Board of Trustees
Board of Trustees
Who stands behind Charles Wright Academy?
A group of committed parents, alumni, and civic leaders who volunteer their time and expertise on the Charles Wright Academy Board of Trustees. We greatly appreciate their talents in guiding and supporting the school. Contact Us.
Aimee Allen (P ’19)
Drew Bamford ’91
Adam Blakney ’00 (P ’33, ’32)
Wendy Cochran (P’ 31, ’19, ’17)
Dr. Guillermo Chacon (P ’34, ’11)
Emily Happy (P ’32)
Hillary Hearn (P ’38, ’36)
Dr. David Hirschberg ’80 (P ’17)
Diane Hunt (P’ 06)
Christian Mattson (P ’37, ’35)
Toby Murray ’71 (P ’02, GP ’38)
Ben Sclair ’88 (P ’24, ’19, ’17)
Nicole Stice (P ’29, ’27, ’24)
Sarah Weyerhaeuser (P ’11, ’09, ’07)
Trevor Will ’93 (P ’27, ’24)
Dori Young (P ’16, ’14)
The Organization

Governance

Communications from the Board of Trustees


Join a Board of Trustees Committee
The Board of Trustees invites you to help shape the future of Charles Wright Academy by joining a Board of Trustees Committee! CWA welcomes your skills and passion with opportunities starting each July for a one-year term. Committees meet monthly during the school year, with varying time commitments, driving initiatives like facilities, fundraising, and endowments that keep our Tarrier community thriving. Ready to make a difference? Check out these brief descriptions of the board committees and then complete the application form below.
AUDIT/RISK MANAGEMENT
The Audit/Risk Management Committee recommends an independent auditor for Board approval, collaborates with the auditor to define the audit scope, reviews the school’s financial audit, and recommends its approval to the Board within 60 days of receipt. The committee monitors the implementation of internal control improvements suggested by the auditor and supports the Board in identifying, evaluating, and mitigating strategic, operational, and external risks.
DEVELOPMENT
The Development Committee advises the Board on securing and sustaining financial resources through strategic fundraising and engagement with alumni, parents, and the community. It connects the Head of School and Director of Development to potential donors where personal or professional ties exist, recruits volunteers to support school initiatives, recommends policies or Charter changes affecting Development, and ensures full Board participation in all fundraising campaigns.
ENDOWMENT
The Endowment Committee oversees Charles Wright Academy’s endowment to ensure its growth and alignment with the school’s mission. It manages the investment portfolio, develops and follows the investment policy, monitors investment manager performance, ensures compliance with applicable laws and Board policies, and annually assesses the committee’s effectiveness.
FACILITIES
The Facilities Committee oversees the campus’s physical infrastructure to ensure it supports the school’s mission and community. The committee conducts an annual facilities audit, projects Physical Plant Replacement and Systems Maintenance (PPRSM) needs on a five-year rolling basis for the Finance Committee, and addresses each year’s facility requirements. It maintains and implements an updated Master Campus Plan to guide development. To mitigate risks, the committee maintains and annually reviews a Business Continuity Plan, ensuring insurance coverage enables facility restoration to sustain school operations if damage occurs.
FINANCE
The Finance Committee works with the Head of School and staff to prepare annual operating and capital budgets, advises the Board on the use of the corporation’s financial resources, and works with the Head of School and staff to prepare annual audits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I provide feedback to the Board of Trustees?

What is the role of the Board of Trustees at Charles Wright Academy?

How are Board members selected?

How long do Board members serve?

Does the Board manage the day-to-day operations of the school?

What constitutes an 'issue of importance' that the Board addresses?

How does the Board ensure financial stability and accountability?

What is the Board's role in hiring the Head of School?

Does the Board get involved in other employment or HR issues?

How does the Board handle conflicts of interest?

How does the Board interact with parents and the broader school community?

What is the process for addressing grievances or concerns brought to the Board?

How does the Board ensure it remains effective and accountable?

What role does the Board play in strategic planning?

How does the Board support the school's fundraising efforts?

How does the Board ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements?

What are the Board's fiduciary duties?

How does the Board oversee financial management?

What is the Board's involvement in policy development?

What is the relationship between the Board of Trustees and the Head of School?

Are Trustees required to be parents of CWA students?

Are Trustees compensated for their board service?

Can the Board discuss why someone is no longer working at CWA?

How does the board evaluate the performance of the Head of School?
