Operations Resources
The Operations domain of the Indicators of Distress Tool evaluates the operational health and stability of schools. This can be applicable when reviewing a single school or a portfolio of schools for an authorizer. This section focuses on compliance, governance, responsiveness to community needs, and the execution of core operational responsibilities.
Operational distress is often evidenced by weak internal accountability and oversight in decision-making by school leadership and boards, paired with an absence of formalized procedures to guide those decisions. Common signs include noncompliance with laws, regulations, and charter provisions. This can particularly be seen around required reporting to authorizers and government agencies, as well as missed deadlines for critical compliance activities such as safety and facility requirements. Financial mismanagement may also be evident, as reflected in audit results that highlight poor financial and operational practices.
These indicators suggest a school may be at risk of operational failure and require targeted oversight or intervention. Regularly reviewing these factors allows authorizers and school operators to proactively address underlying causes, ensure compliance, and maintain a focus on student and community needs.
Breakdown in Compliance and Reporting Functions
- Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Compliance Tool for Schools and Authorizers – Webinar, FCI
- Unchartered Waters: Navigating Insurance as a Charter School – Webinar, FCI
- Preparing the Master Schedule; Student Schedules for the upcoming School Year – Webinar, FCI
- Closing the Strategic Gaps: The Strategic Blueprint for High-Performing Charter Schools – Webinar, FCI
- Liability Minefields to Avoid – Webinar, FCI
- Ohio School Board Association-Board Self-Assessment – Self-assessment Template, Ohio School Board
- Charter Source Board Member Services – Article, CharterSource
- What IS GAAP? – Website, Financial Accounting Foundation
- Leading the School: Organization, Operations, and Resource Management – Blog, Open-Academy
Failure to be Responsive to Market Needs
- How Charter Schools Are Using AI Agents to Automate Busywork and Reclaim Time – Webinar, FCI
- Enrollmania Masterclass: Strategies to Elevate Your Charter School Enrollment – Webinar, FCI
- Enrollment Marketing Playbook – Webinar, FCI
- Where Have All the Kids Gone? – Webinar, FCI
- Innovative HR Legal Strategies for Turbulent Times – Webinar, FCI
- Look Twice Before You Leap: The Essential Art and Science of Charter School Site Selection – Webinar, FCI
- Effective Website Design – Webinar, FCI
- Winning Messages for School Choice – Webinar, FCI
- Technology Readiness: Making Sure Your School’s Technology Meets Expectations – Webinar, FCI
- Enrollmania Masterclass: Strategies to Elevate Your School Enrollment – Conference Session, FCI
- Operating A Charter School – Conference Session, FCI
- When Your Reputation Precedes You – Webinar, NCSRC
- Tools for Growing Student Enrollment: Measuring Your Digital Marketing ROI – Video, National Alliance for Public Charter Schools
- When Your Reputation Precedes You – Webinar and Slide deck, National Charter School Resource Center
- 8 Tips Your School Can Use to Build an Awesome K12 Enrollment Process – Blog, Scribsoft
- Navigating Enrollment-Based Revenue Shortfalls – Blog, Georgia Charter Schools Association
- Leading School Improvement with Intension – Article, Education Northwest
- Advancing Equity in Charter Schools through a Community-Centered, Collective Impact Approach – Report and Resources, National Charter School Resource Center
- In Our New Hybrid World, Where Do Public Charter Schools Fit? – Report, National Alliance for Public Charter Schools
- Power Engage: 7 Power Moves for Building Strong Relationships to Increase Engagement with Students and Parents – Podcast – Principal Center Radio episode with Carlos Johnson