SERVING AS A TRUSTEE
The Board of Trustees is made up of nine members, each of whom is elected to serve a term of three years, from July 1 through June 30. Terms are staggered, with three members elected annually by the Association at the Spring Association Meeting held in May. Candidacy for the Board is open to all Association Members.
What kind of Board governs the school?
The Board of Trustees is a fiduciary board which governs by policy. The role of the Board is to enact high-level strategic policies that advance the school’s mission and sustain its viability and legacy. The school’s mission-directed governance structure draws a clear distinction between the governance role of the Board and the management role of the Head of School.
What kinds of decisions does the Board make?
The primary duties of the Board are to set governance policies for the school, as well as to select and evaluate a Head of School who faithfully advances the mission of the school through successful policy implementation and sound operational decisions. It is also the responsibility of the Board to establish an annual budget; approve long-term strategic plans and annual initiatives that bring the strategic plans to fruition; and promote the cause of Christian education in the community.
How are Trustees elected?
Interested Association Members are asked to complete an application which is then reviewed by the Nominating Committee. Candidate interviews are conducted, and then the Board nominates a slate of three to six nominees to be voted on at the Spring Association Meeting in May.
What qualifications are required?
Minimum qualifications for membership on the Board of Trustees are as follows:
- Trustees must have a clear testimony of personal faith in Jesus Christ as their only Savior and Lord and shall personally believe, adhere to, and support the Bible as the infallible and inerrant Word of God.
- Trustees must regularly attend and be actively involved in a local church that adheres to all articles of the Doctrinal Statement as well as Section 206 of Board policies.
- Trustees must exhibit a lifestyle consistent with their confession of faith in Christ, and may not be participating in practices that would be considered by Lansing Christian School illegal, immoral, or inconsistent with a positive Christian lifestyle such as cohabitating without marriage or being involved in a homosexual relationship.
- Trustees must subscribe to and promote the mission, purposes, and programs that advance the mission of Lansing Christian School.
- Trustees must give signed agreement to the LCS Board Member Code of Conduct and Duties and Responsibilities.
- Trustees must not be employees of the school (except as coaches or short-term substitute teachers).
Candidates for the Board should be well versed in the LCS Doctrinal Statement, Constitution, and other founding documents; the mission, vision, and philosophy statements; the mission-directed governance model; and current policies. Serious candidates will give prayerful consideration to the personal and professional talents and expertise they might contribute to help advance the mission of Lansing Christian School, and be prepared to discuss those with the Board’s Nominating Committee during the interview process.
What are the expectations and time commitment?
Trustees serve a three-year term, and terms are staggered to promote continuity. The Board is required to meet at least twelve times a year, which in practice has historically been once a month. Trustees also serve on committees and participate in Board retreats as needed. Board members are expected to enroll all children who qualify to attend Lansing Christian.
If you would like to learn more, please contact the President of the Board.