NOTE: 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