As Hawaii’s charter school system transitions to a new governance system designed to improve accountability, the effort is on to recruit board members who have certain skills and expertise.

Parents and community members dedicated to advancing public education are encouraged to submit their resumes for openings on boards of directors at charter schools statewide, according to a media release today from Lynn Finnegan, executive director of the Hawaii Public Charter School Network. 

Here’s more info from Finnegan:

The state’s 32 charter campuses, which recently passed the 10,000 enrollment mark, all have independent governing boards responsible for their school’s academic, financial and organizational viability. Board members also ensure compliance with state and federal laws.

Under Act 130, the 2012 charter omnibus law, no more than 30 percent of voting governing board members can be employees of the school or relatives of those employees. When selecting board members, special consideration is given to applicants who:

* Provide a diversity of perspective and level of objectivity accurately representing the interests of charter school students and the surrounding community;

* Demonstrate an understanding of best practices of nonprofit governance;

* Possess strong financial and academic management and oversight abilities; and

* Have experience in human resources and fundraising matters.

Persons interested in serving on a charter school governing board are encouraged to submit their resumes to HPCSN at HPCSNBoardBank@gmail.com.