The Minnesota Legislature enacted legislation in 199­1 authorizing the formation of charter schools. Each charter school is governed by a publicly elected board of directors. Charter school boards are the entity that is legally charged with governing a charter school and are ultimately responsible to its community. Charter school boards govern by adopting a mission, vision, and goals and adopting policies. Since the beginning, charter school boards have looked to MSBA for training and access to services, such as MSBA’s Policy Services, to help them govern efficiently and effectively.

TRAINING: According to state law, charter school board members must attend annual training throughout the member’s term on the board. All new board members must attend initial training on the board’s role and responsibilities, employment policies and practices, and financial management. New board members who do not begin the required initial training within six months after being seated and complete that training within 12 months of being seated on the board is automatically ineligible to continue to serve as a board member as noted in M.S. 124E.07, Subd. 7.

INITIAL TRAINING: MSBA offers initial training for new school board members for a fee (paid by their charter school). MSBA is a Minnesota Department of Education-approved provider of charter school board training. MSBA’s charter school board member training is designed to promote good governance and productive working relationships. Topics include state education finance, school budgets, key education laws, the role of the school board, and more. This training is for board members who have not yet completed the initial required training. Attendees receive a certificate of attendance. Access the Charter School Board Training page for more information.

VETERAN CHARTER SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS: MSBA Charter Associates have access to MSBA workshops and training opportunities. Charter Associates can attend MSBA’s Annual Leadership Conference at no additional cost. Charter Associates can attend MSBA’s Summer Seminar and any other scheduled workshops and conferences or hold an in-district customized workshop or training for a fee. Access more information about MSBA’s training programs.

RESOURCES: Access additional information about Minnesota’s charter schools at the Minnesota Department of Education website