by Kathi Weinstein, Director of Admissions

Waldorf schools are often thought of as “teacher-run” and, indeed, the faculty take on substantial responsibility when it comes to creating the classroom culture and pedagogical direction of the school. The economic realm, however, requires a different expertise, particularly in a volatile climate. Here is where our Board of Trustees, in association with core faculty and staff, takes on the primary responsibility and leadership.

Seven months after the Great Barrington Rudolf Steiner School opened its doors to our very first kindergarten in 1971, a crucial gift from lawyer Richard Morass was the incorporation of the school, designating it as a non-profit organization. The original board members, many of them Waldorf teachers, were Gerhard Bedding, Dolores and Tilo Kaufmann, Patti Livingston, Jane Parriot, Jean and Thorn Zay and Betty Krainis. Over the past 37 years, our trustees have seen the school through “… the best of times, and … the worst of times… ” Board members received kudos during the mid 1990s for a successful capital campaign and also worked diligently during periods of lower enrollment.

Meeting monthly from early evening to, often, late evening, our trustees investigate issues with the skill and precision of research scientists, always looking for the best possible solution for the future of our school. Much of their meeting is devoted to school management issues such as budget, policies, and legal questions.

Who are the people who take on this vital task? Since the inception of our first board, more than one hundred individuals have volunteered to act on behalf of the school in this capacity. As specified in the school’s bylaws, the board is a self-perpetuating body, determining the qualifications if its members, who typically serve a three-year term.

At the end of a term, the board solicits prospective candidates from the school community, submitting names to the nominating committee, which seeks to maintain a balanced representation of parents, teachers and friends. Qualifications sought are an ability to understand business, legal and financial issues; skill in communicating and working with others; and an appreciation of and commitment to Waldorf education and the school. After nomination, trustees are elected by affirmative vote of a majority of the board.

Our board of trustees comprises fourteen members representing parents, faculty, staff, alumni, and the community. Together, this exceptional group of individuals melds resources and expertise to provide the school with sage leadership. Working closely with the Council of Teachers on long-range planning and development, the board oversees the budget-making process, and finalizes and approves the budget. It also oversees annual and capital fundraising and expenditures. Board committees focus on specific areas, such as development, admissions, buildings and grounds, finance, executive matters, human resources and board nominations. The following is a brief “Who’s Who” of our current board members and their areas of expertise:

Erik Bruun, president, is parent of a kindergartener and seventh-grader, as well as of a 2008 graduate. He brings to the board his management expertise and innumerable community contacts. Erik feels that the strength of the school is the solid tradition of Waldorf education provided by its experienced faculty, and for the school’s future he hopes for a strong financial base and robust enrollment.

Max Dannis, vice-president and parent of a fourth-grader, owns the restaurant Local 111 in Philmont, NY, with his wife Linda Gatter. Max is also a volunteer fire fighter for the town of Claverack and is involved in landscape renovation through
his business Adair.

Cathy Fracasse, treasurer and parent of a third grader, brings 20 years of experience in large and small organizations, information management and technology from her previous position working for a financial services company. Cathy serves as chair of the Finance Committee.

Jonathan Baum, secretary and parent of eighth and fifth grade students, is a lawyer and entrepreneur. In addition to his legal expertise, he brings problem solving and communication skills to the board and the various committees on which he serves.

Heather Alston is an early childhood teacher in the Rainbow Room
kindergarten. She is the mother of three children at our school, from early childhood through seventh grade, and a class of 1987 alumna of our school.

Ron Banks, father of a second-grader and kindergartener, brings both scientific training and business management skills to the board from his professions of scientist, car broker and real estate investor. Ron can be quoted as saying “It’s more than a school. It’s a community whose strength lies in the people.”

Mary Campbell is the mother of a sixth grader and two alums from the classes of 2006 and 2003. Her fourteen years’ experience at the school in fundraising and development make her an invaluable member of the board. Mary’s commitment to expansion of our early childhood programs and to the emotional and physical health of our children is carried out in her work as a trustee. She is also founder of Claiming Our Voices, an organization that seeks to give voice to women and girls.

Gary Casarsa, the father of fourth and second-grade children, is former chair of the Advancement Committee and for the past five years has organized the school’s annual golf tournament. Gary owned four successful businesses that varied in size from 2 to 500 employees, enabling him to bring to the board organizational expertise and business sense. Gary has expressed that the school’s strength is its pedagogical foundation manifested through the work of the teachers, staff and parent community.

Oskar Hallig, an alumnus of the class of 1989 (Mr. Norris), has a master’s degree in non-profit management. He is customer service manager of Iredale Mineral Cosmetics and teaches at Berkshire Community College. Oskar is new to the board this year, but certainly not new to the Berkshires. He has owned and operated a bed-and-breakfast, the Hallig Hilltop House, since moving back from Berlin, Germany, five years ago.

Louann Harvey, grandparent of a second-grader, is a Mortgage Officer at Berkshire Bank. In addition to her extensive knowledge of the Southern Berkshires, Louann has organized many successful fundraising events for a variety of non-profit groups she is affiliated with. New to the board this year, Louann has already acknowledged the “feeling of family” she feels in the school.

Krista Palmer has been involved with coaching and teaching physical education to our students since 1989, and completed Spatial Dynamics training in 1994. Now teaching seventh- and eighth grade handwork, she will receive her certification in applied arts in March, 2009. She is also chair of the Council of Teachers. An alumni parent of three boys, classes of 1998, 2000 and 2002, Krista is also a Waldorf school graduate herself, having attended the Garden City Waldorf School, NY. She brings with her a superb understanding of anthroposophy and Waldorf pedagogy.

Bernie Plishtin, father of a sixth-grader, has recently begun working for Hearst Corporation’s digital media group. He is helping to evaluate, acquire, integrate and grow their internet companies, with a focus on health and wellness lifestyles. Bernie’s extensive business background has made him a valued member of the board.

Marilyn Ruppart, the school’s administrator, brings with her extensive administrative experience from her past positions at two prominent independent schools. She was also a Waldorf teacher at Garden City, where her two children attended pre-school through twelfth grade. Marilyn’s perspective on the day to- day functioning and health of the school are invaluable resources to the board. As a school, Marilyn says, “we are healthy, strong and inspired—and are embarking on a bright and successful future.”

Rebecca McFarland is the business office manager at GBRSS and also parent to sixth- and third-grade children. Serving the board as an ex-officio member, she brings a strong commitment to managing the school’s financial matters with integrity and care. Her vision for the school’s future is to educate as many children as possible through strong financial support for tuition assistance.

Michael Thomas, parent of a class of 2000 graduate and the husband of early childhood teacher Jo Valens, is the chairman of the building and grounds committee. Michael has been a critical force behind the expansion of the Betty Szold Krainis Early Childhood Building, the creation of a science room in the middle school wing, and recent renovations to the office area. He brings a
superb ability to conceptualize a project and rally the resources needed for its completion. In his spare time Michael is a film producer at September Films, based in New York City.