Charter Compass: Helping Charter School Boards Navigate with Confidence

Is Your School Showing Signs of Distress?  What Every Charter Board Should Know This episode covers research from the National Charter School Resource Center that provides a framework for indicators of distress. We cover each of the following areas: governance and leadership enrollment and financial health staffing and school culture attendance, behavior, and student outcomes Each indicator in iso...

In this episode, we cover the website requirements for Utah public charter schools. As you will learn, there are a few charter school specific requirements, but many that overlap with all public schools. You can view many of the requirements in a 2021 article originally shared in Charterology .  We have also prepared a website requirements document for Pre-Operational schools of the website requir...

In this board training podcast we're talking about board retreats: why they matter, how to plan one, what to talk about, and what goes into a strategic plan your board will actually use. Whether your board is new, newish, or experienced a board retreat is the time to dig deeper into the "state of the school." We also discuss developing a strategic plan and the top five components in...

In the next three podcasts, we cover finance. Finance 101 will cover board responsibilities and what financial policies you should have in place.  In Finance 101 we'll discuss the following rules and law:  Utah Administrative Code R277-553 Utah Administrative Code R277-113 Utah Code 53G-5-404 Utah Code 53G-7-401 Finance 102 will cover what the board should be looking at during board meetings...

Finance 102: Financial Oversight Gets Real covers the discussion boards should have in the their board meetings, including questions to ask and reports to examine. We suggest the top five items to review: Budget versus actual Revenue Cash Fund balance and reserves Restricted funds Finance 101 covers the board responsibilities. Finance 201 covers what financial red flags to watch for.

The National Charter School Resource Center has done extensive research on indicators of distress in charter schools, specifically to help boards and school leaders identify problems early—before they become so serious that recovery becomes difficult.  This episode discusses these warning signals. We also cover basic questions the board can ask to start the process. Finance 101 covered board fisca...

In this episode we're talking about something every school hopes it never needs but always should be ready for: crisis communication. We'll cover why charter schools need a plan, who should speak for your school, how to communicate with different audiences, and the principles of good media relations.

This episode covers procurement. We talk about the board's responsibility with procurement policy. The resources with the Division of Purchasing and General Services. Basic purchasing rules and ways to avoid fraud. There are many things to consider, so this episode acts as a general overview with resources to help you dive deeper as needed. Here are many of the areas we discuss and active lin...

Have you ever been in a meeting and felt like you were listening to a foreign language?  Education has a language of its own, often formed with acronyms. This podcast covers LEA, SCSB, WPU, and more!  Here are accompanying resources disucussed: Education Acronyms Quick Guide Education Acronyms A to Z Education Acronyms by Category WPU funding formulas: Utah Legislative Code 53F-2-302 Determination...

In this episode, we explore one of the most powerful tools a charter school board can use to increase its impact: board committees. When structured with purpose, committees help boards go deeper, move faster, and make smarter decisions—without overwhelming volunteers. We’ll cover: Why committees matter for oversight, strategy, and engagement Four foundational committees every board should consider...

In this episode, we focus on a topic that’s essential for ethical and legal governance: conflicts of interest on charter school boards.  As a board member, understanding what qualifies as a conflict—and how to prevent it—is key to maintaining public trust and compliance. We’ll cover: What a conflict of interest is and why perception matters Why employees cannot serve on the board under Utah law Ho...

Culture is the heartbeat of a charter school—it’s how your mission comes to life in classrooms, hallways, and community events. In this episode, we explore how boards and school leaders can intentionally shape a culture that reflects their values and strengthens student success. We’ll cover: How to translate your mission into daily practices The role of leadership in modeling and reinforcing cultu...

In this episode, we explore why Robert’s Rules of Order remain one of the most effective tools for running structured, fair, and efficient board meetings. Originally published in 1876, this system of parliamentary procedure helps charter school boards stay focused, transparent, and compliant with Utah’s Open and Public Meetings Act. We’ll cover: How Robert’s Rules support orderly discussion and de...

In this episode, we explore one of the most important transitions for any charter school board: onboarding new members. Serving on a governing board is a big responsibility, and how new members are welcomed, trained, and supported makes all the difference. We’ll cover: The four core oversight roles every board member must understand The difference between governance and management—and why it matte...

In this episode, we dive into a topic that touches every charter school board: how to legally incorporate electronic or remote meetings. As virtual participation becomes a routine part of board operations, it’s essential to understand the legal framework that governs it. We’ll cover: What Utah law requires for remote or electronic meetings How to ensure transparency and public access Practical tip...

Closed sessions can be one of the trickiest parts of the Utah Open & Public Meetings Act (OPMA), and it’s essential for charter school boards to get them right. In this episode, we take a clear, practical look at when closed sessions are legally allowed, what can—and can’t—be discussed, and how to document them properly. We’ll walk through: The five legally defined reasons for entering a close...

In this episode will cover a foundational piece of Utah’s Open and Public Meetings Act, how to properly post agendas, run your meetings, and document them afterward. Here's what you will learn: Where and when to post your meeting notice What qualifies as an emergency meeting (and what doesn’t) How to build a clear, actionable agenda What must be included in your minutes and recordings Timelin...

In this episode we’re going to focus on how a board chair and board members can run efficient and effective meetings while staying compliant with Utah law. We’ll cover: What OPMA says about where board business should happen (hint: not in email threads or shared docs) The role of the chair in keeping meetings focused, timely, and transparent How board members can prepare, engage, and contribute me...

In this episode, we explore one of the most influential roles on a charter school governing board: the board chair and vice chair. Far more than a meeting managers, these leaders set the tone for governance, lead with vision, and help the board stay focused on mission, oversight, and accountability. We’ll cover: How the chair facilitates effective, inclusive meetings The four key oversight areas e...

In this episode, we shine a spotlight on one of the most essential—and often underappreciated—roles on a charter school governing board: the Board Secretary. Far more than a note-taker, the Secretary is the guardian of transparency, legal compliance, and organizational memory. We’ll walk through: Core responsibilities before, during, and after meetings How to prepare and post agendas, minutes, and...

In this episode, we break down one of the most critical roles on a charter school board: the Board Treasurer. While they don’t manage day-to-day finances, the treasurer plays a vital role in safeguarding the school’s financial health through oversight, accountability, and clear communication. We’ll cover: What financial oversight looks like in practice How the treasurer partners with the director,...

In this episode, we tackle a foundational, but often misunderstood, topic in charter school leadership: the difference between governance and management. Who makes the big decisions? Who runs the day-to-day? And how do boards and administrators work together to keep the school mission-centered and future-ready? We’ll break down: What the charter school board is responsible for—and what it’s not Ho...

In this episode we take a high-level look at the Utah Open & Public Meetings Act—commonly known as OPMA. Designed to promote transparency and public trust, OPMA outlines how public bodies must conduct their meetings. Tune in for a 30,000-foot overview of: The purpose and intent behind the law Who OPMA applies to What’s at stake when the law isn’t followed Whether you're a new charter scho...