A board of directors is a legal requirement for a charter school under many state statutes. More broadly, this structure makes the school's management accountable to a diverse group of people who have the general interest of the charter school at heart, are not directly involved in the operations of the school, and, as volunteers with no financial stake, can effectively provide financial oversight. Boards promote the charter school's mission. In addition to fulfilling legal requirements, a charter school needs a board of directors composed of individuals who support the school's mission and seek to promote it. Board members advocate for their school by promoting its mission and goals within the community and in the wider education reform arena.
Boards hire and supervise the charter school administrator.
One of the most important roles of the board is recruiting and supporting a dynamic administrator who can provide vision and leadership to the charter school. The administrator acts as the bridge between the board and the staff of the organization and is designated to act on behalf of the board to implement its decisions. When looking for an administrator, the board must assess the charter school's specific needs, then seek a qualified individual who has the skills and experience to guide the charter school in meeting those needs. The board should also periodically evaluate the performance of the administrator in carrying out the decisions of the board and other assigned responsibilities. Boards set important policies.