2022-2023 Board Training Series
Throughout each school year the GVSU CSO holds monthly training opportunities for the board members governing GVSU's charter public schools to enhance their capacity to effectively steer their schools toward fulfilling their mission. The calendar of training topics was created as a result of input from the Board President’s Advisory Committee.
All training sessions count toward the school board continuous learning requirements associated with the GVSU CSO Academic Grant.
Session dates and times may be subject to change.
Remaining Session Schedule
Advanced Board Training: The Seven Fundamentals of High-Performing Charter School Boards
Date: February 7, 2023
Time: 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. EST
Location: Virtual
Presenters:
- Ember Reichgott Junge, former Minnesota state senator and author of the first charter school law in the nation.
Description: All of us can learn to be great board members. Are you having the best board experience you've ever had? If not, there are ways to get back on track. In this session, participants will discuss the role of the board and how members can best serve their school and leadership team. They'll also be provided with practical strategies and structures that can be easily implemented by board members. Additionally, participants will talk about how board members can be great ambassadors for their school.
Crisis Communications for K-12 Schools: Building a Crisis-Proof Brand
Date: February 14, 2023
Time: 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. EST
Location: Virtual
Presenters: Stephanie Van Koevering, Resch Strategies
Description: During the last session of the four, we’ll share strong approaches to building the very best defense against a crisis: a trusted, consistent brand. We’ll help participants understand their brand strengths and areas of opportunity, and share leadership tactics for proactive, targeted improvements.
Register for Crisis Communications Session 4: Building a Crisis-Proof Brand
Swearing-In Ceremony and New Board Member Orientation (March)
Date: March 7, 2023
Time: 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. EST
Location: Lansing, MI.
Presenters: GVSU CSO staff
Description: Serving on a charter public school board is one of the most rewarding ways to give back to your community. Your service will not only impact the lives of the children who have chosen to enroll in your school, but also those of countless other adults—parents, teachers and staff, those living in the neighborhood, and more. In short, your work will impact a community. As a public official, you are also charged with the important responsibilities of ensuring that public funds are well stewarded your school operates with integrity, and academic excellence is always prioritized first. During the New Board Member Training you will learn the basics of good governance, where to find key information and get answers to any questions you may have about your new role.
Register for Swearing-In Ceremony and New Board Member Orientation (March)
Understanding Your Charter Contract
Date: March 27, 2023
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. EST
Location: Virtual
Presenters:
- Alyson Murphy, -- Deputy Director for School Accountability, GVSU
- Matt Cawood -- School Consultant, GVSU
Description: Your board’s charter contract defines the roles, relationship and accountabilities between your school and GVSU. In this session, we will walk through the most important aspects of this document to cover the key pieces that every board member should know.
School Budgeting and Finance: Asking the Right Questions
Date: April 27, 2023
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. EST
Location: Virtual
Presenters:
- Matt Cawood -- School Consultant, GVSU
- Patrick Sweeney -- Partner at Croskey Lanni, PC
Description: As a charter school board member, one of your most important duties is ensuring your school is fiscally responsible and viable. This session will arm you with key questions you can ask in order to determine the fiscal health of your school.
Register for School Budgeting and Finance: Asking the Right Questions
School Board Strategic Planning
Date: May 22, 2023
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. EST
Presenters: Matt Cawood -- School Consultant, GVSU
Description: Does your school have a Strategic Plan? Do you have a Mission / Vision for your school? Do you have clear goals and objectives for your school that are reviewed regularly at board meetings? If you are not sure or clear about any of these questions, this session is for you. We will provide you with a simple process that can get you started in developing a practical Strategic Plan that will guide your school.
Best Board Practices: Using an Efficient Governance Committee Structure
Date: June 29, 2023
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. EST
Location: Virtual
Presenters:
- Matt Cawood -- School Consultant, GVSU
- Matt Missias -- School Support Specialist, GVSU
Description: Boards that utilize a governance structure that includes committees are more efficient and effective with time and resources. Attend this board training to learn the basics of how and why governance committees are structured, how often they should meet, and how you can utilize committees to improve your board.
Register for Best Board Practices: Using an Efficient Governance Committee Structure