Board of Trustees - Pharos Academy Charter School

Pharos Academy Charter School is a K-12 urban public education institution that prepares Bronx students for success in college and the innovation economy.

A Pharos Academy Charter School (PHACS) Board Member’s primary responsibility is to ensure that the academic program of the school is successful, that the school's programs and operation are faithful to the terms of its charter, and that the school is a financially viable organization. A Board Member’s actions must always be aligned with our mission, vision, core values and education program.  

The essential functions for the Board of Directors are as follows:

• Strategic Oversight: Through the charter application the Board adopts and upholds the Pharos Academy mission and vision for the school.
• Operational Oversight: Oversees the operations of the school, while delegating day-to-day operational authority to PHACS.
• Financial Oversight: The Board ensures that the school remains a financially viable entity by overseeing the school’s financial condition.
• Personnel: The Board approves all employment compensation at the school, including benefits through approval of the annual budget.
• Contracts: The Board, in consultation with Pharos Academy, approves all major contracts.
• Consultant Support: Board members use their individual skills, knowledge, expertise and/or community relationships to support the school. 
• Community Relationships: Board members act as advocates and representatives of the school in creating and maintaining relationships with the community and other stakeholders. 

Board Member responsibilities are as follows:

• Actively prepares for, engages in, and attends monthly meetings, missing no more than two per year. If unable to attend, will notify the board chair.
• Participates on at least one subcommittee of the Board.
• Engage in the shared responsibility of annual fundraising for the school
• Works cooperatively with fellow Trustees to complete the Board’s work in a timely manner.
• Ensures that her or his participation contributes to the effective operation of the Board and the success of the school by: 
  • Focusing exclusively on the best interests of the Board and the school rather than on any personal or other agenda. 
  • Maintaining objectivity in all deliberations. 
  • Supporting all Board decisions once they are made. 
  • Participating in honest evaluations of one’s own performance and that of the Board. 
• Commits approximately 8 hours per month toward board service, including:
  • Attending a monthly board meeting (including by phone) (2 hours)
  • Participating on a board committee (2 hours)
  • Reading materials, preparing for meetings (1 hour)
  • Attending events at the schools, assisting with fundraising and other ambassador tasks as needed (1-2 hours)
  • Attends Board training workshops.
• Provides the Board and the school with advice and technical assistance in her or his individual areas of expertise.
• Acts as an advocate and representative of the school in creating and maintaining relationships with the school’s families, the community, governmental bodies and financial supporters.

A Pharos Academy Charter School (PHACS) Board Member is more than a community volunteer. This person’s work supports the vision that all of our students will achieve high levels of academic success resulting in the creation of opportunities for a brighter future. A Board Member makes the commitment to work and lead with determination, integrity and purpose, and embodies these essential qualities:

• Passionate with an unwavering commitment to the school’s mission. 
• Has a shared vision for the school and the steps required to realize that vision. 
• Expects that all children can and will realize high levels of academic achievement. 
• Believes in the Pharos Academy school design and curriculum as the best means of accomplishing the school’s mission and realizing its vision. 
• Understands the promises contained in the school’s charter. 
• Understands the distinction between the roles and responsibilities of each person and entity involved. 
• Willingness to volunteer for one or more Board committees and the ability to contribute appropriate time and energy necessary to follow through on assigned tasks. 
• Results-oriented with the ability to work within a team structure. 
• Specific knowledge, experience, and/or interest in at least one element of governance for the school. 
• Commitment to a partnership based on mutual trust and respect among the Board, the principal and Pharos Academy Charter School.

Pharos Academy is committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment for all teachers and staff members. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.