WCA Executive Board Update: October 29, 2026

The Windsor Charter Academy Executive Board would like to share highlights from our October 15th Work Session and October 22nd Regular Session, including Executive Board appointments, financial oversight, and opportunities to connect with our school community.

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Welcoming Our New Executive Board Appointees

The Executive Board appointed Donna James to the vacant seat, with a term ending in 2027, and Jill Burrell to the seat, with a term ending in 2028. Both will be sworn in at the November 19th Regular Session, bringing the Executive Board to its full complement of seven members.

Donna brings nine years of service on the Windsor Charter Academy Executive Board, including serving as Board Treasurer and continuing to serve on the Finance Committee. Jill brings expertise in civil engineering, project leadership, and volunteer board service, along with the valuable perspective of a current parent at our school.

We thank Donna, Jill, and other applicants for their willingness to serve and for sharing their perspectives during the candidate presentations and interviews. We also appreciate the Election Committee’s work reviewing applications and verifying candidate qualifications. We look forward to welcoming Donna and Jill to the Executive Board.

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Financial Audit and Responsible Stewardship

The Executive Board accepted Windsor Charter Academy’s 2025–2026 financial audit following its presentation and discussion at the October Work Session. The school received an unmodified, or “clean,” audit opinion.

Executive Board members appreciated the auditor’s thorough review, recommendations for continued improvement, and recognition of Finance Manager Lauren Miller’s work. We extend our thanks to Lauren and everyone who contributed to the audit process for their time, preparation, and attention to detail.

Reviewing the audit is an important part of the Executive Board’s responsibility to oversee the school’s financial management and stewardship of public funds.

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2027–2028 School Calendar Approved

The Executive Board approved Option #1 of the 2027–2028 school calendar following input from the Calendar Committee and a survey of staff, parents, and guardians.

Of the 820 survey respondents, 76% favored Option #1, which provides a full week of Thanksgiving break (November 22–26, 2027). The calendar also accommodates the school’s early college program by aligning the end of the first semester with the start of winter break.

Thank you to everyone who participated. Your feedback helped inform the recommendation and the Executive Board’s decision.

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Continuing Our Membership in the Colorado League of Charter Schools

The Executive Board approved Windsor Charter Academy’s continued membership in the Colorado League of Charter Schools for 2026–2027 after reviewing its benefits and cost.

Discussions focused on charter school advocacy, training, networking, and governance resources, including materials used in developing the Executive Board Handbook. Executive Board members emphasized the importance of regularly evaluating these types of expenditures to ensure they continue to provide value to Windsor Charter Academy.

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Continuing Our Governance Work

At the October Work Session, the Executive Board received training on the Colorado Open Records Act and school communication practices. Members also continued reviewing Article 3 (Sections 6–15) of the Bylaws. Additionally, the Executive Board discussed proposed revisions to the Executive Director evaluation process.

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Connecting with Our Firebird Community

October offered Executive Board members opportunities to participate in school walkthroughs, attend student activities and athletic events, connect with staff during Sodas with Elementary School Staff, and join families at Trunk-or-Treat. Thank you to the staff, students, families, and volunteers who made these experiences possible!

At the Regular Session, the Middle School Student Ambassadors shared how they support school events, welcome students, lead service activities, and develop their leadership and communication skills. We appreciated hearing directly from students about both the rewards and challenges of their responsibilities.

The Executive Board also joins the school community in congratulating Windsor Charter Academy’s four National Merit Commended Students and recognizing the educators and families who support our students’ accomplishments.

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Looking Ahead

Windsor Charter Academy will host its middle and high school Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) Showcase on Tuesday, November 3rd, welcoming educators to observe teaching and learning across the school. The elementary school is preparing for AVID National Demonstration School review as the first elementary school in Colorado to be considered for this distinction.

The next Executive Board meetings will take place in the Middle School Media Center:

• Work Session: Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

• Regular Session: Thursday, November 19, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., including the swearing-in of our new Executive Board appointees.

Families and staff are encouraged to attend and stay informed through Board Connect, where meeting information and governance resources are available.

Please also join us for Coffee with Leadership on Friday, November 20th, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., in the Middle School Media Center. This is an opportunity to ask questions and connect with school and Executive Board leadership.

Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to Windsor Charter Academy.

WCA Executive Board Update: October 1, 2026

The Windsor Charter Academy Executive Board would like to share a few highlights from September’s meetings, along with updates on Executive Board activities and opportunities for our community to stay involved.

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September Board Meetings and School Engagement

The Executive Board held two productive meetings this month, including a Work Session on September 17th and a Regular Session on September 26th. Executive Board members enjoyed connecting with school leaders and parents during Coffee with Leadership, participating in a middle and high school Executive Board walkthrough, and hosting Refreshments with Staff at our elementary school.

These opportunities allow Executive Board members to connect with our Firebird Family and gain a deeper understanding of the outstanding work taking place throughout our schools. The next elementary school Executive Board walkthrough is scheduled for October 8th.

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Financial Accreditation Approved

At the September 26th Regular Session, the Executive Board approved Windsor Charter Academy’s Financial Accreditation Assurances for the 2025–2026 school year. Required annually under Colorado law, these assurances confirm that Windsor Charter Academy has met established requirements for responsible management of public funds, including budgeting, financial policies and procedures, transparency, and accurate financial reporting.

This certification reflects the school’s ongoing commitment to sound financial stewardship, accountability, and transparency in serving our students and community.

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Executive Board Vacancies

Windsor Charter Academy currently has two vacancies on the Executive Board of Directors. To fill the vacancies by appointment, as outlined in the WCA Bylaws, the Executive Board will accept applications from interested candidates. Two positions are available: one for the remainder of the 2026–27 school year and one for a two-year term covering the 2026–27 and 2027–28 school years.

Applications are due October 9th. Qualified applicants will be invited to deliver a five-minute candidate speech at the Executive Board meeting on October 22nd. 

If parents or other community stakeholders are interested in applying for a Board position appointment, please visit our website. Candidates should email a completed Board Candidate Application to the WCA Election Committee at elections@windsorcharteracademy.org by October 9th at 11:59 p.m.

Board Candidate Criteria

Potential candidates must have attended a minimum of two Board meetings in the year of their intended candidacy or volunteered for a minimum of thirty-five hours within the twelve months before their candidacy. Volunteer hours can be: 1) served at Windsor Charter Academy; 2) served at another organization that can verify service hours; 3) fulfilled through a financial donation of $12 per hour. If a candidate plans to fulfill their candidacy requirements with service hours, please complete the Service Hour Verification Form.

Timeline

• October 9th at 11:59 p.m.: Board Candidate Applications and supporting documents listed in the application are due. 

• October 22nd at 6:00 p.m.: Present a 5-minute speech at the Executive Board Meeting.

Serving on Windsor Charter Academy’s Executive Board offers a meaningful opportunity to help shape the strategic direction of our schools. Executive Board members serve as unpaid volunteers, yet play a vital role in guiding governance decisions. Stakeholders are encouraged to apply and help shape Windsor Charter Academy’s future.

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Join Us at Trunk-or-Treat!

The Executive Board is excited to see students and families at Trunk-or-Treat on October 17th from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.! We will be hosting a booth at the event, so please stop by to say hello and show off your costumes. We look forward to celebrating the fall season with our Firebird Family!

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October Executive Board Meetings

The Executive Board looks forward to another month of collaboration and engagement with our families. The October meetings are scheduled as follows:

Executive Board Work Session

• October 15, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. in the MS/HS Media Center

Executive Board Regular Session

• October 22, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. in the MS/HS Media Center

Thank you for your continued partnership and support of Windsor Charter Academy. The Executive Board appreciates our staff's dedication, our families' engagement, and our shared commitment to providing an exceptional educational experience for every student.

We look forward to connecting with more members of our community in October and continuing the important work of guiding Windsor Charter Academy’s future!

WCA Executive Board Update: September 3, 2026

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.