Our Governance Model
Southside Family Charter School is governed by a parent‑majority Board of Directors. This structure ensures that families remain central to our decision‑making and reflects our commitment to community involvement and family participation.
Board Responsibilities
The Board of Directors provides strategic leadership and oversight for:
- Educational Policy: Ensuring curriculum and programs align with our mission.
- Financial Management: Stewarding resources responsibly.
- Strategic Planning: Setting long‑term vision and goals.
- Community Relations: Building partnerships and community connections.
- Compliance: Meeting charter‑school requirements and regulations.
Board members also serve as advocates for social‑justice education, charter‑school funding and community needs.
Board Composition
- Parent Representatives: The majority of our board consists of parents and guardians of current students.
- Community Members: Community members bring valuable expertise and perspectives.
- Teacher Representation: Teachers may participate to provide educational and operational insight.
For the 2025‑26 school year, the board consists of seven members—four parents, two teachers and one community member.
Board Meetings
The board meets monthly from September to August, except July, with an Annual Meeting in September. All meetings are scheduled every fourth Wednesday in person at SouthSide Family School. They are open and subject to the MN Open Meeting Law. Everyone is welcome to attend.
- Agendas and Minutes: Meeting materials are available to families; board packets and minutes are posted online.
- Public Comment: Community members are encouraged to attend and offer input.
- Annual Meeting: Held each September, when board members are elected for two‑year terms.
Board Committees
Standing committees may include Finance, Academic, Facilities, Community Relations and Policy. Ad‑hoc committees are formed for special projects.
Board Policies
The board operates under established policies governing decision‑making, conflict‑of‑interest procedures, communication protocols and community engagement. School policies approved by the board address curriculum, student services, staff hiring and evaluation, financial management, facility use and safety.
Our policy packet can be found here.
Getting Involved
- Join the Board: We welcome parent and community participation. Attend meetings, talk to current board members and consider running for election.
- Board Elections: Nominations are accepted from the school community. Candidate information is shared with families, and voting is conducted by community members.
- Committees: Serve on a board committee to focus on finance, academics, community relations or other areas of interest.
- Open Communication: The board values transparent communication with the school community. Attend meetings, provide input on policies and decisions, and share feedback on programs and services.
Contact the Board
- Email: info@southsidefamilyschool.org
- Phone: (612) 872‑8322
For questions about board service or governance, please contact the school office and your inquiry will be directed to the appropriate board member.
School Authorizer
Our authorizer is Volunteers of America. Please contact Stephanie Olsen at solsen@voamn.org or 612-345-8271 for more information. The mailing address for VOA is: 9220 Bass Lake Rd, Suite 255, New Hope, MN 55428
Our Commitment
The Board of Directors is committed to serving the best interests of our students and families, maintaining our mission of social‑justice education, ensuring financial responsibility and transparency, building strong community partnerships and advocating for our school and charter education. Together, we govern with purpose, passion and dedication to our shared values.