General Powers of the Board

The business and affairs of the Academy shall be managed by its Board of Directors, except as otherwise provided by law, the Articles of Incorporation or the Academy's Bylaws. The Board may by written contract delegate, in whole or in part, to a professional management organization or person such of its duties, responsibilities, functions, and powers as are properly delegable. However, the Board shall not delegate its responsibility and ultimate accountability for the Academy's operations and performance.

General Responsibilities

The Board shall be responsible for the governance of the school, development of positive community relations, preservation of the Academy's educational philosophy, mission statement, and special emphasis, and shall be accountable and hold others accountable to the Academy's charter.

Board Member Qualifications

• Be in agreement with the mission, educational philosophy, discipline policy and administrative structure of the Academy and read the Academy's chartering documents.
• Be familiar with every aspect of the Academy's curriculum and understand the scope of the reading program.
• Attend at least two Parent/Teacher Organization meetings a year to show support and encouragement for this vital aspect of the school. The Academy's board members will not serve on the PTO board.
• Prior board experience is helpful but not necessary. However, a high level of professionalism and a strong desire for the success of the school is expected. The motivation for serving on the board should be to help guarantee the educational success of students.
• The directors will conduct an annual self-evaluation. The directors will discuss the necessary needs of improvement and set goals for the next year.
• All directors are required to attend a yearly board conference where the goals of the board are defined, the board's self-evaluation is discussed and critiqued, outside speakers present information pertaining to effective board leadership, and other pertinent topics are discussed.
• The directors will annually attend a "Board Visit Day" at the school. During this time, directors will visit classrooms, talk with the staff and become familiar with current school concerns.
• Directors should fulfill their responsibilities on the board, board committees or subcommittees to their fullest capability.
• All directors are expected to be the best public relations representatives the school has.
• Each director elected to their positions should have some prior background and experience pertaining to that position.

Setting Policy

The Academy Board shall set and enforce policy and ensure that the Academy operates in a manner consistent with the Mission Statement, the Academy's charter, and all applicable laws.

Budget

The Academy Board shall be ultimately responsible for the preparation and approval of an annual budget, and must ensure that the Academy operates within that budget.

School Calendar

The Academy Board shall approve and establish a school calendar, including any changes made during the school year.

Record Keeping and Reporting

The Academy Board shall be ultimately responsible for the maintenance of any records or documents required by law or provided for by the charter contract. Additionally, the Academy board shall be ultimately responsible for the timely filing of all reports required pursuant to local, state, and federal regulations.

Facility Acquisition/Possession

The Academy Board shall negotiate and approve any contracts for the lease or purchase of the Academy's facilities, including any changes or renewals of the facility lease/purchase agreements, and shall establish any policies for facility use.

Board Meetings

The Academy Board shall convene at least one regular monthly meeting, subject to the Open Meetings Law, and will provide an opportunity for public input. Additionally, the Board may convene work sessions as it deems appropriate.

Academy Staffing

The Academy Board shall approve or disapprove all hiring and termination recommendations, and approve all staff employment contracts.

Miscellaneous

The Academy Board shall perform such other duties as are appropriate and necessary to the safe and effective operations of the Academy, and which promote the Academy's commitment to educational excellence.