Pub. 3 2013-2014 Issue 1

14 What Hat To Wear To The Board Meeting Charter school board members often find themselves wearing many different hats.  Those hats may vary depending on the situation, but all find themselves wearing the board member and community member hats.  Many board members also wear the hat of a parent of students at the charter school they serve.  Surviv- ing these multiple roles can be quite a challenge, but it is possible!  Let’s explore where, when and how to wear each of these hats as you venture to survive your role as a charter school board member. Before we begin, there are three tools you must have on hand at all times.  Chocolate, Diet Coke and a big box of tissues.  The Diet Coke can be substituted with your beverage of choice, but the chocolate and tissues are a must. Wearing The Board Member Hat It is important to understand exactly when the board member hat can and should be worn.  As a board member, you are not alone!  There is comfort and safety in this.  Board members are never authorized to act on their own.  They speak with one voice as actions are taken in board meetings.  The board is responsible to uphold the charter and mission of the school, hire and oversee administra- tion, ensure fiscal responsibility, and set sound policies.   That short list encompasses a lot!  As boards divide up responsibilities, focus on the needs of students and make data driven decisions, the task will be easier to accomplish. As a board member, you may find yourself in situations where you have to quickly put on the board hat to address questions or issues as they come your way.  This is especially true if you are a board member who finds yourself in the school often.  Parents and staff members may turn to you for answers regarding policies and the school’s mission and charter. When this happens, be careful to avoid overstepping your role as a board member.  It is easy to get caught up in “how” these things should be carried out, but remember, that is why you hired an administration. Your answers should focus on the actions taken by the board, leaving the details of daily operations to the administration.  To do this, it is critical that board mem- bers have a complete understanding of their school’s mission, charter and policies. Oftentimes, parents or staff may ask you a question that clearly lies in the responsibilities of the ad- ministration, it is appropriate to listen their concerns and then politely direct them to the administration who can solve their problem.  Remember, there is nothing wrong with redirecting a question or concern to the administra- tion or teacher involved. Board Survival Guide BY JOYLIN LINCOLN AND PAM VAN WAGONER