Governing Board & Authorizer Relationships

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, led by Paul O’Neill, focused on the critical relationship between charter school boards and their authorizers, emphasizing that trust, communication, and mutual understanding are the foundation for school success. O’Neill explained the importance of treating authorizers like valued partners, noting that boards should proactively share both successes and challenges while keeping transparency at the forefront. Participants were encouraged to reflect on their own experiences with authorizers and consider how proactive communication can strengthen these often-overlooked relationships.

The presentation also highlighted common challenges and best practices for boards. O’Neill discussed barriers such as perceived lack of support, transparency concerns, and strained personal dynamics, illustrating these with real-world scenarios (e.g., financial shortfalls, leadership conflicts, or even positive events like major student achievements). He offered strategies such as inviting authorizers to school events, addressing conflicts early, and making careful choices about when and how to deliver bad news.

To conclude, O’Neill shared the “Top Ten Pitfalls to Avoid” in board-authorizer relationships, including neglecting board training, ignoring financial oversight, failing to engage with special education compliance, and waiting until renewal time to focus on accountability. His message was clear: boards must know their roles, stay in their lane, and build constructive, professional relationships with authorizers in order to sustain their schools and serve students effectively.