Membership REQUIREMENTS
When you join ILM Tree, at least one parent is assigned to volunteer positions to help with the running of the co-op. This position can be as a 1st-8th mentor, assistant, break supervisor, early childhood mentor, baby caretaker or an administrative or facilities (cleaning, maintenance, etc) position. In addition all members commit to the following:
volunteering for a minimum of 10 hours/week
at least 1 hr/week in a position with direct student interaction
mother attends Weekly Community Meeting (WCM) every Monday from 1:15 p.m. - 4:35 p.m.
Participate in the subbing/snack rotation (some combination of subbing or snack provision up to 20 hours annually)
father participates in the ILM Tree Male Mentors Committee, which includes one mandatory meeting annually and volunteering for one event.
fees
There are two parts to our fee structure.
FEES: Every family pays monthly fees according to the following formula:
$265/family plus $10 base fee plus $75/child
POINTS: Every family must volunteer according to the following formula:
10 points per family plus 3 points/child
Points are calculated roughly based on the number of hours a week your position entails. You can trade points between members at the value of $80/point/month, as long as you are volunteering at least 10 points (i.e. 10 hours/week).
The more points you have (i.e. the more time you spend volunteering), the less your monthly co-op fees.
To get a better idea of our fee structure, use this fee calculator.
Other expenses incurred include class curriculum, consumables and class enhancement fees, field trip fees and event fees. Optional expenses include donations and fundraisers, contributions to gifts, purchasing a yearbook, etc.
Membership structure
Membership in the co-op is tied to the assignment of a parent to one or more co-op volunteer positions. Once accepted, members agree to fulfill the duties of the position and all other co-op fees and requirements. At any time, if the co-op volunteer position, fees, agreements, or other requirements are not being satisfactorily provided to the community or upheld by the family, members will be asked to leave the co-op. All decisions regarding membership and the application process are overseen by the co-op management: Manager of Operations; Manager of Adab and Culture; and Manager of Academics.
Conflict resolution
When conflict arises between students or parents, ILM Tree families engage in face-to-face problem-solving and conflict resolution in order to address the issues. They approach conflict as opportunities for growth and development of the children, the parents, and the co-op as a whole. When necessary, unresolved conflicts are brought to the managers for mediation and/or final decisions.
Finances
Fees are pooled to pay for:
Facility — use, maintenance and utilities
Budget for furniture, events, supplies, shared curriculum, technology, teacher training, etc.
Members volunteer for positions to keep the co-op functioning, and in rare cases we hire vetted employees to fulfill roles the membership is unable to.