Board of Trustees

Charles Wright is a nondiscriminatory, nonprofit organization tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. CWA is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and is an accredited member of the Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS). CWA is also approved as a private school by the Washington Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

The Board of Trustees of Charles Wright Academy has paramount responsibility for the governance of the school. The Board of Trustees exists to make decisions and take action to ensure the viability of Charles Wright’s mission into the future—for the current students’ children. The Head of School is delegated the responsibility for the school’s day-to-day management and operation. The Board has the duty and authority to:

• Craft and periodically review the school’s mission statement and ensure that the mission is pursued consistently and effectively

• Develop plans for the long-term future of the school and monitor progress toward the achievement of those plans

• Ensure the school has adequate financial resources to support its programs

• Assess the quality of the school’s programs in fulfilling its mission

• Preserve the school’s independence: its ability to be self-governing and to determine its own mission

• Oversee the legal affairs of the school

The Board of Trustees is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction, financial health, and overall governance of the academy. They set policies, approve budgets, and ensure the school’s mission and vision are being met.

Board members are nominated by the Governance Committee and elected by the current Board members. They are chosen based on their expertise, temperament, commitment to the school, and ability to contribute to its governance. Typically, a person is first asked to serve on a committee before joining the Board. If a candidate has prior non-profit board experience, he or she may be considered for trusteeship without first serving on a committee. Committee assignments are typically made during the summer months for the next school year. Anyone interested in volunteering their time to help the school may contact us via the form below.

Board members usually serve for two terms of three years each, with a re-election in between. They may be re-elected for additional terms based on their performance, position of leadership held, and the needs of the board and school.

No, the day-to-day operations and decisions are managed by the Head of School and the Senior Leadership and Management team. The Board provides oversight and ensures that the school’s leadership aligns with the strategic goals and policies set by the Board.

Issues of importance typically include strategic planning, financial oversight, organizational policy development, major capital projects, and ensuring the school’s adherence to its mission and values. These are significant matters that impact the long-term sustainability and success of the school.

The Board approves the annual budget, monitors financial statements, ensures proper internal controls, and engages in regular audits. They also oversee institutional fundraising and resource allocation to align with the school’s priorities and goals.

The Board is responsible for the hiring, oversight and evaluation, and replacing, when necessary, the Head of School. This includes conducting a thorough search and selection process and providing ongoing support, goal-setting, and annual evaluation during the Head’s term. The Head of School is the only employee that the Board oversees.

The Board sets institutional policies and ensures compliance with employment laws but does not get involved in individual employment issues unless they pertain to the Head of School

Board members must disclose any potential conflicts of interest and recuse themselves from decisions where there is a conflict. The Board follows a Conflict of Interest policy to ensure decisions are made in the best interest of the school.

The Board maintains open lines of communication with parents and the school community through regular updates and participation in school events. They also gather feedback periodically to inform their decisions.

Operational concerns should first be directed to Division Heads or other members of the Senior Leadership and Management team, including the Head of School. If unresolved and relevant to the scope of work that the Board provides, they can be escalated to the Board. The Board will then review and address them according to established policies and procedures. Grievances or concerns pertaining to the Head of School can be brought directly to the Board via the contact form on this page. 

The Board engages in regular self-evaluation, ongoing training, and development. They also welcome external feedback and adhere to best practices in independent school governance.

The Board is deeply involved in the strategic planning process, setting long-term goals, and ensuring that the school’s mission and vision are central to all planning efforts. They collaborate with the Head of School and other stakeholders to develop and implement the strategic plan.

The Board plays a crucial role in fundraising by leveraging their networks, participating in campaigns, and ensuring that fundraising aligns with the school’s strategic priorities. They also oversee the development of fundraising strategies and policies.

The Board ensures compliance by staying informed about relevant laws and regulations, consulting with legal counsel as needed, and implementing policies and procedures that promote legal and regulatory adherence.

Board members must act in the best interest of the school, adhering to the duties of care, loyalty, and obedience. This involves attending meetings, reviewing financial statements, and making informed decisions.

The Board’s financial oversight includes approving budgets, assessing income streams, establishing proper financial controls, and ensuring the long-term financial stability of the school.

The Board is involved in policy development by setting and reviewing institutional and organizational policies that guide the school’s operations, ensuring they align with the school’s mission and regulatory requirements.

The Head of School is the Board’s sole employee and reports directly to the Board of Trustees. The Head of School regularly provides updates to the Board Chair, the Executive Committee, and the Board as a whole.

No. A Trustee can be anyone, but is often someone with a direct affiliation with the school or a connection to independent school governance and operations. The Board is currently made up of current parents, alumni, and parents of alumni.

No. Trustees serve as volunteers who receive no compensation for their board service. Furthermore, Trustees who are parents of CWA students do not receive discounted tuition for serving on the Board.

Yes. Simply fill out the contact form on this page. The Board always welcomes comments, questions, or concerns and appreciates constructive feedback and we kindly ask that any communications be signed by the author (anonymous communications, while not discounted, are generally not productive). It is always our desire to help, but only after we have started a dialogue will we be able to work towards a resolution. On occasion, the board may send out surveys that allow for solicited and structured anonymous feedback.

No. For legal and privacy reasons, the Board cannot comment on former employees.

A formal review of the Head of School takes place annually. The Head of School Evaluation and Compensation Committee surveys all Trustees and meets with the Head of School to review the results of the survey. The Head of School is evaluated based on the goals committed to at the beginning of the year and their effectiveness in achieving success across these stated objectives.