2023-2024 Virtual 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
School Performance by the Numbers – Alternative Education Goals
Date: December 7, 2023
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. EST
Presenters:
- Jeff Maxwell -- School Support Specialist, 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.
Register for School Performance by the Numbers: Alternative Education Goals
Board Governance: Succession Planning and Recruitment
Date: January 30, 2024
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. EST
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
Advanced Board Training: Upping your Game with More Effective Meetings
Date: February 21, 2024
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. EST
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
New Board Member Orientation (March)
Date: March 7, 2024
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. EST
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.
Understanding Your Charter Contract
Date: March 25, 2024
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. EST
Presenters:
- GVSU CSO staff
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 29, 2024
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. EST
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