Governance

The board's responsibilities include embracing and upholding EAB's mission, vision, and strategic direction, as well as safeguarding the organization's long-term sustainability and financial well-being. They are responsible for the hiring, support, and evaluation of the Head of School.

The Board carries out its work through the following committees: finance, facilities, governance, and audit.  In addition, the Board utilizes ad hoc task forces to focus on specific concerns or initiatives related to school governance.

In terms of time commitment, Board members typically participate in 10 monthly board meetings per school year in addition to participating in one of aforementioned committees. In addition, they engage in two two-day retreats annually. On average, Board members contribute 15-25 volunteer hours per month.

In accordance with the EAB bylaws, the Board is composed of at least seven and at most eleven voting members. The Chief of Mission of the Embassy of the United States of America in Brasília, or his or her duly authorized representative, is automatically a non-voting member of the Board of Directors. At least 50 percent of the Board must be citizens of the United States of America. Two members must be Brazilian citizens. The remaining members are chosen to reflect the diversity of the EAB community. With the exception of the United States of America, no more than two members may be of the same nationality. At least half of all Board members will be EAB current parents.

The Board of Directors is a self-perpetuating board. Each year, the Governance Committee submits a list of suggested and rank ordered candidates to fill vacated spots.  Board members will vote and appoint new members after hearing the Governance Committee’s recommendations. The Governance Committee, drawing as widely as possible from the community, collects nominations with an aim to build a Board with skills helpful to supporting the Board's work, and comprised of individuals drawn from across the EAB community who can collectively support EAB's mission of pursuing academic excellence, innovation in learning, and a culture of belonging.

Individual members serve on the Board for a period of three years. Members may be reinvited by the existing Board no more than three times, for a period of  three years for each re-election. The term limit established is twelve years. With regular turnover of US and other members in Brasilia, approximately one-quarter of the Board will rotate every year. Terms will begin and end at the end of the school year, on the date of the annual General Assembly of the Association.

The school board actively seeks individuals who embody the essential qualities necessary for effective board membership, including:

• Long-term perspective and fiduciary responsibility: Board members should possess the ability to consider the school's long-term goals and act in its best interests.
• Absence of personal agenda: It is important for board members to prioritize the school's objectives over personal interests or agendas.
• High ethical standards: Upholding a strong sense of ethics and integrity is crucial for board members in maintaining trust and accountability.
• Teamwork and collaboration: Board members should be adept at working collaboratively as part of a team, valuing diverse perspectives and fostering a positive group dynamic.
• Dedication to the mission, vision, and strategic direction: A strong commitment to the school's mission, vision, and strategic goals is essential for effective board members.
• Effective communication skills: Board members should possess good communication skills, both in expressing their ideas and actively listening to others.
• Attention to a culture of belonging: Recognizing and understanding the importance of belonging for all members of EAB's community for a safe and productive learning environment, with a vision to prepare EAB students to be truly global citizens. 

These attributes collectively contribute to the overall effectiveness and success of the school board.

• The Parent-Teacher Organization - PTO
• The Head of School and the Leadership Team

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Facilities Committee

The responsibilities of the Facilities Committee encompass policy-making and strategic planning related to the school's physical assets. This includes overseeing the construction, maintenance, and security of the school's facilities, as well as ensuring the safety of faculty, staff, and students. The committee also plays a vital role in developing a comprehensive long-term master plan for the efficient utilization and preservation of physical assets and resources.

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee collaborates with the administration to develop the annual operating and capital budgets, as well as a long-range financial plan. This committee is responsible for closely monitoring all financial activities in greater detail compared to the board as a whole. Additionally, the Finance Committee plays a key role in establishing financial policies and presents relevant matters, along with regular financial reports, to the board for approval and informational purposes. Furthermore, the Finance Committee provides oversight for the investment advisory committee.

Audit Committee

The purpose of the Audit Committee is to assist the Board of Directors in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities for the financial reporting process, the system of internal control, risk assessment and mitigation strategies, internal and external audit functions and compliance matters.  Its responsibilities include reviewing and recommending approval of EAB’s annual audited financial statements to the Board.  In addition, it is responsible every three years for evaluating and recommending an external auditor to the Board.

Governance Committee

The Governance Committee is responsible for the institutional stability of the Board.  The Governance Committee manages the process for recruitment and selection of new Board candidates seeking to ensure that, to the extent practical, prospective candidates reflect the diversity of the EAB community.  The committee coordinates and supports orientation to incoming Board members. It identifies and disseminates opportunities for professional development opportunities for Board members.  This includes coordinating with the Head of School and Board President on internal and external retreats. The committee reviews and updates the Board Policy Manual and governance-related documents (i.e., policies). In addition, the committee coordinates on the evaluations of the Board of Directors.