A signature program of LAPCS, the Top Shelf, launched in October 2012 to enhance the capacity of charter school boards through recruitment and professional development. LAPCS recognizes the critical role strong governance plays in charter school success. The Top Shelf aims to foster connection among the community members serving on charter school boards. We support board by helping them increase their capacity to lead financially and operationally sound organizations that promote increased student achievement.

The Top Shelf: Pathways for Engagement

Board Bank

Through targeted outreach to local businesses and organizations, the Top Shelf identifies and recruits qualified professionals and community members to serve on charter school boards. To begin the process, prospective board members provide details on their interest and qualifications to serve. LAPCS provides our member schools profiles and resumes of qualified, prospective candidates to serve on their board. If there is a mutual desire to learn more about the service opportunity, board candidates move through the vetting process with the member school’s board. The LAPCS Board Bank is a book with over 60 trained board Fellows ready to make their mark in supporting local schools. To access the directory, please email Kevin Guitterrez at [email protected]

Board Development

Serving on a charter school board is a great leadership development opportunity. The Top Shelf prides itself on offering relevant, meaningful professional development sessions to prospective and current charter school board members to prepare them for this critical work. In an environment where policy changes often, board members must be informed to fulfill their responsibilities.

Boards should also engage in annual board training to continue to refine their skills in supporting their school communities. LAPCS offers a 90-minute session underscoring the pillars of an effective board (see image below) as well as annual legal and policy updates. Contact Kevin Guitterrez, [email protected], today to schedule your annual training.

LAPCS’ signature governance training program is the Charter Board Leadership Academy, a six-month institute that explores the most critical issues facing charter school boards. By working with current and prospective board members, the CBLA also creates a pipeline of diverse and dedicated Fellows to serve as the next generation of leaders in Louisiana’s charter schools. The academy is currently offered annually in Greater New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and statewide.

On-Demand Customized Sessions

Ranging in their maturity and size, boards have various needs. The Top Shelf delivers personalized sessions that target the unique needs of the board ranging from board member responsibilities to recruitment and selection to board assessment and evaluation. Each custom program is a blank canvas that is filled according to the learning goals of your school. Using board assessments, case studies, and interactive workshops, the Top Shelf works in partnership with your organization to provide the tools that inspire excellence in governance. For a menu of customized sessions, please download the On Demand Menu.

Pre-Recorded Sessions

We work with school leaders to identify specialized sessions to support their school communities. Check out our most recent series co-sponsored by Tulane on Trauma Informed Practices.