FAQ

Why does HCIS have a Board of Directors?

According to the state law, charter schools must have an elected Board of Directors. A charter school is a non-profit business and must have a governing body which acts on behalf of stakeholders (parents, students and staff). A Board of Directors is necessary to ensure financial integrity, set and enforce policy.

What happens on the Board of Directors?

We are a policy board. We are not responsible for day to day school management, but we are responsible for 1)making policy; 2) directing the organization’s administration of policy; and 3) monitoring the implementation and outcome of policy.

What kind of things does the Board of Directors make policy on?

There are 4 categories:

ENDS - The board defines which human needs are to be met, for whom and at what cost

EXECUTIVE LIMITATIONS - The board establishes boundaries for staff methods and activities

BOARD/STAFF LINKAGE - The board clarifies how it delegates authority and how it evaluates performance

GOVERNANCE PROCESS - The board determines its philosophy, accountability and specifications of its job

What is the time commitment for board members?

Members are expected to attend regularly scheduled monthly board meetings (every 3rd Thursday) as well as the rare specially scheduled meetings. Board members are also expected to complete three board trainings within their first year of service. Each board member also is expected to attend monthly committee meetings for whatever committees the member is a part of.

Who would I represent if I was elected to the board?

You will understand and identify with certain constituencies (parent, communities, special ed, etc.), but being a board member means serving in trust for the entire ownership. You can be from a constituency, but you must not let yourself represent it.

What kinds of skills and experience are needed on the board?

● Business owner or management experience

● Community organization involvement (non-profit board or management)

● Long term planning & visioning experience ● Strategic thinking abilities

● Legal background

● Accounting background

● Community leader with fundraising connections

● Education experience

How does one become a board member?

Contact Liz Holte at eholte@harborcityschool.org or 218-722-7574 to begin the nomination process. Elections are held in January, and results are revealed at the annual meeting in February.