Foundations of Charter School Leadership and Administration

All Means All: Vision & Goals | Academics | Culture | Students | Staff
 

This session grounds leaders in the foundational belief that every student can thrive. Participants will articulate their school’s vision, set measurable goals, and explore how aligned systems for academics, culture, staffing, and student support lay the groundwork for equity and excellence.

For founding and new leaders, this session supports the articulation of a clear school identity and systems design. For current leaders, it offers a reflective space to recalibrate vision and renew alignment across critical school functions.

Planning and Prioritizing (Year 1): Academics | Culture | Operations

Leaders will learn to create a focused and responsive Year 1 plan by identifying priorities that align with their school’s mission. Emphasis is placed on balancing instructional leadership, culture building, and operational systems to support sustainable growth.

Founding and newer leaders will leave with a roadmap to launch their first year with clarity and coherence, while current leaders will strengthen strategic planning practices to refine or reset implementation across teams and departments.

Building a Board and Managing a Board

This session introduces best practices for recruiting, engaging, and working effectively with a charter school board. Leaders will gain strategies for aligning governance with school priorities and preparing for board meetings that drive accountability and support.

Founding and newer leaders will receive guidance on building a strong, mission-aligned board, while current leaders will sharpen their skills in managing governance relationships and strengthening board engagement.

School Budget, Financial & Legal (Year 1)

Participants will develop a working knowledge of charter school budgeting, financial oversight, and legal compliance. The session explores key fiscal responsibilities and tools leaders can use to ensure financial health and legal alignment in the first year of operation.

For founding and new leaders will gain foundational financial and legal literacy critical for startup success. Current leaders will benefit from reviewing practices to enhance long-term sustainability and compliance.

Hiring and Retaining Talent | Community Building and Advocacy

This session focuses on building a strong school team and cultivating partnerships with families and communities. Leaders will explore strategies for talent recruitment and retention while deepening skills in communication, trust-building, and advocacy.

For founding and newer leaders, this content supports the creation of a mission-driven team and community presence. Current leaders can use these strategies to boost staff retention and strengthen school-family partnerships.

Leadership Coaching & Capacity Building | Instructional Coaching & Data (Year 1)

For founding and new leaders will examine how to build internal leadership capacity and develop systems for instructional coaching and data use. The session supports participants in growing both people and practices that drive continuous academic improvement.

Newer leaders will establish foundational systems for data-informed instructional leadership. Current leaders will refine and expand their coaching and capacity-building efforts across instructional teams.

Leadership Coaching & Capacity Building | Conflict Resolution (Year 2)

This session strengthens leaders’ coaching skills while addressing the often-overlooked area of conflict resolution. Participants will learn how to manage difficult conversations, mediate challenges, and foster a culture of feedback and trust.

Founding and newer leaders will gain proactive tools for creating healthy team dynamics from the start, and build the tools to work through initial interpersonal challenges. Current leaders will strengthen their ability to navigate interpersonal challenges and build resilient leadership practices.

Planning and Prioritizing Pt 2 (Year 2): Academics | Culture | Operations

In this follow-up to Session 2, leaders revisit and refine their implementation plans, taking into account mid-year data and lessons learned. The session provides space to assess progress and realign strategies for sustainable success.

Founding and newer leaders will gain the tools to adjust first-year plans responsively, while current leaders can leverage the session to reflect on school progress and lead effective course corrections.

Charter Financial & Legal (Year 2)

Designed for Year 2 leaders, this session builds on foundational finance and legal knowledge with a deeper dive into long-term financial planning, compliance, and sustainability. Participants will analyze real-world scenarios and apply tools to ensure ongoing fiscal stewardship.

For newer leaders entering Year 2, this session supports maturing financial oversight practices. Current leaders can revisit key financial and legal considerations to strengthen their school’s long-term viability.