Board Member, Aspire Public Schools Los Angeles Region

Aspire Public Schools•Los Angeles, CA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Aspire Los Angeles operates eleven public charter schools spanning grades TK-12, serving over 4,200 scholars from historically underserved communities. As a Founding Board Member, this is a volunteer opportunity to govern the organization and advance its mission. Aspire LA is part of a state-wide network of Aspire Public Schools, a pioneer in charter management since 1998. The organization's vision is to empower scholars to build fulfilling futures, with a mission to provide rigorous, joyful academic experiences, promote inclusivity, and nurture pride in students' identities and communities. Aspire LA's strategic plan is anchored in Anti-Racism, Academics, Agency, and Activism, guiding its operations to disrupt inequities and center marginalized voices.

Requirements

Demonstrated commitment to the mission and vision of Aspire.
Experience identifying and interrupting inequitable practices in their communities and areas of influence.
Active participation in Board and committee meetings; maintain consistent attendance (missing no more than one Board meeting per year).
Review materials in advance and engage meaningfully in discussion and decision-making.
Stay informed on strategic priorities, key policies, and relevant state and national trends impacting education and Aspire LA.
Ensure strong financial oversight, including review and approval of annual budgets, quarterly financials, major contracts, and the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP).
Monitor fiscal health, compliance, and adherence to governance policies.
Ensure compliance with applicable laws, including the California Nonprofit Integrity Act, the Brown Act, and other regulatory requirements.
Disclose any potential, perceived, or actual conflicts of interest.
Complete annual Board Brown Act training and annual required disclosures.
Maintain confidentiality.

Nice To Haves

Serve as an officer of the Board (Chair or Vice-Chair) and/or serve as a member of a standing or ad hoc committee (i.e. Executive, Audit, Finance, Governance) as applicable.
Attend select Aspire events and school visits.
Connect Aspire LA to partners, opportunities, and resources that advance our mission and impact.

Responsibilities

Advance Antiracism and Equity: Examine and interrupt inequitable systems within policies, practices, and decision-making structures. Elevate marginalized voices in Board deliberations and ensure decisions reflect the communities served. Ensure governance decisions, resource allocations, and outcomes advance academic excellence, scholar agency, and community-centered action.
Governance and Engagement: Actively participate in Board and committee meetings with consistent attendance (missing no more than one Board meeting per year). Come prepared by reviewing materials in advance and engaging meaningfully in discussion and decision-making. Stay informed on strategic priorities, key policies, and relevant state and national trends impacting education and Aspire LA.
Strategic Oversight and Organizational Health: Provide strategic guidance and monitor organizational health, including academic performance and progress toward priorities. Partner with and advise the Executive Director on key initiatives and organizational direction. Review and provide feedback on performance against goals, metrics, and outcomes.
Financial Stewardship and Compliance: Ensure strong financial oversight, including review and approval of annual budgets, quarterly financials, major contracts, and the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP). Monitor fiscal health, compliance, and adherence to governance policies. Ensure compliance with applicable laws, including the California Nonprofit Integrity Act, the Brown Act, and other regulatory requirements. Disclose any potential, perceived, or actual conflicts of interest.
Executive Leadership and Accountability: Select, support, and evaluate the Executive Director. Conduct an annual performance and compensation review aligned to organizational priorities and outcomes.
Ambassadorship and Resource Development: Serve as an ambassador for Aspire LA, strengthening relationships with families, communities, and key stakeholders. Contribute meaningfully through financial support, fundraising, and/or leveraging time, expertise, and networks. Attend select Aspire events and school visits. Connect Aspire LA to partners, opportunities, and resources that advance its mission and impact.
Board Director Recruitment: Work collaboratively with the Executive Director and Chair to identify, recruit, and develop strong Board members.
Remain in Good Standing: Complete annual Board Brown Act training and annual required disclosures. Maintain confidentiality.