How to Create a Healthy Board Culture & Practice Charter School Leadership Institute-2016

Charter School Board Pitfalls Founders Syndrome Personal Agendas Self-Importance; one person can not make decisions for the Board “Getting in the Weeds”; the importance of defining Operational vs. Governance decisions

Governance Model

Did You Know That Most Board Members: Receive little to no orientation, or ongoing training Never read bylaws or charter Cannot explain the difference between management and governance Rarely review meaningful data on their school’s student performance Unaware of the vast number of statutory and regulatory items in which school must apply (Carpenter, 2010)

High Functioning Boards Ask 3 Questions… How well are the students achieving the outcomes contained in the charter & expected by the State? How well is the school’s money being managed and safeguarded from risk? How well is the school complying with all statutory and regulatory requirements?

Board Golden Rules Spend the Board’s Time on Things that Matter Speak and Act as One Commit Resources and Time to Developing Good Governance Delegate Authority but Ensure Accountability Exercise Fiduciary Responsibility

Spend the Board’s Time on Things that Matter Strategic Planning Process Committee Work Beyond the Document Common Mistake…putting too much emphasis on one stakeholder group Resources: Board Self-Evaluation Data Dashboard

Speak and Act as One Trust Issue Internal Dissension (i.e. robust discussion vs. picking sides) Putting “personal agenda” aside Resources: Board Confidentiality Agreement

Commit Resources and Time to Developing Good Governance Review Evaluations Regular Board Governance Resources: Board Expectation Policy Open Meeting Law (143C) Charter School Law (§ 115C-218)

Delegate Authority but Ensure Accountability Board Committees (strategic vs. standing) Regular Reporting by Committee Chairs Resources: Strategic Planning Document

Exercise Fiduciary Responsibility Knowledge Regularly reviewing financial reports Approving Substantial Contracts Recognizing the school’s biggest expenses Transparency Resource: Strategic Financial Planning

Additional Resources http://www.leaders-building-leaders.com/ Board Wiser Program: http://www.charterschoolboardhelp.com/ Brian Boone, Educational Consultant e-mail: brian.d.boone@gmail.com www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-boone/7/107/92a Dr. Tom Miller, Leadership Consultant http://www.leaders-building-leaders.com/

Contact Information Shannon Stein, Superintendent www.lncharter.org 704-948-8600 sstein@lncharter.org