Charter School Board of Directors Member

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Galapagos Board Responsibilities

The Galapagos Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing all legal and financial matters as well as the strategic direction of school. Per the "Bylaws" the Board of Directors meet a minimum of four times a year. Special meetings may be called with proper notice.

Specific Responsibilities for GCS Board Members:

1. Believe in and be an active advocate and ambassador for the values, mission, and vision of GCS.

2. Work with fellow board members to fulfill the obligations of board membership.

3. Behave in ways that clearly contribute to the effective operations of the Board of Directors:

• Focus on the good of the organization and group, not on a personal agenda
• Support board decisions once they are made
• Participate in an honest appraisal of one's own performance and that of the board
• Build awareness of and vigilance towards governance matters rather than management.

4. Regularly attend board meetings in accordance with the absenteeism policy. Prepare for these meetings by reviewing materials and bringing the materials to meetings. If unable to attend, notify the Board President or committee chair within forty-eight hours of the scheduled meeting date.

5. Be prepared to contribute time toward board service which includes:

• Attending a board meetings four times annually (2 hours per meeting)
• Reading materials, preparing for meetings (1 hour per meeting)
• Attending one August Luncheon to meet new staff (1 hour)
• Assisting with fundraising and other ambassador tasks as needed (1-2 hours)
• Attending Graduation (2-3 hours)
• Attending one fundraising event (2-3hours)
• Completing the State’s Open Meeting Act training (45 minutes- online)

6. Keep informed about Galapagos and its issues by reviewing materials, participating in discussions, and asking strategic questions.

7. Actively participate in one or more fundraising event(s) annually.

8. Commit to raising an annual financial contribution of $1,000 and support capital campaigns at a level that is personally meaningful.

9. Inform the GCS Board of any potential conflicts of interest, whether real or perceived, and abide by the decision of the board related to the situation.

10. Manage resources effectively

• Approve the annual budget.
• Review capital improvement proposals.
• Monitor budget implementation through periodic financial reports.
• Approve accounting and personnel policies.
• Review the independent annual audit by a qualified CPA.
• Ensure adequate insurance is in force to cover students, staff, visitors, the board and the assets of the school.

11. Determine, monitor and strengthen the programs and services

• Assure programs and services are consistent with the mission and the charter.
• Approve measurable organizational outcomes.
• Approve annual, attainable board and management level goals.
• Monitor progress in achieving the outcomes and goals.
• Assess the quality of the program and services.

12. Ensure legal and ethical integrity and maintain accountability

• Establish policies to guide the school's board members and staff.
• Adhere to the provisions of the school's bylaws and articles of incorporation.
• Adhere to local, state and federal laws and regulations that apply to the school.
• Ensure compliance with all federal state and local government regulations.

13. Assess the performance of the CEO

• Develop and approve performance metrics for the PO in the areas including but not limited to academics, finance and compliance
• Provide the CEO with timely feedback
• Determine compensation, retention and/or termination of the CEO.

14. Recruit and orient new board members and assess board performance

• Define board membership needs in terms of skill, experience and diversity.
• Cultivate, check the credentials of and recruit prospective nominees.
• Provide for new board member orientation.
• Conduct an annual evaluation of the full board and individual members.