Module #4: Navigating Risk

By the end of this module, participants will be able to: 

  • Describe the board’s responsibility to create and regularly review policies. 

  • Differentiate state and district waivers and the processes to obtain them. 

  • Identify indicators and metrics to monitor through a data dashboard based on potential risks their school may face. 

  • Understand various legal issues facing public schools today. 

 

"These training modules offer a foundational overview of the key knowledge areas essential for your role as a charter school board member. For more in-depth guidance on the topics covered, please refer to the League’s Charter School Board Governance Playbook, available in the resources section of this course."

 

Seminar Information
Seminar Date:
August 06, 2025
Introduction Video
Lesson 1: Policies and Procedures

Chapter One Description: TBD

Case Study Scenario: Discipline Policies in Question

Scenario: The school is served with a lawsuit filed by a group of parents represented by a civil rights organization. The lawsuit alleges that the school’s discipline practices violate federal civil rights laws, resulting in unlawful suspensions and removals from class, and a lack of proper procedural safeguards and parent notification. How will the board respond?  

Potential Board Action:

In response to the lawsuit, the board should retain legal counsel to guide the school through the legal process and ensure compliance with applicable laws. The board may initiate a comprehensive audit of all discipline policies and practices, including a legal review and input from key stakeholders such as families, staff, and students. Special attention should be given to reviewing policies related to due process for suspensions and removals. To strengthen oversight, the board should develop a data dashboard that tracks disciplinary actions over time, enabling the board to monitor trends and identify potential patterns of concern, such as excessive suspensions or disproportionate impacts on specific student groups. 

 

Lesson 2: State and District Waivers

Lesson Two Description: TBD

Quiz Break
Lesson 3: Identifying Potential Risks and Monitoring Data Activity

A critical component of managing risk is identifying key indicators of success and monitoring data to ensure your charter school is meeting its goals related to each metric. By being proactive in identifying potential risks, your school can position itself to mitigate and manage them.

 

Download the file “Identifying Potential Risks and Monitoring Data Activity” in the resource section, and complete the planning activity.  

 

Additional tools for navigating risk, including a Risk Mitigation Checklist and Risk Assessment Matrix, can be found in the League’s Charter School Board Governance Playbook.

 

Lesson 4: Legal Issues and Insurance
final quiz
Closing Video

Great job completing the final quiz for Module #4: Navigating Risk! If you are just completing this module, thank you for your commitment to mitigating your school’s risk. We hope you will explore additional modules in the future. If you are continuing to Module #5, we will be learning about the board’s role in supporting board meetings and board members. 

Individual topic purchase: Selected
Colorado League of Charter Schools
CE: 1.00
Products
On-Demand
CoLeague Price:$0.00