“The training session at PCHS was exceptionally informative and kept the Board's interest throughout . . . thanks to Brian Carpenter, who was so helpful and enjoyable, we now have a better vision of what a Board should be.”
Vicky Francis
Board Member
Pacific Palisades Charter High School
“Charter School Board University should be required reading for charter leaders and board members... the board self-assessment questions Dr. Carpenter poses at the end of each chapter produce a reliable picture of how well the board is functioning. Superb job!”
Briscoe R. Smith,
Esq. Atlantic Legal Foundation
More Testimonials
Vicky Francis
Board Member
Pacific Palisades Charter High School
“Charter School Board University should be required reading for charter leaders and board members... the board self-assessment questions Dr. Carpenter poses at the end of each chapter produce a reliable picture of how well the board is functioning. Superb job!”
Briscoe R. Smith,
Esq. Atlantic Legal Foundation
More Testimonials
Board Retreats
A one- or two-day board retreat is a fantastic way to achieve a quantum leap forward in the board’s understanding of governance. By clearing the agenda of everything except for training, the board is able to focus on ideas that are critical to its success. For example, one key governance principle is that a board must always speak with “once voice” to its executive. I explain this principle in my board retreats, as well as the following concepts:- whom the board exists to represent
- how to know when the board has spoken
- the fundamental difference between governance and management
- how to tell whether a board agenda topic is really governance
- how to design, implement, and monitor policies
- the three duties that comprise the board’s fiduciary responsibility
- three lessons from research about the actions, decisions, and characteristics of failed charter school boards
- the four aspects of school performance every board should understand
- a simple method for structuring your board meeting so that it lasts no longer than 90 minutes
- how and when to use committees
- why board-prescribed processes such as which programs and which personnel renders the board incapable of doing its job
- an easy way to shut off the complain pipeline
The training process begins a few weeks before the retreat when every board member and the school’s executive director receive a link to a confidential board survey. Using the survey as a pre-assessment of the board’s needs, I arrive at the retreat having already appraised of the challenges facing the board. This allows me to tailor my presentation to meet the needs of the school.
At the close of the seminar, I work with the board in developing an action plan to help it implement what it has learned. Following the seminar, I send a two- to three-page summary of that plan along with any recommendations.
Booking
If possible, I recommend that schools reserve their retreat date at least 60 to 90 days in advance. The further in advance you reserve, the wider choice of dates you’ll have.
Availability & Fees
Please contact me for information on my availability and fees.
At the close of the seminar, I work with the board in developing an action plan to help it implement what it has learned. Following the seminar, I send a two- to three-page summary of that plan along with any recommendations.
Booking
If possible, I recommend that schools reserve their retreat date at least 60 to 90 days in advance. The further in advance you reserve, the wider choice of dates you’ll have.
Availability & Fees
Please contact me for information on my availability and fees.