1. Focus on Governance – Focus
In our previous article, Defining the Roles, we discussed how the focus of boards should be on governance (mission, financial oversight). Critical examination of the day-to-day activities of staff is critical to proper oversight; however, it is not the board’s role to micro-manage staff. Keep your eyes on higher-level, future-oriented…
Ohio’s Successful Charter Turnaround – and What’s Needed Next
/by Yvonne AdkinsThe Thomas B. Fordham Institute has published another piece worthy of sharing. Reinventing Ohio’s Charter School Sector – 2015-2023: Ohio’s successful charter turnaround – and what’s needed next, written by Aaron Churchill was released on May 2nd. The report speaks to …
Celebrate National Charter Schools Week
/by Yvonne AdkinsCelebrate National Charter Schools Week
May 7-13, 2023 is national charter schools week! The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools has developed a 2023 Celebration Toolkit…
Ohio Department of Education Overhaul Bill Progresses
/by Yvonne AdkinsAfter the Senate passed S.B.1 in a party line vote with Republicans supporting it and Democrats in opposition, the bill was assigned to the House Economic and Workforce Development Committee, with its companion bill (H.B. 12) assigned to the House Primary & Secondary Education Committee.
Key provisions of the bill would:
21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant application is now open
/by Yvonne AdkinsThe 21st CCLC Grant is designed to provide funding to out-of-school and expanded learning time programs operating in Ohio. This competitive grant funding supports the creation of programs that:
Stronger Connections Grant Application Now Available
/by Yvonne AdkinsThe Stronger Connections Grant is made available through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) which provides $1 billion in funding for state educational agencies to be distributed under Title IV, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA). Ohio received BSCA grant funding…
Charter school board members make effective advocates
/by Yvonne AdkinsTraditional public districts and schools are well-represented at the Statehouse – not only during the biennial budget process, but throughout each two-year General Assembly. Unfortunately, far too many charter schools opt not to engage in advocating for public policy…
ABCD – a Board’s Critical Documents
/by Yvonne AdkinsWhile a handy mnemonic for “A Board’s Critical Documents,” the acronym ABCD also represents a top-down outline that ranges from formative and rarely-changing documents (Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws) through regularly-revised strategic (Core) documents to daily, dynamic, tactical operational (Documentary) documents. We have tried to include a wide variety of sources in our hyperlinks for you to explore further:
Defining the Roles: Welcome to the Board… Now What?
/by Yvonne AdkinsHopefully your board member welcome packet has prepared you for your new role, but here are some helpful guidelines to navigate your responsibilities—as well as to help you understand how your role interacts with that of the executive director (superintendent, principal) and management organization.
First, what are your legal responsibilities? According to the Association of Governing Boards…
Five Characteristics of a Good Board Member
/by Yvonne Adkins“One size does not fit all.” The question of what makes a good board member first depends upon the type of board to which the member belongs. While all board members are expected to provide organizational direction and leadership, the expectations of a fundraising focused board member are quite different from those of a more traditional…
Five Habits of Effective School Boards
/by Yvonne Adkins1. Focus on Governance – Focus
In our previous article, Defining the Roles, we discussed how the focus of boards should be on governance (mission, financial oversight). Critical examination of the day-to-day activities of staff is critical to proper oversight; however, it is not the board’s role to micro-manage staff. Keep your eyes on higher-level, future-oriented…