Pub. 6 2016-2017 Issue 1

21 Here are a few factors Freedom Preparatory Academy has found essential to governing board effectiveness, and to a strong relationship with the school administrator, since its inception in 2003: 1. Priority. The individuals who serve on the board believe in and are passionate about the school’s philosophy, its vision and mission. Their first priority is the success of each student. There is no room for personal agendas. 2. Training. Governing a charter school is not a guess- ing game, or rendering one’s opinion on how things should be run. Board members who take their service seriously will study, attend board trainings regularly, and take the time needed to research an issue before making a decision. Board members may think that they should be involved in the daily management and operation, which is the responsibility of the administra- tor. Without proper training, they might respond to issues personally rather than speaking with one voice as members of the entire board. They may seek to direct the administration in areas where they might have specific expertise rather than working through board meetings to suggest ideas and offer assistance when requested. All of these concerns can be avoided when effective training of board members takes place when first elected or appointed to the governing board. 3. Longevity. Board members are willing to commit to serve on the board for multiple years. Not only do they gain valuable experience the longer they serve, but they also learn to work effectively as a team and are comfortable with confronting each other’s ideas when necessary. Veteran boards can be a great source for stability and continuity at the school. 4. Effective governance. It is essential that all board members commit to and participate thoroughly in training. The distinction between governance and management is clearly defined and must be understood by administration and board members in order to maintain integrity and clarity in the operation of the school. Without that training and experience, the lines of responsibility can become blurred. When the board fulfills its defined role of oversight rather than getting involved in management issues, the relationship between the board and administrator is strengthened. Moreover, boards that have members with a diverse pool of skills, education, and professional experience will certainly govern more effectively. 5. Symbiotic relationship. Maximum progress can come when the board chair (CAO) and the main administra- tor have a balanced and respectful relationship. The demands of both positions are greatly reduced when these two individuals know each other’s strengths and utilize those whenever possible in executing their jobs. The state requires that the CAO knows the current reporting requirements, sees the data results in many areas of the school and frequently attends meetings and activities along with the administrator. Though the administrator is hired by the entire board, the CAO (and CFO) typically have the most frequent contact in that symbiotic relationship, given the responsibilities of their board positions. 6. Accountability. Effective boards ask the tough questions. Board assessments and administrator evaluations are held annually, where they review whether the school goals and the board goals were accomplished for that year. The criteria used for board assessments and administrator evaluation should be decided upon at the beginning of each school year. The success of the school is reflected by its achievement. This includes not only the achievement of the students but also strongly reflects the work of the board and administrator. For the past thirteen years, Freedom Preparatory Academy’s Governing Board members have been striving to exemplify the above principles. Since it opened its doors, Freedom Prep has been governed by a volunteer board composed entirely of parents or, in one case, a grandparent of students at our school. The school’s Executive Director seats as an ex-oficio member of the board (without voting power). The culture of our school community is strong and positive. Parents who support and continue bringing their children to Freedom Prep’s campuses are advocates of the design and achievement of the school. These parents are viable candidates for board positions after seeing and learning what the functions of a successful board member is. Our school has been fortunate to have board members with diverse talents and professional backgrounds, individuals of integrity who are deeply committed to the school, its unique culture (which we call our “special sauce”) and educational model. Our Governing Board has a strong synergistic relation- ship with the Executive Director. The board has total confidence in her abilities to handle any challenges the school may face as we have been expanding from a K-6 in one building to a K-12 model, currently operating in three buildings. It is important to note that successful charter schools have a solid foundation. From its founding governing board and administrator through its growth years, establishing a strong culture of excellence that can be continually built upon by future boards and administrators is the key to continued success.