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.
Session Schedule
Swearing-In Ceremony and New Board Member Orientation (November)
Date: November 10, 2022
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 (November)
School Performance by the Numbers
Date: November 16, 2022
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. EST
Location: Virtual
Presenters:
- Matt Cawood -- School Consultant, GVSU
- Ram Ravikumar -- Manager of Data Analytics, GVSU
Description: Every board member is responsible for ensuring the school is meeting its mission by creating a positively impactful education environment for kids. In this session, participants will review the accountability measures that are outlined in the charter contract goals, learn how to appropriately read the School Performance Report, and navigate MDE data websites.
Crisis Communications for K-12 Schools: Managing Crisis
Date: November 17, 2022
Time: 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. EST
Location: Virtual
Presenters: Stephanie Van Koevering, Resch Strategies
Description: In the first session of the four-part Crisis Communications series, participants will examine a trio of fictional public relations crises—one caused by an administrative/board decision, one that is prompted by unexpected events at the school, and one that is completely parent-driven and external to them. These crises will be referenced throughout all sessions but will be of particular importance here. Participants will explore strategies for understanding and addressing each type of crisis when it happens. They will also receive handouts and practical, proven tips for managing difficult issues.
Register for Crisis Communications Session 1: Managing Crisis
Crisis Communications for K-12 Schools: Building a Crisis Communications Plan
Date: December 15, 2022
Time: 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. EST
Location: Virtual
Presenters: Stephanie Van Koevering, Resch Strategies
Description: From natural disasters to a human resources issue gone wrong, every organization can benefit from a useful crisis communications plan. In this session, we’ll walk through the essential elements of a high-quality crisis plan and send participants home with a template suitable for customizing.
Register for Crisis Communications Session 2: Building a Crisis Communications Plan
Board Governance: Succession Planning and Recruitment
Date: January 18, 2023
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. EST
Location: Virtual
Presenters:
- Matt Cawood -- School Consultant, GVSU
- Brooke Franklin -- School Consultant, GVSU
Description: This session will focus on helping boards plan for transitions in board membership and help to lay a foundation for board recruitment by exploring the necessary skills and mindsets needed for success. Participants will engage in discussion about their current board, assessing their skills and participating in an activity designed to help the group discover the way they approach their work and their individual and collective mindsets. The group will profile ideal board members and discuss recruitment strategies and a process to fill their open board seats with members who add value and complement the existing group.
Register for Board Governance: Succession Planning and Recruitment
Crisis Communications for K-12 Schools: Working with the Media
Date: January 24, 2023
Time: 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. EST
Location: Virtual
Presenters: Stephanie Van Koevering, Resch Strategies
Description: This third session of the Crisis Communications series will be used to provide tried-and-true tactics for media interviews and outreach. Time will be used to incorporate sample interviews (both for watching and for practicing) and recommend strategies for building strong media relationships so they’ll be there when needed.
Register for Crisis Communications Session 3: Working with the Media
Advanced Board Training: Upping your Game with More Effective Meetings
Date: February 7, 2023
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. EST
Location: Virtual
Presenters:
- Matt Cawood -- School Consultant, GVSU
- Cheryl Edwards-Cannon -- School Consultant, GVSU
Description: Charter school board meetings are open to the public, including the media. Everything said at a meeting has the possibility of being recorded, or repeated, in some fashion. Thinking ahead of ways to handle situations which may arise is good planning and demonstrates good leadership skills. Contentious issues may make it difficult to limit public comments and sensitive issues may not be easy to discuss. Conflicts may also arise between board members. Board meetings, though, need to progress in an efficient and effective manner, using rules of procedure and best practices. Please join us for this Advanced Board Training session, where we will help you prepare to navigate challenging meetings.
Register for Advanced Board Training: Upping your Game with More Effective Meetings
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