Frequently asked questions

Rudolph Steiner’s vision for the way a Waldorf School should be run is that all pedagogical decisions rest with the College of Teachers (often the more experienced teachers). The Board of Management is made up of parents, who participate on a voluntary basis, as well as some teachers, administrative staff and at least one representative of the College. The Board holds the legal and financial responsibility of the school. The College and The Board work together looking at issues from both the pedagogical and legal/financial side and make decisions, taking these viewpoints into account.

This management structure is unique to Waldorf schools. It means that as a parent you can volunteer your time and energy, and participate in making decisions that affect the future of the school. During the history of Imhoff Waldorf School many parents have served on the board and on ad hoc sub-committees (mandated groups) that have been formed to address specific issues. Parents have participated in the decisions that have been made since the inception of the Dragon Tree project. The strength of the school going forward depends on the continued involvement of newer parents, replacing the longer-term parents in these mandated groups and on the Board. If you feel strongly about the future of the school then this is the way to become involved.

As a school, we are very reliant on the involvement, input and skills of our parent body. The school is structured with sub-committee or mandate groups, mandated by the Board of Management and/or College of Teachers. Each Mandate Group consists of a Board member, College member and Parent representatives. The mandate groups report back to the College of Teachers and Board of Management if necessary.

The Board of Management have always strived to have a balance of “skilled business leadership” coupled with “social leadership skills”.

Our Finance Committee, for example, has always had highly experienced & skilled parent representatives (CA’s, strategic business consultants and successful business entrepreneurs). It is crucial to have these skilled parents provide an objective “big picture view” based on solid business principles. They advise, guide and report to the Board on a monthly basis.

Presently we have skilled professionals on the Move group and Finance committee but need to strengthen these groups further and would welcome any parents with skills in these areas to please come forward to support the school.