Great Questions Boards Ask – An Interactive Governance Lab

This interactive governance lab presentation from the National Charter Schools Institute (NCSI) introduces the "Governance Question Filter," a five-step discipline (Outcome, Evidence, Lane, Lever, Question) designed to help charter school boards distinguish between governing ("how well?") and managing ("how will?"). Through a simulated scenario involving the fictional Horizon Charter Academy across three board meetings (September, November, and January), participants navigate emerging challenges—such as declining proficiency, budget shortfalls, teacher turnover, and midyear staff departures—to practice asking wise, outcome-focused questions without crossing into daily school operations. Ultimately, the workshop emphasizes leveraging leadership accountability, budget alignment, and strategic monitoring to maintain effective board oversight and foster stronger school governance.