This section focuses on how a board is structured and how governance authority is organized and delegated. Clear structure and defined authority help ensure that the board governs effectively, committees operate efficiently, and the Head of School is able to manage the school’s daily operations without confusion about roles or decision-making authority.
Board committees allow the board to do its work more effectively by focusing on key areas such as finance, governance, facilities, and strategy. Clear committee structures and defined responsibilities help ensure that work is done efficiently and that recommendations come to the full board for decision-making.
Use these resources if your school is:
Establishing board committees
Clarifying committee responsibilities
Creating committee charters
Improving committee effectiveness
One of the most important elements of effective governance is clearly defining who has the authority to make which decisions. The Board is responsible for governance, strategy, policy, and financial oversight, while the Head of School is responsible for the day-to-day management and operation of the school. A decision-making or authority matrix helps clarify roles, prevent micromanagement, and ensure that important decisions are made at the appropriate level.
Use these resources if your school is:
Clarifying the role of the Board vs. the Head of School
Defining financial approval authority
Establishing clear decision-making processes
Preventing micromanagement or role confusion
Clarifying what decisions belong to the Board, committees, or administration
A clear governance structure helps define how the different parts of the governance system work together, including the Association (if applicable), the Board, Board Committees, and the Head of School. Clearly defined structure supports effective communication, accountability, and decision-making, and helps ensure that the Board focuses on governance while school leadership focuses on operations.
Use these resources if your school is:
Reviewing overall governance structure
Clarifying reporting lines and responsibilities
Establishing or revising governance structure
Explaining governance structure to the school community
Preparing for accreditation review
(Resources to be added)
Board officers typically include the Chair/President, Vice Chair/Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary. Each officer has specific responsibilities that support the work of the Board, particularly in areas such as financial oversight, governance processes, and board organization.
Use these resources if your school needs to:
Define officer roles and responsibilities
Clarify the role of the Treasurer in financial oversight
Clarify the role of the Secretary in maintaining records and minutes
Establish clear expectations for board officers
Board committees support the work of the Board by focusing on specific areas such as finance, governance, facilities, or strategic planning. Committees review information, discuss issues in detail, and make recommendations to the full Board, but committees typically do not make final decisions unless specifically authorized by the Board.
Use these resources if your school needs to:
Clarify the role of committees
Define committee responsibilities
Improve committee effectiveness
Ensure committees support, rather than duplicate, the work of administration
The Head of School is responsible for the day-to-day management and operation of the school, including staffing, educational programs, student life, and implementation of the strategic direction set by the Board. The Head of School reports to the Board and is the Board’s only employee. The Board provides direction and oversight, and the Head of School manages the school’s operations.
Use these resources if your school needs to:
Clarify the role of the Head of School
Define management vs. governance responsibilities
Support a healthy board–Head relationship
Prevent operational interference by the Board
Resources
A strong and respectful partnership between the Board and the Head of School is essential for a well-functioning school. The Board governs and sets direction, and the Head of School leads and manages the school. Clear communication, defined roles, and mutual trust help ensure that the school operates effectively and in alignment with its mission.
Use these resources if your school needs to:
Clarify communication between the Board and the Head of School
Establish clear expectations and reporting structures
Strengthen the governance–management partnership
Support board evaluation and leadership development
Resources to be added
Use of Materials
These resources are provided for AISA member schools for internal school use and adaptation. If you adapt or share these materials, please acknowledge the AISA Small Schools Resource Hub. Materials may not be sold or publicly redistributed without permission.