Charter Compass: Helping Charter School Boards Navigate with Confidence

In this episode, we focus on a topic that’s essential for ethical and legal governance: conflicts of interest on charter school boards.  As a board member, understanding what qualifies as a conflict—and how to prevent it—is key to maintaining public trust and compliance.

We’ll cover:

• What a conflict of interest is and why perception matters
• Why employees cannot serve on the board under Utah law
• How to identify, disclose, and manage...

Culture is the heartbeat of a charter school—it’s how your mission comes to life in classrooms, hallways, and community events. In this episode, we explore how boards and school leaders can intentionally shape a culture that reflects their values and strengthens student success.

We’ll cover:

• How to translate your mission into daily practices
• The role of leadership in modeling and reinforcing culture
• Ways to embed values into hiring...

In this episode, we explore why Robert’s Rules of Order remain one of the most effective tools for running structured, fair, and efficient board meetings. Originally published in 1876, this system of parliamentary procedure helps charter school boards stay focused, transparent, and compliant with Utah’s Open and Public Meetings Act.

We’ll cover:

• How Robert’s Rules support orderly discussion and decision-making
• The role of the Chai...

In this episode, we explore one of the most important transitions for any charter school board: onboarding new members. Serving on a governing board is a big responsibility, and how new members are welcomed, trained, and supported makes all the difference.

We’ll cover:

• The four core oversight roles every board member must understand
• The difference between governance and management—and why it matters
• What school-specific knowledge n...

In this episode, we dive into a topic that touches every charter school board: how to legally incorporate electronic or remote meetings. As virtual participation becomes a routine part of board operations, it’s essential to understand the legal framework that governs it.

We’ll cover:

• What Utah law requires for remote or electronic meetings
• How to ensure transparency and public access
• Practical tips for keeping your community engage...

Closed sessions can be one of the trickiest parts of the Utah Open & Public Meetings Act (OPMA), and it’s essential for charter school boards to get them right. In this episode, we take a clear, practical look at when closed sessions are legally allowed, what can—and can’t—be discussed, and how to document them properly.

We’ll walk through:

• The five legally defined reasons for entering a closed session
• What Utah law says about...

In this episode will cover a foundational piece of Utah’s Open and Public Meetings Act, how to properly post agendas, run your meetings, and document them afterward.

Here's what you will learn:

• Where and when to post your meeting notice
• What qualifies as an emergency meeting (and what doesn’t)
• How to build a clear, actionable agenda
• What must be included in your minutes and recordings
• Timelines for posting materials to the Utah ...

In this episode we’re going to focus on how a board chair and board members can run efficient and effective meetings while staying compliant with Utah law.

We’ll cover:

• What OPMA says about where board business should happen (hint: not in email threads or shared docs)
• The role of the chair in keeping meetings focused, timely, and transparent
• How board members can prepare, engage, and contribute meaningfully
• Why sending packets early...

In this episode, we explore one of the most influential roles on a charter school governing board: the board chair and vice chair. Far more than a meeting managers, these leaders set the tone for governance, lead with vision, and help the board stay focused on mission, oversight, and accountability.

We’ll cover:

• How the chair facilitates effective, inclusive meetings
• The four key oversight areas every chair must lead: policy, acad...

In this episode, we shine a spotlight on one of the most essential—and often underappreciated—roles on a charter school governing board: the Board Secretary. Far more than a note-taker, the Secretary is the guardian of transparency, legal compliance, and organizational memory.

We’ll walk through:

• Core responsibilities before, during, and after meetings
• How to prepare and post agendas, minutes, and recordings in line with Utah’s Op...

In this episode, we break down one of the most critical roles on a charter school board: the Board Treasurer. While they don’t manage day-to-day finances, the treasurer plays a vital role in safeguarding the school’s financial health through oversight, accountability, and clear communication.

We’ll cover:

• What financial oversight looks like in practice
• How the treasurer partners with the director, finance staff, and auditors
• Key re...

In this episode, we tackle a foundational, but often misunderstood, topic in charter school leadership: the difference between governance and management. Who makes the big decisions? Who runs the day-to-day? And how do boards and administrators work together to keep the school mission-centered and future-ready?

We’ll break down:

• What the charter school board is responsible for—and what it’s not
• How school administration executes t...

In this episode we take a high-level look at the Utah Open & Public Meetings Act—commonly known as OPMA. Designed to promote transparency and public trust, OPMA outlines how public bodies must conduct their meetings.

Tune in for a 30,000-foot overview of:

• The purpose and intent behind the law
• Who OPMA applies to
• What’s at stake when the law isn’t followed

Whether you're a new charter school board member or a seasoned l...