State College Friends School

1900 University Drive, State College PA, 16801 814-237-8386

Our School's Board of Trustees

As stated in Article II of the Bylaws, Friends School is governed by a Board of Trustees. The board's major responsibilities include supervision of the head of school, policy making, financial oversight, strategic planning, and institutional advancement. The board has a fiduciary responsibility to uphold the mission of Friends School in service to today's children and to ensure a vibrant Friends School for future generations.

Current work:

  • Actively support the Head of School;
  • Strengthen and support internal and external marketing;
  • Begin strategic planning;
  • Actively work on subcommittees of development: annual fund, major campaigns and major donors.
  • Read our newsletter, Connecting with the Board

 

Membership:
The board consists of thirteen trustees, the majority of whom are members of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers); they are appointed by State College Friends Meeting in consultation with the board's Committee on Trustees. The other trustees are parents or individuals from the community who have an interest in Friends education.

Terms:
Each board member serves a term of three years. Members may serve no more than two consecutive terms but may be reappointed after a one year absence.

Currently the board includes the following trustees:

Mary Lou Bennett and Richard Swails (co-clerks)

Betsy Gamble

Heidi Loomis

Eve Homan


Mardy Shaw

John Sheridan

Richard Witt

Representing the school at board meetings:

Dan Hendey, Head of School

Faculty Representative on Rotation

Lori Pacchioli , Director of Development

Diane Lehman, Office Manager

 
Meetings:
Regular board meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of each month, except in July when the board usually does not meet. Meetings are held in the manner of Friends, using silence to settle for business and consensus to decide matters.

Committee assignments:
Upon joining the board, each member is asked to serve on one of the following standing committees.

Standing board committees and 2011-2012 membership
  • Executive Committee
    Dan Hendey,MaryLou Bennett and Richard Swails (co-clerks), John Sheridan
  • Committee on Trustees
    Mary Lou Bennett, Polly Dunn,
  • Development Committee
    Pam Adams (clerk),Mary Lou Bennett, Joanne Green,Lori Pacchioli,Marianne Stevens, Dick Swails, Mary Ziegler
  • Finance Committee
    Dan Hendey,Diane Lehman
  • Financial Aid
    Dan Hendey, Mary Ziegler (clerk), anonymous Friend

In addition, ad hoc committees are formed as needed and may include individuals from the community with interest or expertise in the work of that committee. At present, there is a Building and Grounds Task Group, the Quaker Life Committee, and a Head Evaluation Committee.

Questions?
If you have questions or concerns, please contact the school.

"Do I treat adults and children alike with respect and without condescension?"
From the Queries on Care for One Another
Faith and Practice