Pub. 1 2011-2012 Issue 1

10 D uring our monthly meetings, our board reviews a portion of our school’s charter. As we have done this, we have found a greater sense of collaboration and support from both parents and staff. It has given us, as the board, the opportunity to sharpen our focus each month as we strive for future growth and development of the school. It allows us to focus on the big picture items and stay away from the day-to-day adminis- trative issues. We are also able to share with the Director the board’s vi- sion and interpretation of the charter, which in turn helps the Director move forward to interpret policies and develop procedures that are in line with the charter. This review has also proved beneficial to our staff and parents. Both staff and parents see clearly the reasons behind our decisions and understand the direction the school is heading. The charter has become the guiding document not only for us as a board, but for the staff, students and parents at our school. During each board meeting we identify a portion of the charter to review. We then ask ourselves: Why it is important? Why did the founders think this was important enough to include in the charter? What was the intent and purpose behind this section? Why is it important to the students? With an understanding of the “why,” we ask: What does it look like? How will we know when we have achieved what we want? What does it look like for our students in the classroom, and throughout the school? What can we do to tighten, enhance and strengthen what is already in place? We brainstorm what this portion of the charter would look like if we could implement it without any constraints (financial, logistical, etc.). The only limitation is our own creativity and imagination. Finally we ask: How do we make it happen? Based upon our brainstorming session, what tools, resources and train- ing do we need to make this a reality? How does this fit into our 1-3 or 3-5 year school plan? This is the practical implementation portion of the discussion where the board, in conjunction with our Director, sees how and where this item fits into our school’s plan. We have found great success in reviewing our charter regu- larly and hope that you will take a few minutes in your monthly meetings to highlight what makes your charter unique and special. As you find what method and approach works for you, it will bring greater awareness to your school community, strengthen your governance leadership and build unity within your board. Tina Smith is the President of the Lakeview Academy Board of Trustees. Tina has experience teaching special education, French and English. She has her BA from Brigham Young University in French and Humanities. She can be reached at tsmith@ lakeview-academy.com . Do you know what’s in your By Tina Smith, Board of Trustees, President | Lakeview Academy CHARTER? * We teach a full program of sewing and cooking classes in our school starting ages 5-14 * We currently have an after-school program for cooking and sewing. * We incorporate life-skills into the cooking curriculum. Learning about food, nutrition, manners, cleanliness, kitchen rules, etc. * Sewing classes focus on beginning and intermediate sewing skills, creativity, understanding pattern and fabric design * Franchises are now available for interested parties www.learntocookandsew.com We can develop an in-school program for your students bringing our program to you.