Strategic Planning

Aligning the Vision. Advancing the Mission. Accelerating the Impact.

Great schools don’t succeed by chance, they succeed by design. Our Strategic Planning service helps boards and leadership teams chart a bold, achievable path forward rooted in purpose, data, and community needs.

At the National Charter Schools Institute, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all models or static documents that sit on shelves and collect dust. Our strategic planning approach is deeply collaborative, grounded in your mission, and focused on real-world implementation. We serve as trusted facilitators and thought partners—guiding you through a process that builds alignment, strengthens governance, and inspires action. 

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Here’s What Sets Our Approach Apart...

Mission-Driven Focus

We begin by clarifying and reaffirming your vision, mission, and core values—ensuring they are more than statements on paper, but touchstones for decision-making and culture-building. 

Inclusive Engagement

We bring voices to the table—students, staff, families, board members, and community partners—so your plan reflects the perspectives and priorities of those you serve. 

Data-Informed Insights

We help you assess your current state using academic, financial, and operational data, then guide you in setting measurable goals that stretch your potential while staying grounded in reality. 

Facilitated Retreats & Workshops

Our team leads strategic planning sessions that foster open dialogue, creative thinking, and courageous conversations. We help you navigate challenges and set bold, achievable priorities. 

Clear Roadmaps & Accountability Tools

We translate your strategy into a working document with clear objectives, timelines, roles, and success measures—so your team knows what to do, who’s doing it, and how progress will be tracked. 

Ongoing Support

We’re in this together. From plan launch to check-ins and refresh cycles, we provide the support and coaching needed to stay on course and adapt as your context evolves. 

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Why Work With Us...

Experienced Leaders

We know education. Work with passionate professionals, who have walked in your shoes—as authorizers, board members, school leaders, teachers, and even lawmakers.

One-Stop-Shop

We have solutions for all aspects of charter operations—from one-on-one coaching and consulting with seasoned experts, to professional development and training for your team, to robust tools and software systems.

Creative Solutions

Our services, tools and expertise are always growing and evolving. We pride ourselves on thinking outside of the box and challenging the givens, with new and creative solutions that fit your custom needs.

Reliable & Responsive

Our team is trusted nationally for being reliable, respected and dedicated. We are leaders who care about supporting those who are making a difference for students. We are here for you.

Board Resources

Bold by Choice Podcast | About S2 E1: The Idea
Is Public Education Obsolete?
Guardians of Opportunity: Dr. Jim Goenner’s Vision for Charter School Excellence at A-GAME
Shatter Barriers – Jim Goenner NACSACon 2024
Arc Changer Stories: School Culture Matters! Forte Preparatory Academy and SUNY Authorized Charter Schools
Arc Changer Stories: Educating the Whole Child
Revving Up for Renewal
Gerard Robinson Opening the May 2024 A-GAME Convening
Arc Changer Stories: School Culture Matters!
Strategic Planning in Action
Arc Changer Stories: Relationships Matter!
Supporting a High-Quality Charter Ecosystem
12 Board Responsibilities
The Secret to Student Success is in the Details (#2)
Greenspire School – #schoolbrag
The best answers come from teachers – Dave Durenberger
Old Mission Peninsula School – #schoolbrag
#LEAD Mentor – Todd Avis
#LEAD mentee – Sarah Tate McClendon
#LEAD mentee – Michael Pettigrew
Why choose the #LEAD Charter School Leaders Program
#LEAD – We teach what leaders need to know
Why It’s Important – Mary Kay Shields
2023 Charter Founders Library promo
Advocacy – Dr. Howard Fuller
A Better State – Jim Goenner, Ph.D.
Talk to who’s in charge – Jim Goenner, Ph.D.
If I would have known – Jim Goenner, Ph.D.
The Idea of a Charter School – Richard McLellan
Joe Lieberman’s efforts in sponsoring Charter School law – Dave Durenberger
What is the role of the Federal Government – Jon Schroeder
Epicenter commerical
Mary Bradley – Ted Talk NACSACON 2023
For Kids, For You. For Education
Jim Goenner – Ted Talk NACSACON 2023
Epicenter New Applications
Epicenter Scorecard
Epicenter Site Visits
Epicenter for schools
Epicenter: Empowering You to Achieve
West Michigan Aviation Academy #SchoolBrag
Arc Changers – NACSACON 2023
Assessing schools in distress
Light of the World Academy – #Schoolbrag
Renaissance Public School Academy – #Schoolbrag
Charlton Heston Academy – #Schoolbrag
William C. Abney Academy – #SchoolBrag
Jackson Preparatory & Early College – #SchoolBrag
What Board Members Should Know About Enrollment Efforts
Facilities Financing – JC Huizenga
Four Pillars of School Effectiveness – JC Huizenga
Why Charter Schools leaves a lasting legacy – Former Governor of NY, George E. Pataki
Negotiating the NY Charter School bill into law – Former Governor of NY, George E. Pataki
This is the civil rights issue of the 21st century – Former Governor of NY, George E. Pataki
Board Network Walkthrough
Board Network Trailer
Board Network Promo
Board Network Ad
Board Network promo for Alliance
About the Board network with Mary Bradley
Importance of Competition in Education – JC Huizenga
What Boards Should Know About Facilities and Financing
7 Habits of Highly Effective Board Chairs
5 Ideas to Promote Your School: Serving as Advocates & Ambassadors
7 Things Charter School Leaders Wish Their Boards Knew
5 Insights Boards Need to Know
The Secret to Student Success is in the Details
Keep Your School Financially Fit
Strategies for Ensuring a Successful Budget
Don’t Get Caught Off Guard – Know where your schools are financially
Prioritizing School Security – Think Different, Not More.
Boards as Strategic Planners: Ensuring the Mission is Accomplished
Helping children in my own front yard – Dr. Nell Collier
Herding Cats: A New Breed of Education Entrepreneurs – Jon Schroeder
Pandemic, adult interests and the never-ending battle – Shavar Jeffries
Why not involvement of parents – Caprice Young
Democratic community organizers secretly love charter schools – Caprice Young
K-12 education as monopoly – time was ripe for change…- former Governor of Michigan John Engler
Hosting President Clinton in Michigan – former Governor of Michigan John Engler
What’s Next for Charters? – former Governor of Michigan John Engler
Vouchers bill used to push legislation for charters in North Carolina – Harold J. Brubaker
Putting back pressure on political opposition – Harold J. Brubaker
The beauty and value of the Founders Library – Harold J. Brubaker
Charter school exist because of their mission – Dr. Charvez Russell
Educators as Advocates
Advice for new law makers – Ember Reichgott Junge
Are Charter Schools a problem for education – Ember Reichgott Junge
Charter Schools and Innovation – Ember Reichgott Junge
How can citizens and parents work with elected officials – Ember Reichgott Junge
How do board members make a difference – Ember Reichgott Junge
The difference in Charter Schools – Ember Reichgott Junge
The resources of the Founders Library – Ember Reichgott Junge
What is Chartering – Ember Reichgott Junge
Why I got Involved in Education – Jim Barrett
What I am Proudest of while Serving in Michigan – Jim Barrett
President Clinton Addressing MI Legislature on Charter Schools – Jim Barrett