Charter School Board Governance Workshop Series

The Greater New Orleans Foundation, in partnership with NOLA Public Schools, New Schools for New Orleans, and experienced local and national consultants, is excited to present a new cohort-based program to increase the effectiveness of New Orleans Charter School Boards and strengthen the sustainability of New Orleans charter schools. In this series, teams of 2-4 board members will explore leading and trusted practices to deepen their own governance systems and practices. Over six sessions, board members will delve into these specific topics:  

• New Orleans charter school governance;  
• Effective board structures;  
• Charter school accountability;  
• Financial sustainability;  
• School leader evaluations; and  
• Advocating for charter schools.  

Why Join? 

In Summer 2023, the Greater New Orleans Foundation conducted a survey of charter school board members’ and school leaders’ needs and the opportunities and challenges they faced. Among a range of topics of interest, board members indicated the need to deepen their understanding of charter school accountability, succession planning, school financial sustainability, and advocacy. We designed this program to respond directly to the needs expressed through this survey.  

This series presents members of the cohort with a FREE opportunity to invest in board leadership and skill development. The program also:  

• Features experienced and trusted facilitators to share leading and effective practices in governance.  
• Is designed by partners who understand charter school governance as practiced in New Orleans.  
• Provides opportunities for networking and community-building with other charter school board members.  

Participation Requirements 

This program requires teams of 2-4 charter school board members to apply and attend sessions consistently. Individual board members who are not included in the application, but on the board of a charter organization accepted into the program, may attend a particular session due to interest in the topic. For example, the Board Treasurer might attend the workshop on financial sustainability, but not participate in the other scheduled sessions. While CEOs and school leaders are not required to participate, they are welcome to register with their boards. 

Program Format and Schedule 

This program includes a combination of in person and virtual sessions. Sessions will begin in March 2024 and end in early June 2024. The program calendar is below: 

Session materials will be accessible on an online platform. Because each session has been designed to include interactive activities, participants may be asked to complete short pre-work assignments. Before each session, participants will be able to access materials for an upcoming session through an online folder. Information can include an overview of the session, exercises, and/or resources for your review. During the sessions, participants will dive into the information with their team and peer groups, share insights and ideas, and action plan. After the program concludes, participants will continue to have access to online program materials for one year.   

Program Registration  

Click here to apply  for the Charter School Board Governance Workshop Series. Space is limited. Applicants will be notified of decisions by March 1st. If you have any questions, please contact Devon Turner at devon@gnof.org or (504) 620-5279.