The ability of a charter school to carry out its mission successfully depends upon the strength of its governing board. An effective board provides strategic direction for the school, chooses and nurtures strong school leaders, and ensures the school s financial and legal health. For a charter school to succeed, it must form a board that is committed to the school s mission, possesses substantial leadership skills and expertise, sets policy that guides the school s work, and evaluates both the school and itself with an eye toward continuous improvement. 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.