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)