Instructional Leadership Team (ILT)

The ILT focuses specifically on improving instruction at the school, including the curriculum program, staff training, and developing the school budget.

Composition

The ILT is made up of administration, teachers, non-teaching staff and two parent representatives. The parent representatives serve alternating two-year terms (one is chosen each year). Nominations for ILT are done in April. Parent members of the LSDMC choose the ILT representative from the nominees.

The 2025–2026 ILT parent representatives are Megan West and Allyse Sonega.

Meetings

The ILT holds open meetings on the first and third Friday of each month, starting at 8am. The ILT is not part of the SMPO or the Rudder, but three groups (LSDMC, ILT and SMPO) work independently as committees to help better the Sands community and on issues that affect the school.

Sands Montessori Communication Form

The spirit of the Sands Montessori Communication Form is to help provide a best practice to foster communication. Best efforts should be taken to share requests, concerns, and successes, with homeroom teachers first, before being brought to administration. Sands Montessori is committed to creating an environment where teaching and learning can prosper in alignment with the Montessori philosophy of positive collaboration between students, teachers, and parents. We value your input. Thank you for supporting our wonderful school.


Local School Decision-Making Committee (LSDMC)

The Local School Decision Making Committee (LSDMC) is the primary governing body for the school. This committee gives insight and input into important decisions that greatly impact students’ lives and shape their educational experiences.

The function of the LSDMC includes:

  • adopting bylaws, including the school’s mission and vision

  • setting measurable school goals, based on a needs assessment

  • developing a broad plan (OnePlan) to implement those goals

  • completing a mid-year & end-of-year goal progress report

  • making recommendations and approving the school’s budget

  • participating in the selection of the principal, when a vacancy exists

  • approving locally initiated changes in the school’s program or focus

  • making recommendations to the principal regarding other school issues

  • seeking grants to support the school’s programs (optional)

  • coordinating and overseeing the development of the school as a Community Learning Center

 LSDMC Bylaws

The LSDMC Bylaws were amended and approved in May 2016.

Composition

LSDMC membership consists of four teachers, four staff (including principal), four parents and four community members. The parent members are elected at the April General Parent Meeting and serve a two-year term. A parent or community member is chosen by the group to be the chairperson.

The 2025–26 LSDMC Parent Members are Richard Grosse, Jeff Hart, Rachel McKinney, and Kristin Neidich.

Meetings

Open meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 4pm in the Media Center. The LSDMC is not part of the SMPO or the Rudder, but one parent member of the LSDMC serves as a liaison to the Rudder.