Governance

The governing body for River Valley Charter School is its board of trustees. The board has ultimate responsibility for successfully carrying out the charter and ensuring its renewal every five years. It is roughly parallel to a school committee in traditional districts but governs only one school. The board sets policy for the school and is accountable directly to the Department of Education to assure that we meet the terms of our charter. It hires a director, who, in turn, hires the staff of the school. Working through the director, the board ensures that all laws and regulations are being followed and that day-to-day operation is consistent with the mission of the school. In consultation with the director and staff, the board develops and approves the budget for the school.

The trustee position carries a term of three years. Trustees can be reelected and can hold office for up to six consecutive years. New trustees and officers are nominated in the spring of each year and elected at the June annual meeting.

The board of trustees holds regular public meetings at the school, usually on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. Advance notice of meetings is posted at the region's city and town halls and in the local newspapers.

The school has a very active Parents' Alliance.