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2023-24 WBAIS School Board

(from left to right) Andrew Horesh (Finance Committee), Oggie Ivanova (Policy and Governance Committee), Devin Pratt (WBAIS Superintendent), Hanifa Abu-Toamih Atamni (Board Chair), DJ Knight ( JAIS Advisory Committee), James Tira (Board Member), Shahd Asfour (Board Vice Chair, Facilities Committee), Michael Dancel (Treasurer, Finance Committee).

JAIS operates as a branch of the Walworth Barbour American International School (WBAIS) which has 2 campuses, JAIS and AIS. Dr. Devin Pratt, as the WBAIS superintendent has oversight over both campuses and Ms Liz Album is the Head of JAIS.

The WBAIS School Board has seven members, four of whom are from the U.S. Embassy and three from the general community. The Superintendent serves as an ex-oficio member of the Board.  One of the seven board seats may be filled by a person who is neither a parent nor a guardian of a registered WBAIS student. The School Board meets regularly, has policy-making authority, and responsibility for the financial planning of the school.

Candidate Board Members representing the U.S.Embassy shall be appointed by the U.S. Ambassador or their designee. Candidate Board Members representing the community shall be selected by the existing School Board. The Governance Committee oversees the vetting process for all Board applicants.

The School Board's major responsibilities are in the areas of finance and strategic planning including:

  1. Approving a detailed budget and budget modifications.
  2. Hiring, supporting, and evaluating the Superintendent.
  3. Supporting the process of teacher contract negotiations.
  4. Assisting with the planning of all major capital improvements in the school.
  5. Offering input and overseeing the school’s strategic plan.

 


JAIS has an Advisory Committee and the chair of this is our JAIS direct representative on the WBAIS Executive Board.  Ms Liz, the Head of JAIS serves on this committee along with volunteer parents and teachers.


Both campuses are accredited by the Middle States Association and the Israel Ministry of Education.