Board of Trustees

Community Governance and Oversight

Education is more than instruction—it's orientation. At Meridian Charter School, we help students develop the clarity and confidence to navigate an increasingly complex world. Our Board of Trustees plays a vital role in this mission, providing governance oversight, strategic direction, financial stewardship, and community representation to ensure the school remains true to its charter and serves students effectively.

Role and Responsibilities

The Board of Trustees is the governing body for Meridian Charter School, responsible for ensuring the school fulfills its charter obligations, maintains financial health, hires and evaluates the superintendent, approves policies, and provides long-range strategic planning. As a public charter school, we operate with the autonomy of independent governance while maintaining accountability to our authorizer and the communities we serve.

"Being a trustee means balancing big-picture vision with attention to detail, asking hard questions while supporting our talented staff, and always keeping student success at the center of every decision." — Maria Rodriguez, Board Chair

Commitment to Transparent Governance

Our Board operates with a commitment to transparency and community engagement. All regular board meetings are open to the public, with agendas posted at least 48 hours in advance. Meeting minutes are published on our website, and community members are welcome to address the board during public comment periods.

The Board meets monthly for regular business and additionally as needed for committee work, strategic planning, and special matters. Trustees serve on committees focused on finance and audit, governance, academic excellence, facilities, and development. This committee structure allows for deep engagement with specific areas while maintaining efficient full-board meetings.

Our approach combines intellectual rigor with context and reflection. Students don't just absorb information—they learn to question it, connect it, and apply it to the challenges that matter to them and their communities. The Board ensures this educational philosophy is reflected in all school policies, practices, and strategic decisions.

Strategic Planning and Long-Range Vision

One of the Board's most important responsibilities is long-range strategic planning. In 2024, the Board led a comprehensive strategic planning process that engaged over 200 stakeholders through surveys, focus groups, town halls, and committee meetings. The resulting five-year plan guides the school's priorities, resource allocation, and continuous improvement efforts.

"Strategic planning isn't just creating a document—it's about building shared understanding of where we are, where we're going, and how we'll get there together." — Dr. Marcus Johnson, Trustee and Planning Committee Chair

The Board regularly reviews progress on strategic goals, adjusts course as needed, and ensures accountability for implementation. This disciplined approach to strategic governance helps Meridian navigate challenges, capitalize on opportunities, and maintain focus on our core educational mission despite the many demands and distractions that can pull schools off course.

Financial Oversight and Sustainability

The Board's Finance and Audit Committee provides rigorous oversight of the school's financial health. Trustees review monthly financial statements, approve annual budgets, ensure adequate reserves, monitor cash flow, and engage independent auditors for annual financial audits.

This careful stewardship has maintained Meridian's strong financial position even during challenging times. The Board has built reserves equal to three months of operating expenses, diversified revenue sources beyond per-pupil funding, invested in facility improvements that reduce long-term costs, and maintained competitive compensation for staff.

Trustees also support development efforts to supplement state funding. Many trustees contribute personally and help cultivate relationships with donors, foundations, and community partners. This philanthropic support enables programs and opportunities—from enhanced arts offerings to expanded financial assistance—that wouldn't be possible with state funding alone.

Accountability and Charter Compliance

As a public charter school, Meridian operates under a charter that specifies our educational program, performance expectations, and operational requirements. The Board ensures compliance with all charter terms, state regulations, and applicable laws. Trustees review academic performance data, monitor operational metrics, and submit required reports to our authorizer.

This accountability framework includes measurable goals for student achievement, graduation rates, college acceptance, and school culture. The Board takes seriously its responsibility to maintain the school's charter by demonstrating results and continuous improvement.

Community Representation and Stakeholder Engagement

Board composition reflects our commitment to diverse perspectives and community representation. Trustees bring varied professional expertise, personal backgrounds, and connections to different stakeholder groups. Several trustees are Meridian parents, while others bring professional skills in education, finance, law, technology, and nonprofit management.

Meridian serves 400 students in grades 6-12 at our Portland campus. We are a tuition-free public charter school open to all students through an equitable lottery system. The Board works to ensure our governance reflects the diversity of our community and our commitment to equitable access.

Trustees regularly attend school events, visit classes, meet with students and families, and engage with the broader Portland community. This connection to the daily reality of school life helps the Board make informed decisions grounded in actual student and staff experiences rather than abstract theories.

The Board also supports our administrative leadership team, particularly our Superintendent, through regular evaluation, strategic guidance, and problem-solving partnership. This strong board-superintendent relationship is essential to effective governance and school success.

Learn more about our school's history, explore our mission and values, or discover how to join our community. For information about charter school governance best practices, visit the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools.