Most people on charter school boards have little knowledge of what other charter school boards are like. I'd be surprised if more than just a few have visited another school's board meeting. Typically their only experience is maybe attending a few board meetings at their child's school before being elected to the board.
This isn't enough. Often this leads to myopia: not being able to see the larger picture. Rather than reading about Roberts Rules of Order, for example, new board members become familiar with the "way it's always been done." In my experience, new board members (particularly parents) come on the charter school board believing their commitment level should be the same as the school's founders (not true for maintainence mode) and being reactive instead of proactive.
Board training is essential. First, there should be formal board training covering the basics such as:
* the importance of leading through the vision and misison of the school
* requirements of the Open Meetings and Open Records laws
* legal requirements for going into executive session
* how to know if the school is on course academically and how to make improvements if necessary
* how to lead through the use of a strategic plan
* how to avoid conflict, or handle conflict if it becomes apparent
But then the board should also seek more specialized training as a result of identified needs. This may include the board's finance subcommittee explaining the budgeting process and how Public School Finance works in Colorado.
Board training should be ongoing due to turnover in board membership. Further, each board member should take responsibility for their own learning by reading books related to the curriculum or educational design of the school, attending charter school meetings whenever possible, and networking with other charter school board members to learn more about how a board can improve efficiency and effectiveness.
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