Choosing the Right Leader for your Charter School

About the Webinar:

We apologize that the audio for this session was not usable, and therefore we are unable to provide the video recording. However, the presentation slides are available below.

This session emphasized that choosing the right leader is the most important decision a charter school board can make. Lindsey Granger highlighted the unique challenges facing charter school leaders, including high attrition rates, heightened accountability, and the need for a broader skill set compared to traditional school leaders—spanning academics, finance, operations, and governance. She guided participants through a structured, seven-step approach to selecting and supporting a school leader, beginning with an honest assessment of the organization’s current performance and strategic priorities.

The framework presented included identifying the critical competencies, both hard and soft skills, that a leader must possess; aligning the job description with organizational goals; and conducting a thoughtful search that may involve both internal and external candidates. Granger stressed the importance of involving stakeholders in the interview and selection process to build buy-in and ensure alignment. Finally, she reminded participants that hiring is only the beginning—new leaders must be actively supported with resources, mentoring, and clear expectations to succeed. By following this process, boards can position their schools for long-term stability and growth.