Charter Governing Boards

Charter Governing Boards

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The Governing Board of a charter school may participate in the School LAND Trust program in two capacities. They can either serve as the school's Charter Trust LAND Council or they can act as the approving entity of the program for their schools. As an approving entity their responsibilities include establishing election procedures, providing communication to parents and school community on the use of School LAND Trust funds, and reviewing the Final Report and School Land Trust Upcoming Year Plan. They also provide direction on academic priorities and may offer training for Charter Trust Land  Councils and Principals.

If Charter Trust Land Council is a separately elected body, please visit  the Charter Trust Land Council (Elected) page for applicable information.
  • Providing meaningful input on school specific issues.
  • Review and understand data to identify areas where students excel and where they struggle.
  • Identify areas of need: Pinpoint specific academic needs and challenges faced by students in the school.
  • Develop a School LAND Trust Plan: Create a plan that outlines how funds will be used to address student needs and improve academic achievement. This includes:
    • Setting goals.
    • Defining academic area(s) of focus.
    • Establishing how progress will be measured.
    • Outlining action steps.
    • Determining expenditures

To effectively participate in this important work, it's essential to stay on top of key dates and deadlines.

The following timeline outlines important milestones for several program requirements, submitting the School LAND Trust Plan, and other council activities. 

Ongoing and Throughout the Year

    • Regular council meetings to discuss progress, monitor budget, and plan for future needs
    • Provide input on school specific issues

  • Fall

    • Review the Current School LAND Trust Plan

    • Participate in council training or schedule the training with USBE Training Specialist. 
    • Establish timeline that allows the Council to develop a School LAND Trust plan and advise on school-specific solutions for digital citizenship, school safety, and other projects that may arise throughout the year
    • Charter Governing Board must make a decision on if they are acting as Charter Trust Land Council

 

  • October 20th

    • Work with Charter Director/Principal to ensure that Council Membership Form and Principal's Assurance have been submitted to the SLT website

 

  • Spring

    • Receive a report on implementation of the Current School LAND Trust Plan
    • Review the Upcoming School LAND Trust Plan and complete Council Signature Form by the due date set by their Business Administrator prior to May 1st

 

Important Note: The following information only applies to Governing Boards that oversee Charter Trust Land Councils and does not apply to Governing Boards serving as Charter Trust Land Councils.

  • Establish Election procedures that meet the requirements of the law
  • Ensure the school website contains all required posting requirements and is updated regularly
  • Review the School Land Trust Upcoming Year Plan
  • Receive the Council Signature Form during the plan review process

Important Note: The following information only applies to Governing Boards that oversee Charter Trust Land Councils and does not apply to Governing Boards serving as Charter Trust Land Councils.

Throughout the Year

  • Review and approve a School LAND Trust Plan Amendment  OR return for edits, as needed. 

Fall:

  • Schedule training for Governing Board Members before Spring requirements.
  • Provide training for Charter Trust Land Council members and Charter Directors/Principals.
  • Set Spring Due Dates for the principal/council to submit a Final Report and Upcoming School Plan
  • Notify Business Administrator to update Due Dates on SLT website.
  • Set the following dates on the Board’s annual agenda calendar.
    • Prior to March 1
      • The Board receives an annual report on prior year School LAND Trust Plan Implementation
    • Prior to May 1
      • Board Meeting to review the Upcoming School LAND Trust Plan.  When setting the date, allow time for the council to reassemble and edit the plan, if necessary, for final Board approval AND time for the Business Administrator to review and approve the Plan.

October 20th

  • Charter Governing Board must make a decision on if they are acting as Charter Trust Land Council.

  • Work with Charter Director/Principal to ensure that Required Website Postings, Council Membership Form, and Principal's Assurance Form have been submitted to the SLT website. 

Spring

  • March 1 - Receive the report on the prior year School Plan implementation.
  • Date Set by the Board - Board Meeting to review Upcoming School Plans. 
    • Approve Plans that include all required components and are consistent with the law and Board academic priorities OR return Plans with direction about the required edits to be made prior to a second review and approval..
    • Review the Council Signature Form providing feedback on Council involvement.

Prior to LEA's Due Date for Plans:

  • Schedule Board Meeting.
  • During Board Meeting:
    • Review each School's LAND Trust Plan.
    • Obtain Council Signature Forms.