Charter Boards Working with CMOs

This presentation by Paul O'Neill of Potomac Law Group explores the legal and operational dynamics between charter school boards and Charter Management Organizations (CMOs). It outlines essential terminology, charter expansion models, and the distinct legal contracts connecting authorizers, school boards, and management partners. While CMOs provide key advantages such as operational expertise, economies of scale, resource allocation, and facility investment, they can also present challenges regarding board control, conflicting priorities, financial entanglements, and academic oversight. Ultimately, the session highlights the terms governing contract termination and details proactive strategies for success, emphasizing clear alignment, robust management contracts with explicit performance metrics, and regular communication.