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

2. 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

3. Governance Model

4. 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)

5. 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?

6. 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

7. 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

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

9. 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)

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

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

12. Additional Resources http://www.leaders-building-leaders.com/
Board Wiser Program:
Brian Boone, Educational Consultant
Dr. Tom Miller, Leadership Consultant

13. Contact Information
Shannon Stein, Superintendent