Governance Structure

Pace Charter School of Hamilton is governed by a Board of Trustees whose ultimate responsibility is to uphold the mission of Pace Charter School of Hamilton by providing for the well-being of the institution in the present as well as the future. The Board protects the public interest and upholds the public trust by applying the highest standards of service in governing the school according to its Charter, by-laws, and relevant state and federal statutes. It is the duty of the Board of Trustees to make plans, establish policies, and assess the performance of the school as a whole. The Board also bears ultimate responsibility for the school's finances and physical plant. The Board must also identify, select, work with, support and evaluate the Head of School, who is the professional educational leader of the school as well as its administrator. In order to successfully undertake all these responsibilities, the Board must organize, manage, and assess itself in an efficient, business-like manner.

First and foremost, Trustees are nominated and elected on the basis of a firm commitment to the mission, goals and objectives of Pace Charter School of Hamilton; they should unequivocally support the educational philosophy espoused in this document and confirmed by the granting of a charter to the school. In addition, Trustees are nominated and elected for the qualities of leadership, service, and expertise in a range of fields that they bring to the school. No Trustee represents a specific constituency. It is imperative that the Board of Trustees make its decisions for the present and future welfare of Pace Charter School of Hamilton as a whole, rather than in response to personal priorities or the wishes of vocal factions. No Trustee may speak for the Board on any issue until the Board in its entirety has decided that issue. All Board meetings are held in compliance with the provisions of the Open Public Meetings Act.'' For a detailed review of the role of the Board of Trustees, please refer to the by-laws available upon request.

The Board of Trustees will include at least five members, with the exact number to be specified in the by-laws. The Pace Charter School of Hamilton head of school sits on the Board ex officio. Members of the Board serve a term of three years. Terms of office of outgoing trustees will expire on June 30, and incoming trustees will take office on July 1 annually. The by-laws provide for a majority of the Board members to be elected from among the parents and guardians of students enrolled in the school. Seats reserved for parent trustees are elected by the parents/guardians of enrolled students. Candidates are nominated by the nominating committee of the Board of Trustees, or by petition of the parents/guardians of students enrolled in the school. The number of signatures shall be no less than ten percent of the number of enrolled students. The non-reserved seats are filled by majority vote of the Board of Trustees and may provide desirable expertise or diversity.

Parents of Pace Charter School of Hamilton students participate directly in the governance of the school through the seats reserved for them on the Board of Trustees. Because the Board is empowered by its by-laws to create committees that include non-Trustees as committee members, it is expected that the Head of School, parents, and faculty members will be included in such committees as appropriate.

The Board may choose to create a standing Teachers' Advisory Committee to serve as a permanent channel for teachers to make their concerns known directly to the Board, including the Head as a Trustee ex officio. Such a standing teachers' committee would also provide feedback to the Board in its self-evaluation exercises which serve as the basis for future planning. Involvement of Private Entities

No private entities will be involved in the operation of Pace Charter School of Hamilton.

 print