Nuasin Next Generation Charter School
Minutes
Governance Committee meeting
Date and Time
Tuesday April 18, 2023 at 6:10 PM
Committee Members Present
A. Bothner (remote), E. Chen (remote), J. Boulet (remote), M. Russell (remote), S. Pressley (remote)
Committee Members Absent
C. Barnes-Watson, K. Brisseau, K. Shabazz
Guests Present
A. Khanyile (remote)
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
II. Board Development & Planning
A.
Individual Goal-Setting
B.
Board skills trainings?
GC members discussed whether it would be useful for Board members not on the finance committee to have the opportunity to join a basics refresher course on financial oversight or other Board duties. Topics could potentially include reading a balance sheet, annual bylaw/OML refresher, fundraising basics, or broader context on the charter world.
Aaron and Malik reminded the group that we got a bit of context on the charter world from Dan Pasek at the last Board retreat, and agreed that it could be an interesting thing to continue pursuing going forward. The GC also thought it could be useful to regularly spotlight the relevant bylaws as they become applicable throughout the year - for example, with respect to upcoming elections. Shanta and Aaron discussed possible finance topics and deep dives that could be done annually (e.g., an update on the financial strategy) vs. something that is more like a one-time "professional development" examination of foundational information.
In deciding what topics people are interested in, Malik emphasized that they should have a clear connection to a practical impact on how the Board fulfills its duties. Aaron mentioned that sending out a survey is not necessary because our self-assessment pinpointed some topics that people are still unsure about. Jessica suggested it could also be driven by Committee chairs, if they want to keep the Board apprised of their work and how the wider Board can contribute.
- Malik offered to talk to Fourth Sector to put together something for finance basics.
- Everyone agreed that it should be on an opt-in basis for those who would feel it would be useful, rather than during shared time.
- Jessica will move forward with the plan discussed for GC/bylaws.
- Fundraising knowledge needs will likely arise as we move forward.
III. Closing Items
A.
Look Ahead
GC members coordinated with respect to upcoming items for GC and the Board.
Board members discussed self-guided learning related to reading curriculum in the United States.