‘Board Gear’ helps CMU charter schools, aims to help board members updated
The responsibility of running a Central Michigan University-authorized charter school might seem large to some.
But for the 350 board members who guide 58 different high schools around the state through CMU’s Center for Charter Schools, things could get much easier.
The center recently launched “Board Gear,” a Web tool kit aimed at helping board members keep up with the tasks of their job.
The center wants to help board members as much as possible, said Jim Goenner, executive director of the Center for Charter Schools.
“Our goal is to have high performing schools that will stand the test of time and we think that board members are a big part of that,” Goenner said.
“Board Gear” offers the Board Channel, which provides video messages about events and issues pertinent to that month. The Board Calender provides a place for members to see what is happening daily and view upcoming events and issues.
Philip Browne, board president at Cole Academy in Lansing, is happy with the new tool.
“It is a great Web kit to have,” Browne said. “We have two brand new board members, and to have that single place at your fingertips to go is phenomenal. You can’t really ask for a better resource.”
Browne said it will help the board members serve their schools even better than before.
“The most important thing is kids learning and spending the money the right way,” he said. “If you’re not doing that, I don’t know what you’re doing.”
“Board Gear” cost about $45,000 and was paid for by the center.
While officials are happy with the kit right now, they are not standing still with the idea.
“We already have ideas to enhance it further,” Goenner said. “This platform allows us to be connected to these schools around the state in a more timely and dynamic way.”
Cindy Schumacher, deputy director of administration at the center, said the technology will be a huge asset.
“It’s about providing resources to board members,” she said. “We tried to develop something easy, something they could use often.”
