Resource Library

This session focused on best practices for charter school governance, emphasizing the board’s responsibility for mission, academics, operations, and finances. Key takeaways included staying in the governance lane, using tools like committees and dashboards, avoiding common pitfalls, and reinforcing ethical leadership to build academically strong, financially sound, mission-driven schools.

This session, led by Paul O’Neill of Tugboat Education, shared best practices for charter school governance, emphasizing clarity in board roles, ethics, and accountability. He highlighted tools like committees, strategic plans, and dashboards, while cautioning boards to avoid common pitfalls such as role overreach, neglecting training, or weak oversight, in order to build academically strong, financially sound, and mission-driven schools.

This session explored the complex considerations charter school boards face when acquiring or financing facilities, including the fiduciary duties of due diligence, compliance with Sunshine Law and conflict of interest rules, and alignment with a school’s mission. Key topics included leasing versus purchasing, bond and developer financing, renovation versus new construction, and the importance of long-term planning, transparency, and assembling the right advisory team to ensure sustainable, mission-driven facilities decisions.

This session, led by attorney Kathleen Schoenberg, reviewed Florida’s Sunshine Law and its impact on charter school boards, covering requirements for open meetings, notice, records, and public participation. She also highlighted the 2024 Moms for Liberty v. Brevard County case on public comment rules and explained exemptions, corrective actions, and the importance of transparency to build trust and ensure compliance.

This session introduced the basics of artificial intelligence in education, explaining how generative AI differs from earlier machine learning tools and demonstrating its potential for policy drafting, data analysis, and board decision-making. It also highlighted the urgent need for AI literacy and policies in schools, offering a FRAME framework to guide responsible adoption while preparing students for a future where AI is integral across industries.

This session provided a comprehensive update on 2025 legislative changes impacting Florida charter schools, covering governance, student conduct, safety, and HR compliance. Key updates included stricter safety and training requirements, expanded background check and reporting rules, new governance and oversight tools, and charter-specific provisions on enrollment, facilities, and partnerships—all carrying immediate or near-term compliance deadlines.

The conference opened with a welcome that recognized the vital roles of school leaders, board members, and partners, while setting the stage for a day of collaboration and learning. Hosted at Patel High School in Tampa, the session highlighted the school’s growth and student successes, introduced the Florida Charter Institute’s work, and concluded with the introduction of keynote speaker Dr. Tom Miller.

This keynote emphasized the need for charter schools to embrace innovation and avoid complacency, warning that failure to adapt can lead to decline in a rapidly evolving education landscape. Key takeaways included recognizing and addressing barriers to innovation, strengthening governance practices, and anchoring decisions in mission, vision, and people to ensure long-term success.

This session, led by Jeffrey Wood and Maria Rojas of Tripp Scott, outlined HR compliance challenges for charter schools and shared best practices across the full employment cycle—from offer letters and handbooks to performance documentation and post-employment agreements—emphasizing documentation, updated policies, and strong HR infrastructure as keys to avoiding legal and operational risks.

This session focused on best practices for vendor contracts in charter schools, stressing the importance of careful review, negotiation, and proactive management to avoid costly risks. Key themes included clear financial controls, compliance with statutory and privacy requirements, and building systems to monitor deadlines, renewals, and vendor performance for stronger, more accountable partnerships.

This session focused on strengthening charter school governance through effective onboarding of new board members, framed around clear expectations, structured orientation, and mentoring. Key takeaways included aligning candidates with mission and responsibilities, engaging them directly with school leaders, and building intentional processes that support long-term board capacity and organizational health.

This closing panel discussion explored the evolution of charter schools in Florida, highlighting today’s competitive landscape, increased compliance demands, and the need for boards to focus on strategy, communication, and financial sustainability. Panelists emphasized transparency, strong partnerships, and a focus on student outcomes as essential to navigating challenges and ensuring long-term success.