The International School of Kenya (ISK) was established in 1976 through a collaborative effort by the governments of the United States and Canada. The school is governed by a 7-member Board of Governors and a 9-member Board of Directors.
Three members of the Board of Directors are appointed by the sponsoring missions, four are elected, and two are appointed by the board itself. All seven members of the Board of Governors are appointed. Four members currently represent the US Embassy, and three members represent the Canadian High Commission.
Board of Governors (BoG)
The Board of Governors is comprised of seven members appointed by the two sponsoring missions. Currently, four members represent the US Embassy, while three represent the Canadian High Commission.
The BoG's primary responsibility is to provide fiduciary oversight at the highest level. This includes approving the Long-Term Financial Plan, annual budgets, the composition of the Board of Directors, and any major capital expenditures, such as construction projects.
Board of Directors (BoD)
The Board of Directors is composed of nine members:
- Two elected parents
- Two positions appointed by parents of the Board of Directors
- Two general appointed positions
- Three members appointed by the U.S. and Canadian Missions in Kenya
It is noteworthy that board-appointed members are not required to be parents of ISK; they typically have a long-standing connection to the school, such as being alumni.
The ISK Board of Directors has four main responsibilities:
1. Strategic Planning: Establishing, evaluating, and reviewing the strategic direction of ISK.
2. Financial Planning: Ensuring fiduciary oversight, including risk management and monitoring the annual budget.
3. Policy Formulation and Approval: Collaborating with the Director and School Administration to develop and approve school policies.
4. Director Oversight: Responsible for hiring, evaluating, developing, and supporting the Director.
Operational management and personnel decisions are delegated to the Director, their leadership team, faculty, and staff. Consequently, the Board of Directors is not involved in the school's day-to-day operations.
The Board fulfills its responsibilities and meets its annual goals through various committees. Among these are two standing committees: the Finance Committee and the Governance Committee. Each year, ad hoc committees, such as the Facilities Committee, may be formed to address specific tasks or goals involving a wider range of stakeholders.
