Shared Accountability: Navigating the Authorizer & Governing Board Dynamic

About the Webinar:

In this session, Kia Sweeny-Scott and Marianne Blaire of the Florida Association of Charter School Authorizers (FACSA) explored the theme of shared accountability between governing boards and authorizers. They began by outlining FACSA’s history and mission, explaining how the organization, founded in 2003, has grown from a state-focused network into a nationally recognized leader in charter school oversight. Through grants and collaborations with states such as California, Colorado, and Georgia, FACSA has built a platform for sharing best practices and strengthening consistency in authorizing across districts of all sizes.

The presenters emphasized that authorizers and governing boards must operate as partners rather than adversaries. They walked participants through the statutory framework, particularly Florida Statute 1002.33, which defines responsibilities for both schools and their sponsors. Authorizers oversee applications, contracts, renewals, and compliance, while boards carry the ultimate responsibility for governance, financial stewardship, and mission alignment. Healthy relationships, they noted, depend on trust, respect, and transparency, ensuring that accountability processes are supportive rather than punitive.

Practical strategies were shared for building and maintaining these relationships. Sweeny-Scott and Blaire recommended regular communication—such as quarterly updates between board chairs, principals, and authorizers—and proactive sharing of documents like handbooks, compliance calendars, and training certificates. They also stressed the importance of aligning priorities, especially when conflicts arise, by returning to the school’s mission and focusing on student outcomes. The discussion highlighted common challenges, including board turnover, compliance fatigue, and misaligned expectations, and offered solutions like retreats, data-driven decision-making, and early intervention when financial or academic concerns appear.

Finally, the session closed with a reminder that effective governance and oversight are ultimately about student achievement and school quality. Authorizers provide oversight, accountability, and technical support, but boards remain the “heartbeat” of the school—responsible for hiring leaders, approving budgets, and ensuring compliance with state and federal law. By fostering collaborative relationships and committing to transparent practices, both authorizers and governing boards can better serve students and strengthen the charter school sector statewide.