Finding that sweet spot of collaboration can sometimes feel like a balancing act: your charter school board gets so focused on their own agenda that they forget to loop in the CEO/ED and their team. Meanwhile, the CEO/ED might feel like they’re on a different wavelength from the board committees. It’s a recipe for disconnect.

What can you do to mitigate this dynamic? It starts with building a solid partnership between the board chair and the CEO/ED. Regular check-ins, clear communication, and mutual support are the name of the game.

Here are some key focus areas:

Be proactive about tracking progress. Check-ins should be more than just status updates. They’re about ensuring everyone’s moving in the right direction. If someone needs a hand, it’s time to lend some support.
Roles and boundaries. Try to prevent stepping on each others’ toes. Everyone has their role, and sticking to it keeps things running smoothly.
Maintain transparency. Everyone should be in the loop about what’s happening, from financial details to any curveballs that come your way.
Continuously improve. Regular check-ins help you figure out what’s working, what needs adjusting, and what you can leave behind.

More Resources

The partnership between your charter school board and the C-suite is vital for school success. They’re like two halves of a whole, each bringing unique strengths to the table. Browse and download the resources below to foster collaboration with your board.

Featured Article

5 Essential Committees for Charter School Boards

Charter school boards are the backbone of your school, ensuring that academic standards are met, finances are managed efficiently, and governance is effective. Behind every successful board are dedicated committees, each with its own responsibilities. Let’s delve into the roles and responsibilities of the 5 key committees of a thriving school. 1. Finance Committee Essential […]

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5 Budgeting Terms for Charter School Leaders

Budgeting is an essential part of running a charter school. From managing operating costs to forecasting cash flow, it can be a complex and challenging task. However, with the right knowledge and understanding of budgeting terminology, you can make informed decisions and set your school up for success. In this blog post, we will explore […]

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The Board Governance Guide

In this guide, created in partnership with BoardOnTrack, you’ll get tips and strategies for recruiting the right people with the necessary skills, experience, temperament, and time to govern a multimillion-dollar enterprise—your school. You’ll also learn the essential roles and responsibilities of your governance board, as well as how to govern for growth at every stage.

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The educational landscape always evolving—and lately, it’s impossible to ignore the growing excitement and concern surrounding Artificial Intelligence (AI). To shed light on the role of AI in education, we gathered a panel of experts, each offering invaluable insights into different facets of AI implementation and its implications for schools. Watch the highlight video below and read through a recap of what was covered.

Panelists:

Corey Layne Crouch – Chief Program Officer of AI for Education, emphasized the significance of AI literacy in empowering both students and teachers.

Sarah Fink – of Bast AI, provided an overview of AI ethics, discussing recent legislation and offering tips for crafting AI policies tailored to educational settings.

Sangar Safi – from Software MSP, delved into data privacy and security concerns surrounding AI, highlighting measures to safeguard sensitive information.

Understanding Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The webinar commenced with a high-level discussion on generative AI, a subset of AI technology that has seen exponential growth in recent years. Generative AI, driven by machine learning and deep learning, involves the creation of new content—text, images, or video—based on trained data. This technology has far-reaching implications for education, influencing teaching methodologies, teacher-student dynamics, and privacy.

The Importance of AI Literacy

A recurring theme throughout the webinar was the importance of AI literacy. Educators and school leaders were urged to understand the fundamentals of AI technology, its limitations, ethical considerations, and appropriate uses.

Practical Applications of Generative AI

Corey Layne Crouch provided practical insights into leveraging generative AI within schools. She shared how educators can harness AI tools for tasks such as written communication, content differentiation, brainstorming, and even translation. She shared how prompt libraries facilitate seamless integration of AI into existing curricula, enhancing teaching and learning experiences.

Ethical Considerations and Data Security

Addressing ethical concerns and data security, the panel emphasized AI usage transparency, accountability, and compliance. School leaders were urged to prioritize student privacy, adopt strong security measures, and remain vigilant against potential threats.

More Resources

For further resources and support in implementing AI strategies tailored to your school’s needs, click the links below. You can also subscribe to Tuesday Tips, our weekly live Q&A for school leaders, for more insights as we continue to explore the transformative potential of AI in schools.

Featured Article

How to Write an AI Policy for Your School

Artificial intelligence (AI) in schools presents exciting opportunities and challenges, and school leaders are navigating that balance—harnessing AI’s potential while safeguarding student privacy, data security, and ethical considerations. With the emergence of sites like ChatGPT, some schools are choosing to draw up an official AI policy to help them navigate this complex landscape. Here are […]

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ChatGPT in Charter Schools: 4 Things Charter Leaders Can Do

The emergence of ChatGPT, an advanced artificial intelligence language model, has been the subject of discussion, excitement, and alarm among educators. Staying up to date on the latest developments in AI and education can be challenging, but it is essential to be sure that students are prepared for the rapidly changing world they will inherit […]

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Cyberattacks: Understanding the Potential Threat To Your School

Cyber attacks are on the rise, and schools are becoming targets more often. Why schools? An article in Forbes reports that the answer comes down to money—schools manage more than enough money to become an appealing target for criminals. And it’s only going to become more common: Alyson Klein reports in her article in EdWeek that the problem is only increasing […]

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Technology and Security Awareness Training for Your Charter School

Today’s classroom relies on more forms of technology every year. Training sessions empower teachers and staff to use technology effectively and safely. The Importance of Training Sessions Training sessions are pivotal in shaping your school’s technology integration, digital literacy, and security awareness. By incorporating technology training into your school’s professional development program, you’re investing in […]

1. Finance Committee

Essential Tasks: The finance committee partners closely with our CFO or finance director to set and monitor annual budget goals, ensuring our financial health remains robust. They provide financial oversight, produce annual reports, and commission audits to keep us accountable. Monthly check-ins help them gauge our financial trajectory and make necessary adjustments.

Key Skills: The finance chair ideally has a background in finance or budget management, while committee members should be fluent in financial language and adept at handling spreadsheets and other financial documents. Their goal is to speak the same financial language as your CFO and keep your financial ship sailing smoothly.

2. Academic Excellence Committee

Essential Tasks: This committee collaborates closely with the academic director to establish clear academic performance goals. They oversee curriculum development, pedagogy, and learning approaches to ensure excellence in education. Monthly evaluations track progress and identify areas for improvement.

Key Skills: Led by individuals with backgrounds in education, research, or pedagogy, this committee fosters a supportive relationship with academic staff and serves as a valuable resource for the board and leadership team.

3. Fundraising or Development Committee

Essential Tasks: Charged with meeting fundraising goals, this committee works alongside the finance director to secure resources for school initiatives. Beyond fundraising, they also focus on enhancing the school’s image and standing within the community through public relations efforts.

Key Skills: Led by experienced fundraisers and PR professionals, this committee excels in motivating donors and promoting your school’s mission through strategic marketing efforts.

4. Executive Director/CEO Support and Evaluation Committee

Essential Tasks: This committee plays a critical role in selecting, supporting, and evaluating the executive director. They conduct annual evaluations, provide ongoing support, and ensure alignment with organizational goals throughout the year.

Key Skills: Comprising members with expertise in team management and human relations, this committee supports the CEO/ED in achieving their objectives and driving organizational success.

5. Governance Committee

Essential Tasks: Responsible for maintaining a healthy governance team, this committee assesses board capabilities, oversees succession planning, and strategically recruits new members. They ensure that the board remains focused and aligned with its goals.

Key Skills: Comprised of individuals with experience in leadership liaison and strategic communication, this committee drives governance team success through effective collaboration and communication.

Effective charter school governance requires a harmonious partnership between the board and the C-suite. Regular check-ins between the board chair and the CEO/ED ensure that both sides are working collaboratively towards shared goals. By fostering a culture of transparency, teamwork, and continuous improvement, your board can maximize their effectiveness.

Check out the resources below for more on effective board governance.

Featured Article

5 Budgeting Terms for Charter School Leaders

Featured Article

Preparing for the Annual Audit: Governance

The idea of the audit can invite stress, and it’s understandable to feel daunted by the need to address compliance and other issues while you’re focused on the day-to-day aspects of growing a school. The Charter School Audits Guide Preparing Your School for the Annual Audit offers month-by-month breakdowns schools can use to stave off […]

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The Board Governance Guide

Guide the Guide

Pamphlets and brochures aren’t enough anymore—and neither are photos and static social media posts. Video is the most successful medium on social media. They are dynamic, engaging, and can convey emotion and personality in ways that written content can’t match. Whether it’s a virtual tour of your campus, testimonials from current students and faculty, or highlights of exciting extracurricular activities, videos allow you to showcase your school’s unique culture and offerings. Most importantly, they can help you resonate with both current and prospective families.

Have a great arts or STEM program? Video can highlight it best. Do you have excellent sports or unique academic programs? TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram are great platforms to use videos to highlight them. Think of them as the 24-hour town square where your content can cross paths with prospective families.

The good news is, that you likely have the tools right in your pocket—no need to look further than your smartphone for making great videos. Here are tips to get you started.

1. Keep Your Audience in Mind

Who is your audience, and what are their interests, concerns, pet peeves, and priorities? Tailor your content to address these factors and highlight the aspects of your school most likely to resonate with them. You want them to see your content and think, “Finally, a school that understands my family’s needs!” Keep it simple but authentic, transparent, and relatable. Showcase the real people and experiences that make your school unique in a casual manner and engage with viewers who leave comments. (This is why it’s totally ok to use your smart phone to film—don’t worry about having super-polished videos! You want it to feel authentic).

2. Optimize Your Distribution Channels

Creating great video content is only half of the recipe for success. To maximize its impact, you must ensure it reaches the right audience. You can do this by leveraging social media platforms to share your videos with prospective families and engage with them meaningfully. Use relevant hashtags that families might search for (on TikTok and Instagram—hashtags don’t work as well on Facebook). Consider investing in targeted advertising to reach families in your local area or demographic groups most likely to be interested in your school.

3. Measure Your Success

Once your video content is published, tracking its performance and adjusting your strategy accordingly is essential. Pay attention to metrics like views, engagement, and conversion rates to gauge the effectiveness of your videos. Use this data to identify what’s working well and where to improve. Be bold and experiment with different types of content and distribution channels to see what lands well with your audience.

Schools can find creative ways to stand out and attract prospective students and families in an increasingly competitive landscape. Video content can be a powerful, low-cost way to showcase the culture of your school and better connect with your audience. By leveraging the power of video, you can drive enrollment, boost engagement, and enroll more students for the upcoming school year.

About the Author

Cheril Clarke serves schools as a Content Strategist for the Enrollment Marketing Team at Grow Schools, where she spends most of her time writing and researching blogs and drafting paid advertising plans for schools. Cheril attended Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY, and brings a wealth of expertise having written for a wide range of demographics, including children’s books, speeches for State Senators, and Fortune 500 executives.

Featured Article

3 Tips for Data-Driven Enrollment Marketing

Search data show that families start looking for schools between January and April. This marks a critical time for you to showcase your school—and ensure your content and ads are getting in front of families. This foresight avoids last-minute scrambling as the enrollment season approaches in June, July, and August. Here are some data-driven strategies […]

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3 Things Charter Schools Can Do for Website Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

The search bar is where it all begins. SEO, or search engine optimization, is a key component to designing your charter school website. In short, good SEO means your website is easy to find. When done right, SEO leads to lots of “organic” traffic to your site—if a parent in your city is looking for a […]

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The Charter School Digital Marketing Guide

Download this workbook will help you achieve your enrollment goals. Refine your school’s messaging, set strategic marketing goals, and achieve them through a variety of digital marketing programs.

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As schools strive to attract more diverse students, your website is a prime opportunity to set the tone and stand apart. Building an accessible and inclusive website helps ensure all users (the people who spend time on your site) feel welcome and valued.

Here are some key considerations and best practices:

1. Follow accessible design best practices.

Apply these best practices to ensure you’re considering the needs of all website visitors, not just the majority. The beauty of accessible design is that it benefits everyone — not just those who need it.

Make text large and clear enough to read, and use colors that are easy on the eyes.
Offer more than one way to experience the content on your website, such as including videos with captions.
Provide easy ways to adjust preferences, such as changing the language in which text is displayed.
Make it simple to suggest new ideas and technologies, such as including a way to contact your school via the menu or at the bottom of your site.

Tip: Add alt text to meaningful images. Alternative text, commonly referred to as alt text, is a textual description of an image appearing within a web page. This text is part of the page’s HTML code and is included as an alt attribute, which is a special tag that tells the browser what to display if the image cannot be loaded.

2. Design with inclusivity in mind.

While accessibility is about helping everyone use a site effectively, inclusivity is about helping everyone feel welcome. Consider these tips to make your site more inclusive.

Keep your language simple, informal, and industry jargon-free to ensure everyone can understand and engage with your content.
Use action-oriented language on buttons and links to guide people through your website.
Provide positive reinforcement.
Offer interactive elements that give users positive feedback and acknowledgment, such as confirmation messages after completing forms or applications. This fosters a sense of engagement and reassurance.

3. Utilize accessibility tools for testing.

Several free and helpful tools can check for a variety of accessibility issues on your website, including:

• WAVE Accessibility Evaluation Tool

• Siteimprove Accessibility Checker Chrome extension

• axe DevTools

Automated tools may not catch every error, so supplement them with hands-on testing methods, such as reading through content with accessibility in mind, checking that all interactive elements can be operated with a keyboard, and testing the site with a screen reader.

By incorporating these accessible and inclusive design principles into your website, you can create a welcoming and accommodating online environment for parents, students, teachers, and staff. This reflects positively on your school’s commitment to diversity and inclusion and ensures that everyone can access information and resources to meet their needs.

About the Author

Shaina Rozen is a content strategist, writer, and founder of Sidetone. When businesses struggle to stand out from the competition and explain what they do in words their customers understand, Shaina is there to help. As a content strategist and writer, she collaborates with companies to translate complex information into clear communication, show their brand’s unique value, and inspire their audience to act.

More Website Resources

Your website is the digital front door of your school. Take a look at the resources below for more ways to make yours stand out.

Featured Article

3 Things Charter Schools Can Do for Website Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Featured Article

Tips for a User-Friendly School Website

Your website serves as the digital front door to your school. A user-friendly design creates a positive first impression, making it more likely that visitors will explore further and consider enrollment. It ensures that prospective families, who may or may not be tech-savvy, can easily navigate the site, find information, and complete enrollment processes without […]

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Create a Successful Website

This guide is your roadmap to crafting a seamless, user-centric website that sets your school apart. The insights offered by experts Shaina Rozen and Niki Blaker will help transform your website into a hub of information that’s not only functional but easy to use—and that drives enrollment.

Get the Guide

Leasing a facility is a significant decision for any school, with far-reaching implications for its financial stability, operational efficiency, and long-term growth prospects. The terms negotiated in a lease agreement can shape the school’s ability to fulfill its mission, accommodate its students, and adapt to changing needs over time. That’s why it’s essential for school leaders to approach lease negotiations with diligence, foresight, and a clear understanding of their objectives.

Here’s what to keep in mind.

1. Understand Lease Terms and Responsibilities

It’s essential to gain a thorough understanding of the terms and responsibilities outlined in your agreement. From rent details to property conditions and tenant rights, ensure that every aspect of the lease is clearly defined and aligned with your school’s needs and objectives.

2. Consider the Total Cost

When evaluating lease agreements, it’s essential to look beyond the surface-level costs and consider the total cost of occupancy over the lease term. Be sure to factor in expenses such as property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs. This will help you make informed decisions and avoid unexpected financial burdens down the road.

3. Negotiate Favorable Terms

Negotiating favorable lease terms requires a combination of preparation, communication, and negotiation skills. During negotiations, proactively identify your needs and advocate for your school’s interests. Whether it’s seeking lower rent rates, flexible lease terms, or additional tenant benefits, be assertive yet collaborative in your approach to securing favorable terms.

4. Address Legal and Regulatory Compliance

Lease agreements often involve complex legal and regulatory considerations that require careful attention and expertise. Consult legal professionals to ensure your lease agreement complies with all relevant laws and regulations.

5. Plan for Future Growth and Expansion

Lease negotiations offer an opportunity for schools to plan for future growth and expansion. Negotiate lease terms that accommodate your school’s evolving needs and aspirations—whether it’s securing options for lease renewal, expansion rights, or early termination clauses, anticipate future scenarios and negotiate terms that provide the ability to grow and expand.

Lease negotiations are a critical aspect of school facility management. With careful planning, effective communication, and strategic negotiation tactics, schools can secure lease agreements that support their mission and vision for the future.

About the Author

With her wealth of experience and expertise in real estate, Mary is dedicated to providing exceptional service and value to schools as Senior Portfolio Manager at Grow Schools. Mary has followed in her father’s footsteps and built her entire career in the field of real estate—she embarked on this path after completing her bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance (Commerce) at the University College Dublin, specializing in development and asset services.

Tuesday Tips: Construction Projects and Negotiating Your Lease

In Tuesday Tips episode 34, Michael Soh and Mary Dillon joined us to discuss construction projects and lease negotiations. Hear tips from Michael Soh and Mary Dillon on how to manage your building, including how to:

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5 Key Features of a Charter School Budget

According to an article from The Center for Education Reform, 42% of charter school closures are due to funding. It’s well known that charter schools face unique financial challenges, so it’s important to get ahead of these issues as schools grow. Making sure your school has the money to meet operational costs, pay teachers and staff […]

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Buy Your School

The Charter School Facility Financing Guide provides information about the school building marketplace, the planning process, and the four primary funding structures. You’ll come away ready to balance your school’s plans for growth with budget realities.

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