could adversely affect his or her judgment with respect to the business of the school or otherwise diminish the interest of the organization. In case of a personal conflict where the trustee finds him/herself to have deep emotional feelings regarding an issue, which might adversely effect his/her rational decision-making, the individual may choose to recuse him/herself. In case of a financial conflict, the individual with the conflict is expected to disclose in writing the existence of the conflict. The individual may then choose to recuse him or herself. If the member chooses not to recuse, the full board will vote on whether or not to allow the member to participate in the relevant proceedings. The member with the perceived conflict may not participate in these deliberations. The board chair evaluates conflicts and takes action accordingly.”

“The headmaster is responsible for the overall success of the school, hires all faculty/staff, is the leader of the faculty and is the public/community face of the organization. Compensation for this position is determined by the trustees, and the most recent review was conducted at the beginning of the 2013-2014 school year. Compensation was set in accordance with and comparable to other similarly situated independent schools in the area, as reported through guidestar and the regional professional association of independent schools, cais. For other key employees, including the top financial official, and new hires compensation is reviewed annually by the headmaster. Compensation data of similarly situated independent schools is analyzed and compared. Final compensation determination is made in this context mindful of budget constraints. The calisboa (california independent school business officers association) annual salary survey is a key resource.”

“The organization will provide its articles of incorporation, by laws, conflict of interest policy, parent/student manual, 990, 1023 and annual audited financial statements upon written request made to: director, finance and operations seven hills school 975 north san carlos drive walnut creek, ca 94598”

“The process has not changed from prior year.”