Stay focused on the school's mission. Over time and through transitions, it is likely that the founding groupwill change in composition as members move on to other projects and theneeds of the school shift with maturity. These transitions can be extraordinarilychallenging to the integrity of the school as new people bring in new ideasand priorities. While some of the above recommendations concerning clearleadership roles and policy guidelines can help address this issue, it iscrucial that the mission remain of central importance to the founders andthat it be inculcated throughout the school so that teachers, administrators,parents and students all understand the fundamental purpose of the school. Act like a trustee of the state's responsibility for public education.
Charter schools are public schools operated by private individuals.
Throughcharter school statutes, legislatures entrust private citizens and groupsto carry out the state's constitutional obligation to provide public education. Charter school applicants should honor this public trust and recognize itsspecial burdens. The applicant should act in the same way the law requiresof the charter holder. Decisions should be made in the open and the applicant'srecords should be open to the public. Members of the applicant group shouldrecognize and avoid potential conflicts of interest.