What Authorizers Expect of Charter School Governing Boards
Most charter school failures stem from governance breakdowns and inadequate authorizer-board engagement. This CDE-supported CASI session addresses legal requirements, reasonable expectations, and practical strategies that strengthen school-authorizer relationships, build trust, improve performance, and protect school autonomy while preventing costly revocations and closures. Participants will create a practical checklist for improving charter school governance and authorizer relationships through small group discussions sharing practices, reporting out, and collaborative exploration of strategies/techniques. Relevant to governing board members, authorizers, school administrators, and professionals involved in charter school governance and accountability.
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Presented by
Coordinator
Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE)
Angela Fernandez is a Program Coordinator III at the Los Angeles County Office of Education, overseeing charter school compliance, renewal, & performance across LA County. Her background spans corporate and educational sectors, blending strategic oversight with deep experience in stakeholder engagement and program implementation. Before joining LACOE, Angela worked in global training with Mattel and Herbalife, later leading Migrant Education initiatives focused on parent engagement, mental health, and cultural proficiency. She holds a B.S. in Business Management, an M.A. in Education, & multiple credentials. A systems thinker committed to equity, she supports school leaders in expanding high-quality educational opportunities.
Coordinator
Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE)
Director
Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE)
Indra Ciccarelli is an accomplished educator with over 25 years of experience in education. He has worked within a wide range of educational settings, including large public-school districts, large and small conversion and start-ups, and dependent and independent charter schools. Mr. Ciccarelli has been a SELPA coordinator as well as a coordinator within Los Angeles County Office of Education’s Charter School Office prior to becoming the Director for the Charter School Office. He is a board member for the California Charter Authorizing Professionals and an early adopter with the A-Game initiative through the National Charter Schools Institute.
Manager, Office of Charter Schools
San Diego Unified School District
Tiffany DeGraffenreid is an educational leader with over 20 years of experience in charter school oversight, compliance, and school operations. She currently serves as the Manager of the Office of Charter Schools at San Diego Unified School District, where she oversees 39 charter schools serving 19,000 students. Tiffany’s expertise spans state and federal compliance, charter school finance, independent study programs, special education, and accountability systems including CALPADS, CalSAAS, LCAP, and FPM.