California's diverse and energetic charter school movement is comprised of a broad range of charter school types, organizational and programmatic models, and governance and funding structures. State and Federal laws and regulations that allow for that diversity can also lead to some lack of clarity, especially as charter schools are concurrently governed by corporate not for profit laws and are public entities under Government and Education Codes.
It is critical that all charter schools fully understand and commit to the responsibilities, transparency and stewardship required to operate public schools, to receive and administer public monies, and to prove themselves deserving of the public trust. This section is intended to help charter leaders understand their various legal roles and responsibilities when governing a charter school and to provide samples of sound board policies.
The National Resource Center on Charter School Finance and Governance also offers a plethora of related materials, including a resource clearinghouse and profiles of promising best practices.
Information and Resources on Board and Governance
Incorporating Your Charter School
Premium ContentAn overview of the process for incorporating a charter school, including information on how to obtain tax exempt status
Published July 14, 2011. Last Modified July 14, 2011Charter School Governance
Premium ContentOverview of the state and federal laws, including conflict of interest laws and criminal statutes, impacting the governance of charter schools and regulating the conduct of charter school board members and high-level employees
Published November 28, 2011. Last Modified November 28, 2011Charter School Autonomy
Premium ContentOne of the earliest and most important crossroads in charter school development is determining to what degree, and for what purposes, a charter school will be "dependent" upon its authorizer or "independent" of its authorizer.
Published June 6, 2011. Last Modified June 6, 2011Understanding the Brown Act
Premium ContentBrief overview of the purpose of the Ralph M. Brown Act, which addresses the balance between public access to meetings of legislative bodies and the need for confidentiality by legislative bodies
Published February 7, 2011. Last Modified February 7, 2011Non-Voting Directors and Incompatible Offices: What Charters Schools Need to Know
Premium ContentPDF: 2 pages. 157 kBRecent California legislation clarified that nonprofit corporation boards (including those for charter schools) cannot include a "non-voting" member.
Published September 6, 2011. Last Modified September 6, 2011