Governance
The Governing Council has many oversight areas. One of its key responsibilities is to ensure that Peace Valley is meeting and/or exceeding the benchmarks and goals established throughout its charter. The Governing Council gives final approval to all personnel, budget, and policy decisions and ensures that the schools' practices are consistent with its vision and mission. The operational procedures are defined in the bylaw.
Michael Pinkerton
President
Michael Pinkerton has been a Board member since the 21-22 school year. He has seen the benefits of Waldorf inspired public education firsthand as a parent. Two of his children currently attend Peace Valley, and his third graduated from eighth grade last year.
Michael has a master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. In addition to his work as a therapist, he is the Director of Living Skills at a non-profit serving people with developmental disabilities. He has worked in that role for the past 11 years and has worked with people with developmental disabilities since 2008.
Michael is most interested in how Waldorf education helps children develop at a pace that is in line with their developmental level. He also believes that a focus on nature and the natural order (as displayed in the students' art work and in their use of natural materials) is especially important at this time, when technology, in particular social media, has hijacked many young minds. To his great relief, every school pick up, he sees children playing together in the playground and talking to each other, instead of watching their iPhones.
Eric McDonald
Vice President
Eric McDonald is one of the founding members of Peace Valley Charter, continuing to serve the school for over five years on the school Board. His family has collectively volunteered hundreds of hours building, teaching, and anything else they can do to serve our school and community. Ever since learning about the holistic value of the Waldorf philosophy, Eric became an active parent involved at multiple levels of the local public Waldorf charter school. He is an entrepreneur and fierce advocate for the Waldorf philosophy in the Treasure Valley.
Natalya Peet
Secretary
What truly resonates with Natalya is Peace Valley Charter School’s commitment to holistic education. As a parent of two current students at Peace Valley, and another preparing to join soon, she has experienced firsthand the transformative power of the Waldorf approach to learning. The Waldorf philosophy aligns perfectly with her personal family values. In Natalya’s professional capacity, she is a dedicated community leader who is well-versed in collaborating with boards to ensure smooth operations and adherence to policy and procedure. Her familiarity with Idaho State regulations and open meeting laws positions her to make well-informed decisions that benefit the school community. Natalya also has experience in budgeting, meeting presentations, coordinating simultaneous projects, and providing meticulous oversight of financials. Serving as a board member is an honor for Natalya, who believes that by working together, we can collectively shape a bright and promising future for both students and the entire Peace Valley community.
Brandy Gosch
Treasurer
Biography coming soon…
William Paul
William is a lifelong learner who is passionate about education and personal growth. While Will is currently working in the technology space, he has already had multiple diverse careers that range from mergers and acquisitions and financial advising to management and consulting. He learned about Waldorf through his wife and partner, Elena. Through her tutelage, he has grown to truly appreciate the pedagogy for its ability to teach the whole child. In working with the Governing Board, Will hopes to utilize his diverse skillset to help guide the school, which he and his family have come to love, to even greater success!
Geoff Surbeck
Geoffrey Surbeck joined the Board at Peace Valley in October 2021. A proud husband and father of three children, Geoff's connection to Peace Valley is via his youngest son, who has attended the school since 2020. In the past, Geoff has served as Treasurer of West Boise Little League, and has been involved in youth sports as a coach and coordinator for many years, with a particular interest in swimming, lacrosse and baseball. Geoff has an extensive business background that has included real estate finance, international investment, entrepreneurship and general management. He holds a B.A. in History from Whitman College.
The Board's functions include:
Overseeing that the school’s program and operation are faithful to the terms of its charter, bylaws, policies, and its mission statement;
Adopting policies that further clarify and assist in maintaining Peace Valley's Mission and Educational Program;
Ensuring the success of the school’s academic programs. All Peace Valley academic programs are evaluated and reviewed annually by the Board. Evaluations are used to determine the effectiveness of the programs and provide direction for improvements;
Ensuring that the school is financially solvent by planning and budgeting to meet the school’s goals;
Hiring the Administrator and evaluating their performance yearly;
Approving the hiring and termination of staff;
Evaluating the school’s effectiveness by monitoring staff, parent, and student perspectives.
Creating, serving on, and appointing people to necessary committees;
Developing strategic planning and approving short and long-term goals;
Overseeing marketing and fundraising activities
Providing Board orientation to all new members, which includes the introduction to the school and curriculum, classroom visits, and a binder of policies and information.