Board of Trustees
Trustee Officers
- Chair, Amy Freilich
- Vice-Chair, Lary Rappaport
- Treasurer, Margie Power
- Secretary, Peter Schwartz
- Tatsuyoshi Saijo, Trustee
- Tom Ropelewski, Trustee
- Richard Barnett, Trustee
- Richard Davis, Trustee
- Cynthia Wexler, Trustee
- Arlene Schneir, Trustee
- Suzee Wynn, Trustee
- Jodi Meade Vernon, Trustee
- Brian Haskin, Trustee
- Michael Wolper, Trustee
And non-voting Trustees:
- Carl Sabatino, Head of School
- Kim Vargas, Parents Association President
Strategic Planning
The Trustees conducted a comprehensive strategic planning process under the guidance of outside consultant Jim McManus (chosen as executive director of CAIS in 2007), who had assisted a number of independent schools in creating strategic plans. The process was completed under the leadership of former Trustee Bill Woods, who also had led strategic planning for Claremont McKenna College. The Board of Trustees passed the Strategic Plan in December of 2005 and the plan is currently being implemented.
Moving Toward CAIS Good Practices While Training Our Faculty
Bridges stands unique in LA as a school for "twice exceptional" children. Our success to date attests to Founder Carolyn McWilliams' vision and her profound understanding of many of these students.
The Board of Trustees and Head of School continue to lead the effort to make sure that Bridges successfully navigates the transition from a founder-led school to a well-managed institution incorporating the good practices established by accrediting organizations such as the California Association of Independent Schools. This transition is essential if Bridges is to grow and thrive. At the same time, we remain conscious that our students are unique—and we will be targeting our offerings to their unique needs more carefully than ever. For example, Bridges faculty are working closely with educators and professionals who are nationally recognized experts on twice-exceptional students.
Communication
Here are some examples of how questions and concerns are best addressed at Bridges and other CAIS schools:
- questions re your child's progress in school — to the teacher
- concerns re your child's grades—to the teacher
- concerns re your child's records—to the Registrar
- concerns/questions regarding teachers—to the Head
- concerns re discipline— to the Division Director
- concerns/questions regarding the administration and operation of the school generally—to the Head
- interest in serving on a Board committee—to the Chair of that committee
- ideas regarding substantial fundraising—to the Chair of the Board
Committees
As part of the Bridges' strategic planning efforts, and looking towards the future, we established a number of Board committees. Board committees are chaired by members of the Board of Trustees, but in most cases are open to participation from others in our school community. Descriptions of responsibilities of each committee are set forth in the Bridges bylaws link on this web site. If you are interested in participating, please contact the Chair of that committee.
Development Chair: Michael Wolper & Tom Ropelewski
Facilities Chair: Peter Schwartz
Finance Chair: Jeff Mironer
Committee on Trustees Chair: Cynthia Wexler
Leadership Committee Chair: Lary Rapaport
Strategic Planning Chair: Arlene Schneir