Cornerstone Charter School Board of Trustees: Shape the Future for NH Children

As Cornerstone Charter School prepares to open, we are seeking passionate community leaders to help build a future where every child in New Hampshire's Upper Valley has the opportunity to become a confident reader and successful learner.

Too many children struggle with reading and do not receive the support they need early enough. Cornerstone was founded to change that story. As a tuition-free public charter school opening in Fall 2026, we are building a literacy-first school that gives children the strong foundation they need to thrive in school and in life.

We are expanding our Board of Trustees and key working committees. Currently, we seek candidates with strong financial expertise to serve as Treasurer and ensure the school’s financial stewardship and sustainability, but welcome leaders with experience in:

• Finance & accounting
• Governance & board leadership
• Law & compliance
• Nonprofit leadership
• Fundraising & development
• Marketing & communications
• Facilities & operations

Why Your Leadership Matters

Serving in a board or committee role allows you to:

✔ Use your professional expertise to improve outcomes for local children

✔ Help build a strong, sustainable public school from the ground up

✔ Partner with mission-driven leaders committed to educational excellence

✔ Create lasting impact for families who need more options and support

You do not need a background in education to serve. We value diverse perspectives, ethical leadership, and a shared belief in the potential of every child.

If you are looking for a meaningful way to use your time, talent, and leadership to shape brighter futures for area children, we invite you to learn more.

Join us in creating a stronger future for local children through literacy and learning.

Trustee Responsibilities

Trustees must commit to mission-driven governance, active participation, strategic leadership, ethical conduct, and long-term sustainability. Trustees also support the Executive Director and school leaders in achieving the school’s mission.

Governance & Fiduciary Oversight

• Exercise fiduciary duties of care, loyalty, and obedience.
  • Duty of Care – Engage fully in governance through attentive participation, respectful dialogue, and thoughtful decision-making.
  • Duty of Loyalty – Act in the best interest of the organization and avoid conflicts of interest.
  • Duty of Obedience – Ensure the organization follows its charter, mission, vision, bylaws, and laws. Trustees must read our charter and case statement. This will help them accurately and confidently promote our mission and vision.
• Approve budgets, track financial health, and safeguard long-term sustainability.
• Hire, mentor, and evaluate the school leader; uphold clear boundaries between governance and management.
• Help identify, cultivate, and recruit future Trustees. Seek those with skills, expertise, and community connections to strengthen the board and advance Cornerstone Charter School’s mission.

Meetings & Committee Service

• Attend at least 80% of all monthly board meetings and participate actively. Your thoughtful input and sound judgment are essential. Consistent attendance ensures effective governance. Quorum must be present in person as required by law, so in-person attendance is strongly encouraged. Board meetings may require up to two hours per month.
• Serve on or chair at least one standing or ad hoc committee. Committee work is essential to the organization's effectiveness and may require up to 6 hours per month.
• Review materials beforehand and offer informed perspectives during discussions and decisions.

Advocacy & Strategic Support

• Represent the school as an ambassador. Leverage relationships and community connections to open doors to resources, opportunities, and partnerships. Speak at events to communicate what the school means to you and why you are involved.
• Support enrollment and family outreach. Attend informational sessions and open houses. Share enrollment posts, newsletters, and blog posts.
• Develop partnerships, donors, and community connections through personal outreach, event attendance, individual engagement, and sharing campaign content via emails, social media, and newsletters. Share your perspectives about the school through your personal networks. Provide a testimonial for our website or brochure.
• Engage in strategic planning and support the school’s fundraising through personal giving and connecting with potential supporters.

Ethical Conduct & Legal Compliance

• Follow the bylaws and board policies.
• Maintain confidentiality in all relevant matters.
• Disclose conflicts of interest and act in the best interest of students and the organization.
• Uphold transparency and integrity in all board actions.