Authorizers and Governing Boards: Aligning Roles and Responsibilities

Presented by Dr. Kia Sweeney Scott and Marianne Blair of the Florida Association of Charter School Authorizers (FACSA), the session **Authorizers and Governing Boards: Aligning Roles and Responsibilities** explores the distinct functions and collaborative relationship needed for effective charter school oversight. While governing boards focus on internal administration, leadership evaluation, and budget approvals, authorizers—including district school boards, state universities, Florida college system institutions, and the Charter School Review Commission—are responsible for evaluating applications, negotiating contracts, and monitoring overall academic, financial, and operational compliance. To build a strong partnership, both entities must maintain clear communication, establish transparent performance metrics, respect distinct operational boundaries, and address challenges like board turnover and compliance fatigue through joint planning and streamlined processes.