Division of K-12 Education Innovation and Scholar Success

Will your charter school board have a vacancy in the near future? Here is what your board can do to make sure the seat is appropriately filled and the new candidate has a strong start.

1. Identify a board member or board members (subcommittee) to lead the search process. 
2. Use the Skills Gap Identifier to establish what your board needs and how you will recruit potential candidates.
3. Present any high-quality candidates to the board.
   1. Distribute candidates' resumes to all board members for discussion at a board meeting
   2. Have candidates attend a board meeting, if possible
   3. If candidates attend a meeting, learn more by using some of the sample interview questions.
4. The Board takes action to recommend to GVSU the appointment of the candidate.
5. Candidate meets with GVSU School Consultant to learn more about responsibilities of a board member and verify they are a U.S. citizen and Michigan resident.
6. Candidate completes GVSU's new charter board member application, which includes a background check
7. If the candidate passes all reviews and submits all appropriate materials, the candidate is recommended to the GVSU Board of Trustees for appointment.

1. The new board member receives a congratulatory letter with instructions to complete the new board member orientation offered by GVSU.
2. The new board member takes the Oath of Office at the school's next board meeting
3. The school board assists with onboarding the new member by:
   1. Assigning a board mentor to help answer questions and guide the person to key resources
   2. Sharing the role description for charter board members
   3. Completing the 5 Things You Should Know About My School overview