Documents Relative to Standard 2: GOVERNANCE & LEADERSHIP

NOTE: This is an abbreviated list of documents taken from the indicators. The absence of the documents may delay the accreditation process. 

Governance Documents 

  • Bylaws
  • Board policy manual 
  • Evidence that the board has engaged in conversations about leadership transitions 
  • Evidence of annual board governance training 
  • Succession plan which includes provisions for training for a first-time head of school and a newly appointed trustee 
  • Articles of incorporation
  • Most recent strategic plan 
  • Head of school annual evaluation procedure 
  • Board development plan and evaluation procedure 
  • Conflict of interest statements signed by all trustees and key employees 

Facility and Safety Documents (see also Standard 5) 

  • Licenses or permits for the school to operate (if required in your municipality, city, or state)  
  • Documents demonstrating adherence to fire, safety, and health codes
  • Documentation of annual training of all faculty and staff in identifying and reporting suspected sexual abuse 
  • Extended care and daycare license or exemption from license (if applicable)  
  • Institutional risk management plans (including if applicable: vehicle safety, requirements for drivers, chemical handling and storage, preventative maintenance and inspections, field trips, sports programs, outside contractors, use of facilities) 
  • Insurance documents 
  • A statement of how the school maintains continuous compliance with applicable local, state, and federal legal requirements 

Financial Documents

  • Annual school budget 
  • Financial audit 
  • Current financial statements: financial position, activities, cash flow
  • Description of lines of credit 
  • Copy of filed tax documents (typically IRS Form 990) 
  • Financial procedures handbook 

Other documents that may be used to show evidence of compliance with indicators: 

  • Names and contact information for school attorney and accountant 
  • Name and contact information for the Department of Child Protective Services 
  • Documents that show the authority of the governing board 
  • Policy statements regarding conflicts of interest, recusal, or contract bidding and awarding processes 
  • Evidence of board training related to decision making
  • Descriptions of successful decision-making processes 
  • Bylaws, board meeting agenda items 
  • Description of a monitoring method 
  • Minutes of planning and visioning meetings, retreats, etc. 
  • Meeting minutes that demonstrate discussions of succession planning
  • Meeting minutes which include board approval of an audit 
  • Policies that describe safety procedures (see also Standard 5)