Lisa McDonald, GCSA’s Vice President of School Success, delivers Whole Board Training at Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School.
At Georgia Charter Schools Association, we know that strong leadership, sound governance, and operational excellence are the foundation of a successful charter school. That’s why our School Success department, led by Lisa McDonald, GCSA’s Vice President of School Success, offers comprehensive services to support your school and governing board every step of the way.
GCSA is your go-to resource for essential training, guidance, and operational support. Whether you’re focused on classroom best practices, governance effectiveness, or preparing for renewal, we’re here to help your school thrive.
Governance Training: Build a Stronger Board
The Georgia Charter Schools Association is the premier training provider for charter schools across Georgia. Our governance training series equips both locally and state-approved charter school boards with the resources and support needed for strategic and effective oversight. Our offerings help boards meet the annual training requirements set by O.C.G.A. § 20-2-2084(f) and SBOE Rule 160-4-9-.06, while providing practical tools for strong governance. GCSA also offers customized board training on required topics aligned to the specific needs of your school or network.
Available Training Options Include:
- Whole Board Team Training
- Digital Governance Series
- Customized Governance Training
New Services from School Success
GCSA’s new services are designed to strengthen governance, enhance compliance, and improve coordination between boards and leadership teams.
Lisa McDonald, GCSA VP of School Success, celebrating the opening of Excelsior Village Academies.
Policy Templates
GCSA is releasing new policy templates that boards can adopt as-is or customize with our support to align with their school’s unique mission and design.
Whole Board, School Leadership, and Board Committee Workflow
In collaboration with experts in the field, GCSA has developed a new workflow document that aligns the work of the board, its committees, and school leadership. This ensures key compliance deadlines are met and everyone stays coordinated on next steps.
Governance Dashboard
GCSA’s new Governance Dashboard brings together key academic, operational, and financial data in one place—aligned to the SCSC Comprehensive Performance Framework and customizable to track MAP, i-Ready, and school improvement goals. This dashboard works in conjunction with the workflow document to keep data accessible and actionable.
ALIGN
Charter ALIGN is a comprehensive support program facilitated by industry experts. It empowers charter school boards and leadership teams to build robust systems, processes, and norms that foster a culture of accountability and sustainability. By aligning operational practices with the school model, the program ensures compliance, fiscal responsibility, and excellence in governance and leadership.
Charter Renewal: Full-Service Support from Start to Finish
Every charter school must be reauthorized at the end of its charter term. GCSA’s Charter Renewal Services offer a streamlined, cost-effective approach that starts up to 18 months before your renewal deadline. From petition writing to performance reviews, our team is here to help you navigate the process and meet all legal and regulatory requirements.
Charter Renewal Services Include:
- Petition Writing
- Operational Assessments
- Budget and Financial Reviews
- Performance and Governance Evaluations
- Training and Consulting Tailored to Your School’s Needs
Board Bank: Find the Right Board Members
Need help finding experienced, mission-aligned board members? GCSA’s Board Bank connects charter schools with qualified professionals whose expertise aligns with your school’s needs and strategic goals.
Training Opportunities
Don’t miss out on targeted professional development designed for charter school leaders:
- Human Resources Bootcamp – Ideal for administrators and HR staff
- Special Education Workshop – For School Leaders and Assistant Principals
GCSA’s School Success team is here to serve you. Let us help you implement best practices, build capacity, and ensure your school is positioned for long-term success.
For more information, contact Lisa McDonald, VP of School Success, to learn more about how we can support your school.
