Under the Canopy School

Board Retreat

Under the Canopy School
Published on May 15, 2026 at 4:46 PM CDT

Date and Time

Saturday May 16, 2026 at 10:00 AM CDT

Location

Gradient: Tulsa's Hub for Innovation

12 N. Cheyenne

Tulsa, OK 74103

Agenda

Section Number Topic Number Details Purpose Presenter Time
I. Opening Items 10:00 AM
  A. Record Attendance   1 m
  B. Call the Meeting to Order  
II. Welcome, Introductions & Retreat Goals. 10 - 10:15 AM 10:01 AM
  A. Opening remarks from the Board President FYI
  B. Introductions from each board member FYI
  C. Overview of retreat objectives and desired outcomes Discuss
III. Mission, Vision & Strategic Direction. 10:15 - 11 AM
  A. Revisit Under the Canopy’s mission and Waldorf-inspired model grounded in nature, art, and music Discuss
  B. Review our first year of school operation: key successes and lessons learned Discuss
  C. Discuss long-term vision for curriculum, enrollment, and community impact Discuss
  D. Identify 2–3 strategic priorities for 2026/27 and beyond Discuss
IV. Governance Roles, Responsibilities & Compliance 11 - 11:30 AM
  A. Clarify board roles, committee expectations, and bylaws FYI
  B. Review charter requirements, oversight obligations, and open meeting laws Discuss
  C. Confirm annual board goals (training hours, compliance, committee structure, recruitment needs) Discuss
V. Lunch Break. 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
VI. Financial Health Discussion. 12:15 - 1:15 PM
  A. Review of institutional financial health with external treasurer (availability permitting) Discuss
  B. Current-year budget review and fiscal forecast FYI
  C. Revenue streams: state aid, federal funds, grants, philanthropy Discuss
  D. Identify financial risk areas and mitigation strategies Discuss
  E. Align on financial priorities for the next 12 months Discuss
  F. Overview of the new Foundation Board and its fundraising direction FYI
VII. Academic and Operational Performance. 1:15 - 2:15 PM
  A. Enrollment, attendance, and student support trends Discuss
  B. Early academic indicators and program implementation Discuss
  C. Staff capacity, leadership updates, and operational needs Discuss
  D. Identify immediate opportunities for improvement Discuss
VIII. Strategic Workshopping & Planning Session. 2:15 - 3:45 PM 10:01 AM
  A. Deep dive into 2–3 chosen strategic priorities Discuss 5 m
   

enrollment strategy, facilities planning, partnerships, fundraising, or board recruitment

 
  B. Set measurable goals and ownership for each Discuss 5 m
IX. Closing, Commitments & Next Steps. 3:15 - 4 PM 10:11 AM
  A. Each board member shares one personal commitment for the upcoming year Discuss 5 m
  B. Confirm action items, future voting items, timelines, and responsible parties Discuss 5 m
  C. Set dates for follow-up and progress check-ins Discuss 5 m
  D. Formal board member invitation Discuss 5 m
  E. Room layout and reservation options at Gradient Discuss 5 m
  F. Backup venue recommendations Discuss 5 m
  G. Slide deck outline for the retreat Discuss 5 m
X. Executive Session. 4 - 4:20 PM 10:46 AM
  A. Discuss specific personnel matters, confidential legal advice, or real estate negotiations Discuss 5 m
XI. Closing Items 10:51 AM
  A. Adjourn Meeting Vote