THE VILLAGE SCHOOL Waldwick,

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND OPERATIONS Start Date: July 2021 thevillageschool.net Mission Our mission, in partnership with teachers, parents, and students, is to nurture a lifelong love of learning. Our “whole child” focus creates self- motivated, creative critical thinkers and kind, responsible global citizens. We are unflagging in our commitment to our students and strive to create an exceptional and authentic Montessori environment, so that each student may achieve their maximum potential.

OVERVIEW

For 40 years, thousands of children have learned, grown, and developed as part of The Village School, a triple-accredited Montessori school serving students ages 18 months through 8th grade. The school believes educating the whole child is the way to develop life-long learners. Its programs, ranging from Toddler to Middle School, are grounded in the philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori, reflecting the belief that each child, through individual talents, interests, and learning styles, is inherently unique.

Within a welcoming community, The Village School provides the gift of a lifelong and fundamental love of learning. Children exhibit a passion for learning and their natural curiosity is satisfied through hands- on experience. The classroom is characterized by a nurturing, respectful, and rich learning environment where teachers provide individualized instruction for all students. Independence, responsibility, and academic excellence are encouraged in a discovery-based atmosphere, and grace and courtesy are emphasized at all ages. Children are given the opportunity to thrive and excel throughout their educational journey and lives.

The school is seeking a strong financial leader who will assume responsibility for all non-academic matters. Primarily, this will require an individual with a solid background in the various aspects of school business operations, from payroll to accounts payable and receivable; the preparation of financial statements; budget development and administration; audit preparation and follow-up; interaction with lenders; and communication with counsel on matters relating to risk management and legal issues. Identifying means to expand non-tuition revenue will be an important area of focus. The new director will be expected to serve as the key spokesperson for development and advancement efforts, crafting a compelling message to those in a position to demonstrate their financial support through expanded annual giving and other forms of generosity. Understanding of and experience with the human resource function will be an attractive asset.

CARNEYSANDOE.COM 2 SCHOOL HISTORY

Marilyn Larkin and Lynne Wasserman founded The Village School for Children in 1977 in one classroom of The Old Paramus Church building in Ridgewood, New Jersey. Over the years, with the success of the programs for younger children, The Village School has added additional programs to accommodate a wider group of ages. What started as one Primary classroom of 19 students has grown to multiple Toddler through Middle School programs, with a current enrollment of 250 children.

Due to increasing enrollment and the desire for all programs to be under one roof, the school found itself moving locations a handful of times before finally settling in its current setting in 2002. After multiple phases of construction, the modern facility houses 16 classrooms; special rooms for art, music, and technology; a gymnasium, a science lab, a makerspace, a library, an auditorium, offices, and other purpose-built features.

THE SCHOOL

Today, The Village School offers an astonishing alternative to traditional education. The programs are designed and devoted to helping children fulfill their greatest potential in an environment that is both academically stimulating and personally supportive. Teachers strive to empower every student to be an independent, self-directed, self-motivated learner and a happy contributing member of the community. Each child’s unique individual talents, interests, and abilities are recognized, and through a progressive education, students are taught critical thinking and problem-solving skills that will prepare them for the future.

CARNEYSANDOE.COM 3 The faculty and staff are made up of individuals from a variety of different background who all have a passion for educating children in the Montessori Method. Each classroom is staffed with at least two teachers who are all Montessori trained or working on their training. The community celebrates all peoples, religions, and backgrounds by incorporating culturally sensitive presentations and discussion opportunities into the daily lives of students. Teachers foster a culture of students who are able to recognize bias and injustice and to develop the ability of each student to stand against it.

Many students come to The Village School from surrounding towns such as Ridgewood, Allendale, and Wyckoff, and some travel as far as from Tuxedo Park and other places in New York State. The school is proud to welcome families from five continents around the world.

Family involvement has always been an important aspect of the school. Parent volunteers are an integral part of the school community as they share with the children a special skill or hobby, read to groups in the library, and greet arriving students in the courtyard. Today, the purpose of The Village School Parent Association is to support the mission of The Village School and to promote a supportive school community by strengthening ties among families of students.

The Village School is one of two Pre-K-8 schools in New Jersey that hold triple accreditation from The American Montessori Society (AMS), The Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA), and The New Jersey Association of Independent Schools (NJAIS).

CARNEYSANDOE.COM 4 PROGRAMS

Toddler The Toddler Program for children 18-36 months provides a safe, supportive environment that introduces children to the Montessori classroom in a small, intimate setting. Children freely choose activities that have been carefully selected and prepared by their teachers with the developmental needs of each child in mind. The daily routines of the classroom provide the consistency that toddlers need as they learn to coordinate and organize their movements with a growing sense of independence. The Toddler classroom is divided into work areas encompassing practical life, sensorial, language, mathematics, science, art, and physical/motor, and students visit specialist teachers for music, movement, and Spanish activities.

Primary and Kindergarten The Primary Program is specifically designed to meet the needs of children ages 3-6 years. A multi- age classroom, the environment is carefully planned and rich with Montessori materials that encourage hands-on learning. The Primary Program focuses on the whole child; close attention is paid to each youngster’s academic, social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth. The Primary Classrooms include the following integrated curriculum areas: Practical Life, Sensorial, Math, Language, and Cultural Studies (including Geography, Science, Art, and Music).

The Kindergarten year is a critical component of the three-year Primary Program. This program for children ages 5-6 is a full-day academic program and serves as a bridge to elementary, offering in-depth explorations of academic materials. One half of the day is spent with their same aged Kindergarten peers, while the other is spent in the multi-age Primary classroom. This program offers the opportunity for the sustained independent work that is the core of the Montessori Method. The classroom contains the traditional areas of the Primary classroom with the addition of advanced materials. The Special Programs of Art, Music, Physical Education, Technology, and Health are taught by dedicated specialists.

CARNEYSANDOE.COM 5 Lower Elementary The Lower Elementary program for students ages 6-9 addresses each child’s complete development. The classroom provides an environment in which students are given the opportunity to explore the rigorous academic curriculum within a framework of respect and support. Individual learning styles are supported through varied teaching methods that most appropriately address each student’s need for success. Grace and courtesy lessons and role modeling are essential components of social-emotional learning, and community service develops an awareness of the needs of others. Speaking opportunities progress to informal presentations to help cultivate poise and self-confidence. Augmented by field trips, the curriculum includes Practical Life, Language, Mathematics, and Science, Cultural Studies, and Specials in Physical Education, Art, Music, Technology, and Health and Gardening.

Upper Elementary The Upper Elementary Program for grades 4-6 is designed to address all aspects of a student’s learning. The curriculum (Language, Mathematics, Science, Cultural Studies, Spanish, Health and Gardening, Physical Education, Music, Technology, and Art) supports the passage from concrete to abstract thinking, providing the materials and experiences to make it a successful transition to content- based instruction. Individual, partner, and small group projects are integral elements of the learning process, helping students develop time management, organization, and cooperative social skills. Sixth year students conclude an entire year of study on a topic of their choice by presenting their research to their fellow classmates, parents, teachers, and other members of the school community. A yearly away trip helps students formulate appropriate responses to a variety of scenarios outside the home and school as students develop stronger bonds with their peers.

Middle School In Middle School, students in grades 7 and 8 are provided a challenging and supportive environment where they explore, question, and formulate principles related to academic, personal, and social

CARNEYSANDOE.COM 6 growth. A strong focus is placed on developing appropriate study skills. Oral presentations that follow classroom research projects, formal classroom debates, and writing in a variety of formats help build self-confidence and strong communication skills, preparing students for future school experiences. Reading and writing are closely integrated throughout all subject matter. Field trips help students make relevant connections between their learning and the world outside, and community service projects develop practical life and leadership skills. In addition to Language Arts, History, Science, Mathematics, Health and Gardening, Art, Physical Education, Music, Spanish, Technology, and Theater, all Middle School students also participate in the Broadcast Journalism program.

ENRICHMENT AND EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

The Village School offers a variety of Enrichment Activities throughout the year. Offerings change year to year, but some past programs have included Needle Arts, Coding, STEM, Sunrise Yoga, and Beginner Wood Working.

In addition to the arts curriculum, students may choose to participate in several music ensembles. Junior Chorus is open to students in years 3-4 and Senior Chorus is for years 5-8. Junior Orchestra is open to students in years 1-8, and Chamber Orchestra is open by audition for those who have been practicing an instrument for a number of years. The Percussion Ensemble is open to students in years 3-8. Experience is not required, and this is a great way for students to experience the fun of performing in a group. The Orchestras, Choirs, and Percussing Ensemble perform two concerts each throughout the school year, as well as at other events such as Middle School graduation. Private music instruction is also available.

CARNEYSANDOE.COM 7 The Village School also offers three optional athletic programs to students. All programs are co-ed and practices and games are held either during recess or after school. All interested students are encouraged to participate. Teams are coached by members of The Village School staff and focus on teaching rules and skills, cooperation, good sportsmanship, and fun. Options include volleyball in grades 6-8, basketball in grades 5-8, and running club in grades 3-8.

Montessori Model United Nations is a wonderful elective program that provides interested students in grades 7 and 8 with the opportunity to serve as “delegates” of a given country as they learn about the workings of the United Nations, research their assigned country, write position papers for specific UN committee topics, and debate resolutions designed to solve global problems. A year of research, writing and preparation culminates in a four-day conference that involves collaboration with Montessori students from across the nation and around the world to address world challenges and propose solutions.

WALDWICK, NEW JERSEY

Waldwick is a borough in the heart of Bergen County, which is in the Northeast corner of New Jersey and less than 30 miles from New York City and all it has to offer culturally. With a population of approximately 9,600, Waldwick is a beautiful community that boasts an active local government and many locally owned businesses. In 2017, it was ranked the “Safest Small Town in America” by LendEDU.

While Waldwick has many unique structures and businesses that comprise its framework, the residents make up its heart and soul. Waldwick’s citizens are remarkably diverse and neighbors take care of one another. The community enjoys coming together through civic organizations, volunteering, and the many activities for both children and adults provided by the Borough. Waldwick’s neighborhoods are dotted with green space, parks, playgrounds, and basketball and tennis courts. These are all just

CARNEYSANDOE.COM 8 a stone’s throw from Waldwick’s special jewel, White’s Pond, which is annually stocked for fishing. Kayakers are often seen gliding along its surface beside birdwatchers and walkers on its banks.

Waldwick is served by NJ Transit at the Waldwick train station, as well as by both the and Main Line, which run north-south to Hoboken Terminal with connections to New York’s Penn Station and to other NJ Transit rail service. Connections are available at the Hoboken Terminal to other NJ Transit rail lines, the PATH train at the Hoboken PATH station, New York Waterways service to the World Financial Center, and other destinations.

OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

The new Director of Finance and Operations will have the opportunity to make a major impact on this wonderful and cherished school and will be called upon to establish strong internal procedures which have, to a considerable degree, been previously managed by trustees and external consultants. New systems and structures will need to be put in place to bring the business functions up to the same level of excellence that characterize the school’s academic and educational programs.

With the impending retirements of the co-heads of school, the new Director will be a trusted and valued advisor on a leadership team that will be guiding the school to new levels of achievement and excellence. The successful candidate will also be responsible for developing plans to improve the institution’s financial health through the refinement of its fundraising outreach and will serve as a chief spokesperson in its development efforts.

CARNEYSANDOE.COM 9 DESIRED QUALITIES AND QUALIFICATIONS

The expectations are high for Village School’s new Director of Finance and Operations. The ideal candidate will need to possess a range of specific competencies and professional and personal attributes including:

• An undergraduate accounting or business degree and a minimum of 3-5 years of professional experience. • A solid understanding of an independent school or not-for-profit’s financial operations including basic accounting principles and practices and knowledge of general ledger functions and monthly and year-end closing procedures. • The ability to guide, oversee, and motivate the work of others. • Impeccable organizational and analytical skills commensurate with the important responsibilities associated with managing the institution’s finances. • Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. • Comfort discussing sophisticated business concepts with Board finance professionals. • The ability to do financial forecasting, establish relationships with banks and other lenders, and work closely with the external auditor. • The orientation of a self-starter who can identify creative solutions and problem-solving approaches. • A warm, engaging personal style and the ability to connect and forge trusting relationships with colleagues, families, and potential donors.

CARNEYSANDOE.COM 10 TO APPLY

Interested and qualified candidates are invited to contact the consultant in confidence. Candidates will ultimately need to submit the following materials as separate PDF documents:

• A cover letter expressing their interest in this particular position; • A current résumé; • A one-page statement of leadership philosophy and practice as they relate to the business and advancement work of schools; and • A list of five professional references with name, relationship, phone number, and email address of each (references will not be contacted without the candidate’s permission) to:

Dr. Bruce L. Dennis Senior Consultant [email protected]

CARNEYSANDOE.COM 11