As a Waldorf school community, the Annual General Meeting (AGM) is more than a formal obligation; it’s a living expression of our shared responsibility, trust, and vision. Whether you are a parent, staff, or teacher, attending the AGM helps strengthen the foundation of our school’s governance, and we all get to “check in” on the ‘health’ of our school.
Two of the questions we received are, “What is the role of a Board Member”? and “How does it influence the pedagogy?”
The Board of Directors plays a crucial role in stewarding the legal, financial, and strategic well-being of the school; they look after the business. The Board ensures that the school remains financially sustainable, accountable, and true to the values of Waldorf education. The Board is the ultimate oversight body of the school and carries the legal responsibility for the school as a whole.
The Board upholds the school’s constitution, ensuring regulatory compliance and providing leadership in financial and operational planning, supporting the long-term growth and health of the school. They approve budgets, monitor our financial performance – strategy, and ensure resources are responsibly allocated. The Board acts as a guiding force, enabling others to do their work well and with clarity.
While the Board’s role is primarily governance-focused, it is their understanding of and respect for the Waldorf pedagogy that is essential. In a Waldorf school, pedagogy is not just a method; it’s a living philosophy, rooted in human development, imagination, and reverence for the child.
Board members do not direct curriculum or teaching, but they understand the values and developmental principles of Waldorf education. This is why the MOI advises endeavour to ensure that the composition of the Board shall, if at all possible, maintain a reasonable balance between the number of Directors who are members of the College of Teachers and the number of Directors who are not members of the College of Teachers.
This harmony between governance and pedagogy is what sustains the unique character of a Waldorf school. The BoD meets twice a term, with a third meeting as a combined College and Board.
Why is it important to attend the AGM?
Your participation in the AGM is not only welcome, but also vital. Waldorf education is built on a community model that values each individual’s contribution, voice, and presence. The AGM offers an annual view into the school’s operations and is a moment of shared accountability. It strengthens the bond between parents, teachers, Board members, and staff. We gather to co-create the future of our school.
We have the opportunity to vote on new Board members, which requires us to assess the skills for business and interpersonal skills, needed to add value to this position (see Grapevine 15 for Nominee Bio’s).
We will be offering an online option for attendance and voting, and if you are not able to make either, you may vote by proxy (see email and WhatsApp sent). We will also be offering childcare and refreshments. Look out for the RSVP form, which will be sent out next week.
Last thought: A thriving Waldorf school is not sustained by teachers and staff alone, nor by parents or Board members alone. It is a living organism that depends on a shared community vision with collaborative governance.
