As Windsor Charter Academy begins its 25th anniversary year, the Executive Board would like to share an update on the work underway to prepare for the 2026–2027 school year.
The Executive Board began the school year with two full training sessions on August 20th and 21st, totaling approximately 6.5 hours of focused professional development. This training was intentional and grounded in the Executive Board’s commitment to strong, thoughtful governance.
Building a Strong Foundation for Governance
Over the summer, a comprehensive Executive Board Handbook was developed to provide a clear foundation for the Executive Board's work. The handbook incorporates governance best practices and resources from the Colorado League of Charter Schools and the Colorado Association of School Boards.
The handbook serves as an important resource for both new and continuing Executive Board members. The August training sessions provided an opportunity for the Executive Board to study these materials, clarify governance roles and responsibilities, discuss expectations, and establish a shared understanding of effective governance at Windsor Charter Academy.
The Executive Board recognizes that strong governance does not happen by accident. It requires preparation, continued learning, thoughtful discussion, and a commitment to keeping students and the school's long-term health at the center of decision-making.
Priorities for the 2026–2027 School Year
In addition to the traditional governance responsibilities throughout the school year, the Executive Board has established several areas of focused work.
Bylaws Review
The Executive Board will undertake a comprehensive review of the Windsor Charter Academy Bylaws, working through the document in sections throughout the school year:
September: Article 3, Sections 1–5
October: Article 3, Sections 6–15
November: Article 3, Sections 16–20
December: Articles 4–6
January: Articles 7–9
Executive Board Policies
The Executive Board is also continuing its systematic review of Executive Board policies. The second reading of BDB, BDFA, and BDF occurred in August, with additional policy sections scheduled for review throughout the spring:
February: Policies BB–BD
March: Policies BE–BI
Ongoing Professional Development
Executive Board development will remain an important part of the year’s work. Planned topics include communications and Sunshine Laws, CORA, and quarterly case studies that will allow Executive Board members to apply governance principles to real-world situations.
Executive Board Member Changes
After more than nine years of dedicated service to Windsor Charter Academy, Jenny Ojala has resigned her position as an Executive Board member.
Jenny’s years of service have spanned an important period in Windsor Charter Academy’s history. She contributed to the school’s expansion through years of significant growth and construction and attended countless events, milestones, achievements, and celebrations that have shaped the Windsor Charter Academy community.
The Executive Board is deeply grateful for the time, leadership, perspective, and commitment Jenny has given to Windsor Charter Academy. Her contributions have helped shape the school that exists today, and the Executive Board extends its sincere appreciation to Jenny for the lasting impact of her service to Windsor Charter Academy, its students, and its families.
Communication and the Chain of Resolution
The Executive Board discussed how best to communicate with Windsor Charter Academy families and staff.
The Board Connect page remains an important place for families to access information about Executive Board members, meetings, agendas, minutes, and other governance-related information. The Executive Board will continue to provide a monthly newsletter following Executive Board meetings to help families better understand the work taking place at the governance level.
An equally important part of the conversation was the distinction between governance and school operations.
When a concern arises, the established chain of communication provides the most effective path toward resolution:
Classroom Teacher → School Principal → Executive Director → Executive Board
Teachers and school leaders are closest to the day-to-day work of educating students and are therefore best positioned to address operational concerns and make appropriate changes. When a concern falls within this operational chain, the Executive Board will direct it back to the appropriate level so that those closest to the issue have an opportunity to address it and work toward resolution.
This approach is not intended to create barriers to communication. Rather, it is designed to ensure that concerns reach the person with the authority, information, and responsibility to resolve them.
The Executive Board also discussed anonymous communications. Going forward, anonymous emails will not be addressed as formal concerns. Without knowing the sender's identity, there is no reliable way to verify that the individual is a Windsor Charter Academy parent or staff member, gather necessary information, ask follow-up questions, or work toward an appropriate resolution. Concerns are most effectively addressed when there is an opportunity for meaningful, two-way communication.
Celebrating 25 Years: A Legacy of Light
This year marks an extraordinary milestone for Windsor Charter Academy—25 years of serving students and families.
The theme for this anniversary year, “A Legacy of Light,” reflects the many people who have contributed to Windsor Charter Academy's story over the past quarter century. The Executive Board extends particular gratitude to the founding families who saw a vision for a different kind of educational opportunity and had the courage, dedication, and perseverance to help bring that vision to life. That original vision has touched thousands of students, families, teachers, and staff members over the years. The legacy continues to grow with every student who walks through the doors.
As the school enters its next chapter, the Executive Board remains committed to strong governance practices, continuous learning, responsible stewardship, and keeping Windsor Charter Academy's long-term success at the forefront of its work.
Families are always welcome at Executive Board meetings and encouraged to become familiar with the Executive Board's work.
The next meetings are:
Work Session
September 17, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
Middle/High School Media Center
Regular Session
September 24, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
Middle/High School Media Center
Thank you for entrusting Windsor Charter Academy with your children's education and for being part of our community. The Executive Board looks forward to continuing this work together as Windsor Charter Academy celebrates 25 years of A Legacy of Light.