The San Francisco School: About: Board of Trustees

The San Francisco School is a California nonprofit corporation. It qualifies under the Internal Revenue Service Code as a 50l(c)(3) organization. The legal responsibility for the operation of The San Francisco School rests with the Board of Trustees. The Board focuses on long-range goals and plans, hiring and evaluating the Head of School, policy considerations, and fiscal management; including budgeting and fundraising.

The Board is comprised of 25 trustees which includes a large number of parents/ guardians, faculty, the Head of School and external members. External members often include alumni, alumni parents or Administrators from other local independent schools. Faculty members serve two year terms and all other members join for at least one 3 year term.

A Letter from the Board President

After over 12 years at The San Francisco School, I continue to be amazed by the vibrant community that pulses behind the wooden gates on Gaven Street. Whenever I walk through those gates, something surprises me. Sometimes it is a science project egg floating off the Middle School balcony supported by a parachute that allows it to land unbroken in the courtyard below. Other times it is the cheerful sounds of a folk song that emanate from a group of Third Graders or the giggles from Preschoolers picking figs from the tree in their yard. Not infrequently, it is an inquisitive chicken peering in the door of the Math Room.

When my family first walked through those gates almost 13 years ago, we were struck by the amazing energy on campus and the school's extraordinary sense of community. We were immediately drawn to the Montessori Preschool. As our daughters progressed through Preschool, Elementary School and Middle School, each year we were introduced to new facets of SFS's rich curriculum.

This year I am honored to serve as the Board Chair. The work of the Board of Trustees is crucial to the ongoing health and vitality of SFS. The Board is responsible for maintaining the school's core values and mission – while keeping the school financially strong and forward looking. I am privileged to serve on the Board with an amazing group of talented Trustees. These parents, staff, faculty, alumni, alumni parents and administrators from other schools, volunteer their time and wisdom to the school on a regular basis. It is wonderful share the Board's work with people who are so committed to The San Francisco School and its community.

I look forward to the coming year and to discovering new surprises with you behind those Gaven Street gates.

Sincerely,

Maria Hekker
President, Board of Trustees