BOARD OF DIRECTORS ROLES & DUTIES
Purpose and Governance Authority
The Board of Directors serves as the School’s governing authority and is responsible for ensuring the institution’s longterm academic, operational, and financial integrity. In alignment with accreditation expectations for effective governance, the Board holds ultimate fiduciary and strategic responsibility. This includes:
- Approving and periodically reviewing the School’s mission and vision.
- Establishing institutional policies that guide and regulate school operations.
- Providing financial oversight, including approval of the annual operating budget.
- Ensuring compliance with state voucher program requirements and all applicable regulations.
- Hiring, supporting, and annually evaluating the Executive Director/Head of School.
- Approving major contracts, financial commitments, and capital expenditures.
- Overseeing legal matters and riskmitigation practices.
The Board maintains a clear distinction between governance and administration. Board members do not participate in daily operational decisionmaking, which is delegated to the Executive Director and administrative leadership.
Board Composition
To ensure effective governance capacity, the Board consists of individuals with expertise relevant to the School’s mission and operational needs. Requirements include:
- A Board comprised of 5 to 11 members.
- Representation across key fields such as education, finance, law, community leadership, technology, and business operations.
- Completion of staterequired background checks for all members.
- Annual signing of conflictofinterest and disclosure statements.
This composition supports informed, ethical, and missionaligned governance consistent with accreditation standards.
Terms of Service
Board members serve:
- Threeyear terms.
- Staggered rotations, ensuring continuity of leadership and institutional knowledge.
- A maximum of two consecutive terms, unless extended through a formal Board vote.
This structure promotes both stability and renewal in governance practices.
Board Meetings and Governance Procedures
The Board meets regularly to fulfill its governance responsibilities and comply with accreditation expectations for transparency and documentation.
Meeting Requirements
- Meetings occur at least quarterly, with additional meetings held as needed.
- All meetings follow an established agenda.
- Formal minutes are recorded and maintained as part of the School’s permanent records.
- Meetings include updates on financial performance and academic outcomes.
- Board proceedings follow the School’s bylaws and a simplified version of Robert’s Rules of Order.
- Emergency meetings may be convened when necessary.
Virtual Governance
To support flexible and compliant governance:
- Meetings may be held fully online using secure, approved digital platforms.
- Remote participation and documentation must be fully supported.
- Digital records of agendas, minutes, and materials must be archived.
- Virtual meetings must comply with all applicable state openmeeting laws.
Board Officer Roles
Board Chair
- Presides over Board meetings.
- Provides governance oversight and ensures adherence to Board policies and bylaws.
- Serves as the primary liaison to the Executive Director.
Vice Chair
- Supports the Chair and assumes responsibilities in the Chair’s absence.
Secretary
- Records accurate and complete meeting minutes.
- Oversees governance documentation, maintaining bylaws and all official Board records.
Treasurer
- Oversees financial reporting and budget monitoring.
- Coordinates with auditors and the Finance Director.
- Provides regular financial updates to the Board.
Board Committees
Committees support the Board’s governance duties by conducting focused work and offering recommendations to the full Board. Committees may include:
- Finance Committee
- Academic Excellence Committee
- Governance & Policy Committee
- Technology & Innovation Committee
- Hybrid Expansion Committee
These committees help ensure informed, datadriven governance consistent with accreditation requirements.
Board Ethics and Conduct
The Board is committed to ethical, transparent, and responsible governance.
Ethical Expectations
Board members are required to:
- Act in the best interest of the School.
- Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
- Avoid favoritism or undue influence.
- Adhere to bylaws, policies, and ethical standards.
- Demonstrate integrity and transparency in all decisions.
AntiNepotism
To avoid conflicts of interest:
- The School prohibits hiring or appointing individuals to positions that create supervisory or decisionmaking conflicts involving family members.
- Any potential conflict must be publicly disclosed, reviewed, and approved by the Board.
- Direct supervisory relationships between related individuals are not permitted.
Code of Conduct
Board members are expected to:
- Attend all required meetings.
- Prepare thoroughly for discussions and decisionmaking.
- Engage respectfully and constructively.
- Avoid micromanaging or interfering with administrative duties.
- Support decisions made by the Board as a collective body.
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with staff.
