According to our by-laws and in accordance with Act 130, the Governing Board of Directors:

1. Is responsible for the financial, organizational, and academic viability of the charter school and implementation of the charter;

2. Possesses the independent authority to determine the organization and management of the school, the curriculum, and virtual education;

3. Has the power to negotiate supplemental collective bargaining agreements with exclusive representatives of their employees and is considered the employer of charter school employees for purposes of chapters 76, 78, and 89, and

4. Ensures compliance with applicable state and federal laws.

 

The duties of the Governing Board include the following:

1. Oversee and evaluate school policies and guidelines.

2. Support the implementation of the school’s vision, mission and goals.

3. Adopt the budget and oversee fiscal accountability.

4. Oversee financial and academic viability of the Charter School, including ensuring that adequate resources are raised.

5. Hire and supervise the Principal.

6. Assess the Principal's performance on an annual basis, and provide adequate support to that individual.

7. Perform tasks as assigned by the Principal or committee recommendations.

8. Delegate tasks to the Principal as appropriate.

9. Mediate relationships between stakeholders, as needed.

10. Ensure that all decisions and actions are in alignment with the by-laws.

 

Board members have a duty of loyalty to the organization, its staff and other Board Members. While differences of opinion are sure to arise, board members should seek to keep disagreements impersonal. By practicing discretion and accepting and abiding by decisions made on a majority basis, board unity and confidence will be promoted.

 

Board members accomplish their functions through regular meetings, and serve on at least one committee. The Board shall establish an effective committee structure, as needed. Ideally, Board Members arrive at meetings prepared and ready to engage in thoughtful dialogue, and there is a group process which generates and uses the best thinking of its members.

 

Board Members should be open to self evaluation, attend all trainings, and offer personal expertise and commitment. Boards are also responsible for determining compensation for the Principal.

 

Charter School Governing Board members are responsible for the oversight of the business and affairs of the School. In carrying out their responsibilities, Hawaii State law imposes on these Board members specific fiduciary duties of care, loyalty and obedience to the law.

 

Additional Responsibilities

• Ensure that financial resources are managed effectively and that the School meets all financial responsibilities.

• Enhance the School’s public image

• Ensure the legal and ethical integrity, including understanding and identifying any conflict of interest that may arise.

• Recruit and orient new Governing Board members and assess performance.

• Follow-through on commitments (do what you say you are going to do)

 

Tasks

• Attend all scheduled board meetings, which are held monthly on the 3rd Thursday of the month for 2.0+ hours. If you cannot attend a meeting you should inform the Chair and the alternate so they can fill in for you. Meetings are run in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order.

• Serve on at least one Board committee, and attend meetings thereof.

• Serve as a Board Officer or Committee Chair if elected.

• Raise funds and in-kind services.

• Make an annual financial contribution to the school, and participate in fund development.

• Adhere by Robert’s Rules

• Read By-Laws, Charter Contract, and Schoolwide Plan and re-read regularly

 

Term of Service

Per by-laws, the length of term is 1 year for faculty, staff, and students serving on the Governing Board. All others have a term of two years and the seats are staggered so only half are elected in a given year. Board members may be re-elected. Alternates board members may be appointed for any position.

 

Who May Serve:

Anyone is allowed to serve on The Volcano School of Arts and Sciences Governing Board.  Special consideration however will be required, as per Act 130, for persons who:

1. Provide the governing board with a diversity of perspective and a level of objectivity that accurately represents the interests of the charter school students and the surrounding community;

2. Demonstrate an understanding of best practices of non-profit governance; and

3. Possess strong financial and academic management and oversight abilities, as well as human resource and fundraising experience.