As an independent school, Tessa International School is putting in place a Board whose activities follow the ‘good practice’ guidelines set by NAIS (National Association of Independent Schools). Board members volunteer their time to Tessa. They are not compensated and do not derive any financial benefit.
MISSION
One of the most important missions of Tessa International School’s Board is to be the guardian of the School’s mission.
In addition, the board supports formal strategic planning, oversees the School’s operations, stewards the school’s resources, and looks after the institution’s financial stability. It approves operating budgets, ensures the preservation of capital assets, and actively helps raise money for the specific school needs.
The board works in tandem with the Head of school while focusing on its primary work on long-range and strategic issues.
Board service requires a significant commitment to the school and its welfare, observance of the highest ethical standards and principles of fiscal integrity, and a readiness to explore challenges and gain consensus with fellow trustees.
ORGANIZATION
The Board of Trustees is composed of a minimum of 4 persons and a maximum of 8 voting members. The Head of School is a non-voting member.
The Consul General of France in New York and the Cultural Attaché are invited to Board meetings, where they can serve as non-voting Observers. The Board of Trustees generally meets quarterly and has several standing committees which meet regularly and report to the Board. Its working committees meet regularly, and then share their work, conclusions or recommendations during the meetings. The Board produces minutes, which are archived.
MEMBERS
Jan Abernathy – Chief Communications Officer at The Browning School
John Nichols – Director of Admissions at the United Nations International School
Amada Torres – Vice President of Studies, Insights, and Research at the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
Kate Turley – Educator and Educational Administrator
Throughout her long career, Kate has been an active member of many professional organizations. She fulfilled numerous roles for NYSAIS (New York State Association of Independent Schools), serving as a Trustee and the Chair of NYSAIS’ Board of Commissioners on Accreditation. She has been a frequent member of Visiting Committees for accreditation and chaired accreditation visits from 2001 to today. In addition, Kate is a member of NYSAIS’ ELAS Group (Experienced Leaders Advisory Council).
Along with her NYSAIS work, Kate has served other New York City independent schools. Kate is currently a Trustee of the Lycée Français de New York (N – 12) and the Brooklyn Heights Montessori School (N – 8). She is a member of the Committee on Trustees at both schools. In addition to her current Boards, Kate co-chairs the Board of Directors for an early childhood dual-language program in the Bronx, La Escuela Comunitaria del Bronx, scheduled to welcome its first students in Fall 2023.
Pascale Richard – Conseillère des Français de l’étranger
Since 2021, she is also Conseillère des Français de l’étranger.