Common Ground Is Looking for Board Members!

Common Ground’s Board of Directors — which serves as the governing board for our community non-profit, and as the board of education for Common Ground High School — is opening a public call for potential new board members! If you think you may be interested in joining Common Ground’s board, please read the list of responsibilities below, and then fill out this short self-nomination form. 

Guide to Board Membership at Common Ground

Members of the Board of Directors of Common Ground have a legal and ethical responsibility to ensure that the organization does the best work possible in pursuit of its mission and goals. Board members must believe in the purpose and the mission of the organization, and act responsibly and prudently as its steward.  Responsibilities of board members include:

1. Communicating the organization’s work and values to the community, representing the organization, and acting as a spokesperson.
2. Interpreting our constituencies’ needs and values to the organization, speaking out for their interests, and on their behalf, holding the organization accountable.
3. Attending a minimum of 75 percent of board meetings, as well as committee meetings, and special events. (Common Ground’s board meets monthly from September to June, on the third Monday of the month unless rescheduled because of holidays. All meetings are open to the public.)
4. Actively participating in one or more sub-committees at the request of the board chair(s).
5. Making a personal financial contribution at a level that is meaningful to the individual board member by Thanksgiving of each year.
6. Actively participating in one or more fundraising activities.
7. Excusing oneself from discussions and votes where a conflict of interest exists.
8. Staying informed about what’s going on in the organization, asking questions and requesting information. Participating in and taking responsibility for making decisions on issues, policies, and other matters. Speaking out if there are questions or concerns.
9. Working in good faith with staff and other board members as partners toward achievement of our goals.
10. Contributing to an annual performance evaluation of the Executive Director
11. Assisting the Executive Director and board chair(s) in identifying and recruiting other Board Members
12. Championing Common Ground’s commitment to a diverse board and staff that is reflective of our community.
13. Help to ensure that the public and private resources entrusted to Common Ground are stewarded responsibly and used to advance Common Ground’s mission.
14. Making a commitment to serve at least one full three year term.

Because Common Ground is a charter school, Connecticut law requires that board members (1) complete background checks, (2) sign statements disclosing any potential personal or fianncial conflict of interest, and (3) complete training related to charter school governing council responsibilities and best practices, and (4) not serve on the board of another charter school or CMO.

Common Ground is committed to building and sustaining a board of directors that reflects and will help us live into our commitment to equity, justice, and inclusiveness. Common Ground does not discriminate in any employment practice, education program, or educational activity on the basis of race, color, religious creed, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, or any other basis prohibited by Connecticut state and/or federal nondiscrimination laws.

Learn more about who is on our board.