The Board

A Board member is expected to participate actively and openly in decision-making at the monthly Board meetings. In addition, it is expected that each Board member will participate in one committee that meets monthly. The minimum expected commitment is two meetings per month; however, some Board members are involved in more than one committee and also take on other projects from time to time. 
 

A Board member is a parent or guardian of a student(s) attending the school, but represents the interests of the school community as a whole, including its cultural diversity given the fact that Colegio Maya is the American International School of Guatemala.

A Board member:

• Supports the school’s purpose and core values, within the school and in the greater community.
• Is an active learner who seeks to understand the structure and operation of the school and its policies.
• Listens actively to other Board members, members of the school community, and the school administration.
• Approaches all decisions with an open mind and a problem-solving attitude, deciding matters on their merits and in the interest of the school community as a whole.
• Works with fellow Board members in a spirit of harmony and cooperation in spite of differences of opinion that may arise during vigorous debate of points at issue.
• Prepares for Board meetings by reading the material provided and asking questions in the meetings to clarify any matters being considered.
• Is able to effectively participate in the working language of the school, which is English.
• Participates in setting Board goals and evaluation of Board performance.
• Exercises strategic leadership towards a long-term vision.
• Acts as a guardian or trustee of the school, now and into the future.
• Acts as an ambassador for the school at all times.
• Exercises an ownership interest on behalf of all members of the Association.
• Exercises decision-making authority as part of the Board in properly constituted meetings.
• Respects the delegation of powers made by the Board to the school’s Director, recognizing the difference between governance and administration.
• Ensures that the policy base and systems of financial accountability provide transparent management of the school and its resources.
• Signs and acts in accordance with the Board ‘Code of Ethics’ and behaves in an ethical manner in all matters related to the school.
• Respects the ‘no gossip’ rule: confidentiality of sensitive information, especially that discussed during Executive Sessions of the Board, and any matters relating to individual employee contracts or private family matters of members of the school community.