Board of Trustees

Paideia is a non-profit corporation governed by a Board of Trustees, which is legally responsible for the school. Members of the Board of Trustees for the 2012-2013 school year are:

Board Officers

Jon Lowe, Chairman
Retired Partner from Alston & Bird, LLP

Melinda Holladay, Vice-Chair
Melinda Cooper Holladay, Esq.

Toby Brooks, Treasurer
Community Volunteer

Melissa Walker, Secretary
Attorney, Salo & Walker

The board of trustees governs the school, legally a 501(c) (3) organization, in accordance with its by-laws, which delineate specific responsibilities and authority. It hires the headmaster, who is responsible for the daily operation of the school including hiring faculty and administrators, admissions, curriculum, class placement, communications, and discipline. The board spends considerable time and effort overseeing the school’s finances, i.e., authorizing fund-raising activities and appropriating the monies that are raised. Several standing committees, each headed by a member of the board, assist in this effort: executive committee, board governance committee, building and grounds committee, finance committee, development committee, parent involvement committee, and the development council. Other committees may be appointed as needed. In addition to standing committees, which often include faculty members or parent representation, the board from time to time creates ad hoc groups to study and make recommendations on certain issues. Paideia’s board of trustees is a working board, rather than one that exists for legal or ceremonial purposes only.

Here’s a quick look at some key board committees: The Finance Committee develops and presents to the board for approval, the yearly operating budget of the school and supervises expenditures within this budget, as well as the financial aid and development budgets. In addition, the finance committee makes recommendations to the board regarding the financial policies of the school. It is a policy of the board to see that the school runs on a sound fiscal basis and avoids operating deficits; this policy has been adhered to for the 37 years the school has been in existence. The board treasurer, Virginia Hepner for 2008-2009, serves as chairman of the finance committee.

The Development Committee conducts capital campaigns for the school’s long-term funding needs. It also have responsibility for the school’s annual funds. The Development Committee also raises money to provide financial assistance to students who might otherwise be unable to attend Paideia and works to promote socio-economic diversity. It regularly calls on the entire Paideia community for help. The largest single fundraising event for financial aid is the Annual Spring Auction. Sales of wrapping paper, magazines and bulbs, and a percentage of parent purchases from Kroger and Publix stores through the school’s online PiWeb Store are other important annual sources of funds for financial aid. These fund raising activities are coordinated through the board of trustees, the school parent involvement effort, and Paideia’s development office. The Financial Aid Review Board awards financial aid to families who are enrolled or have been admitted to the school. The main criterion is economic need, but socioeconomic status and the age of the child are considered as well. No full tuition awards are given. All recipient families are asked to contribute according to their means. Financial aid is awarded to faculty members’ children also on the basis of need.