MCWS Governance Model
Transcript: The goals and objectives of Maine Coast Waldorf School are accomplished through the coordinated efforts of the College of Teachers, Board of Directors, and the Parent Association. These bodies are supported in their tasks by various committees, which work under the auspices of each body, and by the administrative departments. Includes the Business Director Includes Leadership Council Updated July 2025 What is the role of the board? The financial and business administration of the school lies with the Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for the financial health and long-term sustainabilty of the school. The Board partners with the College of Teachers, faculty, and staff in setting budgets and managing the school's financial health, addressing legal matters, and designing long-range plans. In addition to the standing committees, the Board may designate from time to time ad-hoc committees to take on certain projects or emergent needs. The Business Director (Melissa Watson) is the hire of the Board of Directors. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Board members: John Manganello, President Dana Anderson, Vice President Christie Mahaffey, Secretary Riley Scott, Treasurer Che Eagle Joe Newlin Wilson Haims Karl Schatz Jeannie Mattson Eric Shurtleff Riika Morrill Who are the members? Faculty Board Members: Julie Cummings Chloe Dowley John Reinhart Lynn Thurrell Business Director Melissa Watson ADMINISTRATION Business Director The role of the Business Director is to provide administrative leadership on behalf of the Board by taking responsibility of operational and financial school matters. General areas of responsibility include finance, legal, enrollment, health and safety, marketing, logistics, and communication. The Business Director is the hire of the Board of Directors. Caretakers and Bus Drivers Report directly to the Business Director Brian Kessler, Caretaker Jim Bly, Fleet Maintenance; Substitute Bus Driver Bonnie Steelman, Bus Driver Ross Steelman, Bus Driver Caretakers and Bus Drivers Branch Office Managers Report directly to the Business Director Susan Sonntag High School Branch Office Manager, Athletic Director Vanessa Romanoff Grades 1-8 Branch Office Manager, Athletic Coordinator Lindsay Lord Early Childhood Branch Office Manager Branch and Business Office Managers Admissions Team Report directly to the Business Director Amanda Soule Director of Enrollment Rebecca Dobrow Admissions Officer Admissions Community Hall / Reception Reports directly to the Business Director Janet Rae Jorgensen Community Hall Coordinator / Reception Community Hall Reception Communications Reports directly to the Business Director Susi Delaney Communications Manager Communication Health Office Reports directly to the Business Director Kelly Czerwinski, RN School Nurse Health Office Development Team Reports directly to the Business Director Molly Clark Development & Community Engagement Director Liz Carlson Development Coordinator Kate Ciarimboli Development Coordinator Development Marketing Reports directly to the Business Director Jessica Green Marketing Manager Marketing Nominating Committee What is the role of the Nominating Committee? Chaired by the Board President, this small committee includes representatives from the Board, the faculty, and the development committee. The primary responsibility for this committee is to develop, cultivate, and ultimately recommend new members to the Board of Directors. Committee Chair: John Manganello Strategic Planning Committee What is the role of the Strategic Planning Committee? The Strategic Planning Committee is comprised of three work groups, which are tasked with finalizing and then overseeing the goals and objectives for the three pillars of the 2025-2029 Strategic Plan: (1) Governance, (2) Waldorf as True North, and (3) Capacity. Chair: Dana Anderson Work Group Chairs: Governance: Kate Barrett and Christie Mahaffey Waldorf as True North: David Eichler Capacity: John Manganello Risk Mgmt Committee Risk Management Committee The Risk Management Committee looks at liability, risk, and emergency response needs. The committee works closely with the Business Director to oversee and provide guidance on legal issues, liability, risk, certain policies, and emergency response issues for the school. This committee includes and is open to any member of the MCWS community. Chair: Che Eagle Finance Committee What is the role of Finance Committee? Chaired by the Board Treasurer, this committee includes and is open to representatives from administration, pedagogy, the Board of Directors, and the parent community. The finance committee has responsibility for the school’s financial oversight, including planning, budgeting, investment strategy, and more. Chair: Riley Scott Development Committee What is the role of the Development Committee? The Development Committee works closely with the Development Office to provide guidance, strategic oversight, and support for development and fundraising efforts at What