School Governance

Like most independent schools, St. Stephens is led by a Board of Trustees and the Head of School, each with distinct and complementary responsibilities that promote the school's goals and dreams for the future.

At St. Stephens, the Board of Trustees is a volunteer group whose membership includes parents of current St. Stephens students as well as non-parents.   The role of Board members is to keep its focus on the big picture, namely providing a vision and strategy for St. Stephens’ mission long-term while leaving to the Head of School the implementation of the Board’s vision and stragegy through day-to-day operations. The Board holds St. Stephens "in trust" for future generations of
students and families.  More specifically the Board of Trustees helps formulate policy, steward the school's assets, and select, retain, and counsel the Head of School. Each year the Board sets and approves the budget as a financial expression of policy decisions.

Trustees serve three-year terms and are encouraged to remain for an additional term. The full Board meets monthly; standing committees (which may also include non-board parents and community leaders) meet in frequent working sessions and additional monthly meetings. Trustee workshops, mentoring, and outside assessment and consultation keep the Board aligned with its
responsiblities.

The Head of School, as educational leader, is responsible for implementing Board policy, hiring faculty and professional staff, and the daily operational management of the school.

Mike Carmichael
Occupation:                          Airline Pilot
Affiliation with St Stephens:     Parent

What attracted you to volunteer on the board of St Stephens?
Desire for a strong School for our children
Committees Serving:               Marketing & Development

Angie Cocke
Occupation:                        Realtor with Century 21 Champion
Affiliation with St Stephens:   Grandmother and long tern supporter of the St Stephens Community

What attracted you to volunteer on the board of St Stephens?
As a Realtor, it is important to see the community grow and have the option to choose a school that has Christian Values.
Committees Serving:              Marketing & Development Committee

Bev Dunn
Occupation:                          Home Manager
Affiliation with St Stephens:     I have two daughters that have attended St. Stephen's.   Both started in preschool.   One graduated in 2007 and now attends Notre Dame High School, and the other daughter is in Middle School.

What attracted you to volunteer on the board of St Stephens?
I became involved as a volunteer in St. Stephen's nine years ago as a result of a fund raising event.  Then followed chairing key fundraising events for the next five years.  During this time I recognized the role played by the Board and became more attuned to St. Stephen's mission and goals.   I joined the Board in 2002 and have been happy to give my energy and commitment to the school in many different areas.
Committees Serving:               Marketing and Development

Patrick Dunkley
Occupation:                . . . . Attorney
Affiliation with St Stephens:   Parent of Student

What attracted you to volunteer on the board of St Stephens?
My wife and I enrolled my daughter at St Stephens on the recommendation of a friend.  St. Stephens immediately struck me as a special place that is extremely dedicated to the education of the entire child.  I was honored to join the board to contribute to the constant growth and development of this wonderful educational community.
Committees Serving:               Finance & Facilities

Peggy Mahony
Occupation:                        Physician
Affiliation with St Stephens:   Parent

What attracted you to volunteer on the board of St Stephens?
To assist in the growth and development of this great school.
Committees Serving:              Marketing & Development Committee; Annual Giving Chair

Fiona Rowe-Marshall
Occupation:                           Development, The Role Model Program, Graduate Student, SJSU
Affiliation with St Stephens:     St Stephens Graduate. (preschool through graduate of the  10th class through St. Stephen's.  My Mom is also currently (& still) the librarian at the school.

What attracted you to volunteer on the board of St Stephens?
As a past student I always return to see my old teachers and help out where needed.  It’s great to give back to those who helped me get to where I am today.
Committees Serving:   Marketing and Development; Alumni Committee

Randy Simmons
Occupation:                Director of Engineering
Affiliation with St Stephens:     Board of Trustees Member

What attracted you to volunteer on the board of St Stephens?
I value and appreciate all aspects of Education especially for our youth.  My goal is to assist in the development of Saint Stephen’s to define and fulfill its strategic mission.
Committees Serving:               Finance & Facilities

Debbie Stolle
Occupation:                          Home Manager
Affiliation with St Stephens:     Parent

What attracted you to volunteer on the board of St Stephens?
Opportunity to get more involved with the school
Committees Serving:               TBD

Joe Vyvijal
Occupation:                          Business Development Director
Affiliation with St Stephens:     Parent

What attracted you to volunteer on the board of St Stephens?
A chance to give back to the St. Stephen's Community
Committees Serving:               Board of Trustees Chair

Jay Walstrum
Occupation:                          Senior Product Marketing Manager
Affiliation with St Stephens:     Parent of children attending St Stephens for over 12 Years.

What attracted you to volunteer on the board of St Stephens?
The engaged community and active parent volunteers at St Stephens was inspiration to become active and participate in an area I could contribute.
Committees Serving:               Marketing & Development Chair