Pub. 3 2013-2014 Issue 1

15 Wearing The Community Member Hat As a rule, Charter Board Members are very engaged in their communi- ties.  This is part of what makes them great Board Members!  As a member of your community, you can be a great advocate for Charter Schools. It is important that board members understand their relationships be- tween charter schools and traditional schools.  If we become involved in a “we are better” than you conversa- tion the students at both institutions lose because the innovation at charter schools can not be shared with tradi- tional education, and the purpose of a charter school is not being imple- mented. Charter board members can be- come great advocates for education during the legislative session.  Par- ticipating in events such as Charter Day on the Hill allow board members the opportunity to meet and discuss important issues with their elected representatives. Joining different as- sociations such as Utah Association of Public Charter Schools, Commu- nities that Care,  and Chambers of Commerce allow us to work with our communities to provide great educa- tional opportunities for the students we serve. Wearing The Parent Hat The parent hat can be the tricki- est hat of all for board members to wear.  While not all board members are parents, many who serve in this capacity have children attending the school.  Defining the different roles you play within the school can save a lot of confusion and frustration.  One way to address this issue is to speak to teachers up front.  A quick conver- sation with your child’s teacher as the school year begins can go a long way toward avoiding confusion.  Clarify that when you are discussing your child’s needs or concerns, you are wearing your parent hat and not acting as a board member.  This brief conversation can really help in making the teacher feel comfortable approaching you as a parent as issues come up throughout the school year. There you are, at a school social with your family.  Another parent greets you then begins to complain to you about the student pick up proce- dure or some other school issue they feel strongly about.  You don’t want to shut them down, causing them to feel unheard, but this is not a board issue.  Now what?  It is usually best to listen first to allow the parent to feel that they are heard.  Next, it’s time for a little education.  This is a perfect opportunity to teach the parent a little about board roles.  A quick statement such as “Oh, that’s an administrative issue, as a board, we are responsible for governance.  Have you talked to the principal about that?”  will send the parent in the right direction. How Many Hats Can You Wear At Once? Charter school board members wear many hats.  However, it is not possible to wear them all at once.  Surviving as a board member means learning when to wear each of your hats, finding balance by remov- ing your board hat to be a parent or community member. Taking time to find that balance is key to surviving the adventure of serving on a charter school board.  And don’t forget the chocolate! Joylin Lincoln has served as a board member at Lakeview Academy in Saratoga Springs since 2006.  Her and her husband are the proud parents to six daughters.  Joylin is a firm believer in school choice and one year had her four daughters enrolled in four different schools.  Joylin is a crusader for finding the best educational opportunities for every child. Pamela Van Wagoner has served on the Board of Trustees at North Star Academy since 2004.  She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and chose science as her content area. She and her husband have 5 children and reside in Riverton.  Pam was honored to receive the 2013 UAPCS Charter School Board Member of the Year Award. Since 1895. Member SIPC and NYSE. ©2013 Piper Jaffray & Co. 8/13 CM-13-0289 Our experienced public finance professionals have completed 16 Utah charter school financings for the acquisition, construction and/or renovation of charter school facilities. piperjaffray.com / charterschoolfinance Piper Jaffray is a leader in Utah charter school finance. To begin your journey, contact Piper Jaffray Public Finance: Bruce E. Sorensen Managing Director 612 303-1776 bruce.e.sorensen@pjc.com Nicholas P. Hagen Vice President 612 303-6661 nicholas.p.hagen@pjc.com