Interested in joining the Board?

Serving on the Board for The Cooperative School is a very rewarding experience as you can really make a difference for all of the children of the two schools and the community of 90 families each year. Additionally, you will gain a unique perspective into a well-established, non-profit educational organization.

The Board member term is three years with a possibility to extend in one-year increments with the approval of the Board. Almost every year the Board has vacancies and welcomes professionals from all walks of life – finance, marketing, education, legislation, HR and more. We meet monthly and communicate through email as needed. Each member serves on at least two of the subcommittees: Finance, Strategic Planning, Governance, Fundraising, Marketing, Events, The Nature School, and/or Director Services.

Role of the Board

• Assist the Executive Director in determining the policies, procedures and regulations for the operation of The Sharon Cooperative School and The Cooperative Nature School.
• Ensure the fiscal stability of the organization.
• With the Executive Director, monitor and ensure maximum organizational performance including strategic planning
• Ensure legal and regulatory compliance.
• Select, support, and oversee the Executive Director.
• With the Executive Director, create and approve organizational documents such as calendars, policies and Employee and Family Handbooks.
• With the Executive Director, oversee financial management and budgeting, manage and protect all assets of the organization
• With the Executive Director, assist with fundraising, including grant writing, planning and hosting events, and helping to determine the best use for these fundraising proceeds.

Individual Board Member Responsibilities:

• Attend all full board meetings 12 times annually, and serve on at least one subcommittee requiring approximately 3-6 additional meetings
• Participate fully at meetings; identify challenges, facilitate constructive solutions, volunteer for tasks
• Carry out delegated assignments promptly and report outcomes to the board
• Oversee financial management and budgeting
• Attend school functions as a support to staff and a resource for families
• Recruit new families, be an ambassador to the community for the school
• Solicit funds and community resources, participate in fundraising campaigns and open doors for others to raise funds
• Be aware and responsive to the changing needs of families and community
• Identify and recruit new board members; assist in orientation and mentoring
• Put the overall goals of the organization above personal desires
• Maintain the confidentiality of information relating to employees, volunteers, and families

To let us know that you are interested to serve on the Board, we ask that you write a letter sharing your interest and what you can offer to the school community in terms of interests and expertise. Please send your letter of interest to: sharoncoopboard@gmail.com or you can talk to the Executive Director to learn more about the opportunity to serve on the Board.