S1 E9 Who We Serve – Authorizers, Boards, and School Leaders

In this episode of Bold By Choice, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner shine a light on the three essential roles that uphold the charter school promise: authorizers, governing boards, and school leaders. Joined by Alyson Murphy, Director of Partner Services at the National Charter Schools Institute, they unpack how clarity, trust, and aligned responsibilities create a strong governance ecosystem—and how misalignment can quickly derail student success.

Using a fictional (but all-too-familiar) scenario and a powerful basketball metaphor, the conversation explores what happens when roles blur and finger‑pointing replaces partnership. Alyson breaks down the unique responsibilities of each stakeholder—school leaders as the players, boards as the coaches, authorizers as the referees—and shares real-world stories of both failure and success.

Episode Highlights:

• The “three‑legged stool” of charter success: authorizer, board, and school leadership


• What each role is (and is not) responsible for during crisis and change


• How misalignment impacts students first—and how to spot early warning signs


• Real examples of authorizers, boards, and leaders working in true partnership


• Practical tips for building trust, clarity, and shared accountability across the ecosystem

When the system works as intended—each role playing its part with purpose and discipline—students win. But it takes intentional relationship‑building and a shared commitment to the charter promise.

Listen now to learn how clearly defined roles and trusted partnerships can transform schools from the boardroom to the classroom.