Pub. 9 2019-2020 Issue 2

14 R oughly 900 people in the State of Utah find themselves serving on Charter School Boards. Most would state that they never considered the possibility of serving, just like stand- ing in line at Costco for three hours to get TP, was never on their minds until recent events. The stories are all unique in how this happened, but most were simply asked to step up and serve! Then the real- ization sets in that their innate human desire to serve has gotten them into a situation with many questions. In my 13 years as a Charter School Executive Director and Business Manager and as an observer of Board Members it has been my experience that the world of fiscal responsibility is often the area that causes the most questions with their roles. Kind of like when you run out of toilet paper. Where do you turn for help? Where do you find it? How much does it cost? And how long before I find some? Ever show up to help in a yard cleanup project and there is plenty to do? If you look at the magnitude and scope of the project, you are reluctant even to start. Once you grab a tool and ask a few questions, you are ready to dive into the project. As you work, things suddenly get better, and, more importantly, things get done. Your confidence builds and you see progress. You are reaping the benefits of work, service, and accomplishment that drove you to help in the first place. The stage is now set. You have been appointed or elected as a Charter School Board Member and you need to grab a tool and get to work! This article’s purpose is to equip you with some tools that you can use to do something and BY JUSTIN RIGGS, REAGAN ACADEMY Questioning Your Way Through Board Finance Responsibility