August 2025 FCI Connect | Setting the Tone: Governing Board & School Leader Partnerships
Welcome to the August edition of FCI Connect
From the desk of our Executive Director
Welcome to this month’s edition of FCI Connect! As always, our mission is to elevate charter schools across Florida—fueling excellence in academics, leadership, and public trust. This month, we focus on the cornerstone of charter school success: strong board governance. A high-functioning governing board does more than oversee—it champions student achievement, supports educators and school leaders, and builds confidence among families.
As guardians of the public trust, Florida’s charter boards shoulder tremendous responsibility. When they apply for—and are granted—a charter, they not only receive millions in taxpayer-funded resources; they are entrusted with the futures, safety, and wellbeing of our state’s children. That’s a profound obligation to serve with both heart and unwavering integrity.
On September 6, 2025, the Florida Charter Schools Institute will host our fourth annual Florida Charter School Governance Conference on the campus of Dr. Kiran C. Patel High School in Tampa. This in-person conference is designed specifically to serve the needs of Charter School Governing Board Members from across the state. There is no cost to attend. It will be a day dedicated to strengthening governance skills, expanding networks, and deepening understanding of what it takes to lead schools toward exceptional outcomes.
Some of the best resources in charter school governance—including experienced board leaders, policy experts, and national thought leaders—will be in attendance. Attendees will gain practical tools, legal updates, and strategies that ensure governing boards are not just meeting compliance requirements, but setting the stage for remarkable student success and lasting community trust.
Strong governance is not just about oversight—it’s the engine that drives high expectations, nurtures positive school culture, and inspires families to choose and remain loyal to a school. When boards lead with accountability, vision, and care, they create the environment where students thrive, teachers feel supported, and leaders are empowered to innovate.
We look forward to seeing many of you in Tampa as we continue to build a community of charter school boards committed to excellence. Together, we are raising the standard for what great public stewardship looks like in Florida’s charter schools.
Warm regards,
Susie
Featured Article | Setting the Tone: Governing Board & School Leader Partnerships that Drive Student Success
As the new school year begins, strong governance is more important than ever. For charter schools, the relationship between the governing board and the school leader sets the tone for success. While each role is distinct, both must work together to ensure a clear vision, accountability, and effective procedures are in place from day one.
The Board’s Role
Board members set the mission, ensure compliance, approve budgets, and hold the school accountable for academic and operational results. At the start of the year, boards play a critical role in adopting or refining key procedures. This includes policy implementation as well as financial oversight. By doing so, the board sets the tone so the year begins on solid ground.
The Charter Leader’s Role
The school leader manages daily operations, supervises staff, and delivers on the board’s vision. Early in the year, they work closely with the board to ensure all operational procedures, communication channels, and compliance requirements are clear and functional.
When boards and leaders communicate openly, respect boundaries, and collaborate on well-defined procedures, the result is a stronger, more stable learning environment for students.
The school leader manages daily operations, supervises staff, and delivers on the board’s vision. Early in the year, they work closely with the board to ensure all operational procedures, communication channels, and compliance requirements are clear and functional.
When boards and leaders communicate openly, respect boundaries, and collaborate on well-defined procedures, the result is a stronger, more stable learning environment for students.
Join fellow board members, school leaders, and education experts at the Florida Charter School Governance Conference in September to explore governance best practices, effective school leader and board collaboration, and a wide range of topics designed to strengthen your school’s performance and impact.
Start the school year with clarity, collaboration, and confidence.
For more information visit: https://flcharterinstitute.org/conferences/2025govconf/
Professional Development Programs
September 5, 2025 | Financial and Business Leaders Networking Summit
The Florida Charter Institute invites all CFOs and Directors of Finance from Florida charter schools to a special Finance Leaders Networking & Solutions Summit on Friday, September 5, 2025. This collaborative event is your opportunity to connect with peers and expand your professional network, learn from experts and one another about best practices, address shared pain points, and find real-world solutions.
Click here to register.
September 5, 2025 | Governance Conference Networking Kickoff Event
Join us at our pre-conference Networking Kickoff event!
Thanks to our partners, the Florida Charter School Alliance and Building Hope, we are excited to host a no-cost networking event the night before the conference at the Aloft Tampa Midtown. The event will include food and drink and the opportunity to meet other charter leaders and partners from around the state.
The event will take place from 7pm-9pm at the Aloft Tampa Midtown hotel. Click here to register.
Interested in staying at the Aloft Tampa Midtown? Take advantage of our special rate, book here.
September 6, 2025 | Governance Conference
Join us on September 6, for our fourth annual Florida Charter School Governance Conference on the campus of Dr. Kiran C. Patel High School in Tampa, FL. This in-person conference event will focus on serving the needs of Charter School Governing Board Members throughout the state of Florida.
There is no cost to attend this event, space is limited. Reserve your seat today.
Job Opportunities | Job Seekers and Recruitment
Job Seekers:
Your Next Charter School Career Starts Here
Looking to make a difference in Florida’s charter school community? FLCharterJobs.org is your one-stop destination for discovering rewarding opportunities in education — exclusively from the Florida Charter Institute (FCI).
This free, easy-to-use platform connects passionate job seekers directly with Florida charter schools — from classroom teachers to school leaders and support staff. You’ll find:
Exclusive listings from charter schools across the state
Simple search tools to match you with roles that fit your skills and goals
Direct application access so you can connect with hiring schools faster
Whether you’re advancing your career or starting fresh in education, FLCharterJobs.org puts you at the center of Florida’s growing charter school network — and brings your next opportunity within reach.
Start your search today at FLCharterJobs.org.
Recruitment:
Still Hiring for the 2025–2026 School Year?
TAP Can Help You Fill Vacancies with High-Quality, Certification-Bound Candidates
The Teacher Accelerator Program (TAP) provides school leaders with immediate access to a pool of aspiring educators who are classroom-ready, committed to the profession, and with their temporary teacher certification.
What sets TAP apart:
TAP embeds yearlong mentorship and professional development for candidates placed in your schools during their first year as teachers.
TAP candidates receive intensive summer training followed by continued support from experienced TAP Coaches throughout the academic year.
TAP works in direct partnership with South Florida district and charter schools to strategically place candidates where they are needed most.
TAP participants are pre-vetted, pre-trained, and actively completing certification coursework, ensuring quality and accountability from day one.
If your school is still seeking to fill vacancies or if you are looking to develop internal talent with a pathway to certification, the Teacher Accelerator Program is an ideal solution.
To connect with a TAP candidate or learn more about how TAP can support your staffing needs, please contact Angela Morello at angelamorello@teacheraccelerator.org
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FCI On The Move: Our Team in the Community
Important Dates
August 20: Florida Department of Education Board Meeting
August 27: FCI Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Leaders Meeting
August 27: Charter School Review Commission Meeting
September 5: FCI Finance and Business Leaders Networking Summit
September 5: FCI Governance Conference Networking Kickoff Event
September 6: FCI Governance Conference
Additional Information From Our Team
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FCI Connect is the monthly newsletter from the Florida Charter Institute. FCI’s mission is to serve as Florida’s premier hub for charter excellence and insight by providing research-based best practices, resources, and support. FCI is powered by Miami Dade College and authorized in Florida statute.
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