Beginning in the 2018-2019 school year, school board directors and charter school trustees are required to complete training programs pursuant to Act 55 of 2017. School board directors or charter school trustees appointed as of July 1, 2018 will be required to complete the initial four-hour training program required under Act 55 during their first year in office. The training programs are intended to enhance the skills and knowledge necessary for individuals to serve successfully on the governing bodies of public schools across the Commonwealth.

In partnership with Vertex Education LLC and the attorneys that are members of our Legal Advisory Council, the Pennsylvania Coalition of Public Charter Schools (PCPCS) hosts several Act 55 training virtual webinars and one in-person training onsite at our annual conference, so that we may be directly involved in the accountability and success of all Pennsylvania charter schools.

As part of the training offered by us, board members will participate in protocols developed by the National School Reform Faculty designed to stimulate healthy and productive conversation.  The proposed agenda design makes frequent use of interactive protocols designed to ensure that participants are engaged and making meaning of the course content (rather than sitting as passive recipients).  The course content itself draws upon reputable sources such as the Harvard Business Review, Charter Board Partners, and PCPCS’ own extensive library of resources.

In addition to addressing all of the core areas required by Pennsylvania Department of Education – academics, finances, charter school law, personnel, operations, governance, and ethics/accountability – this agenda invites board members to work collaboratively as problem-solvers by introducing “case studies” (i.e., scenarios based on real challenges faced by boards in PA) and supplying participants with the tools to develop solutions of their own that align with research-based best practices. Facilitators will also create space for establishing a sense of trust, common expectations and norms, and building energy and enthusiasm for the day’s work.

Each session will address the following areas: 

INSTRUCTION AND ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
This session will serve as an overview of topics related to instruction and academic programs. The training covers the role of the board in overseeing academic outcomes, structure and purpose of academic committee, data review and analysis, and key questions surrounding instruction and academic programs.

PERSONNEL
This session will serve as an overview of topics related to charter school personnel and effective charter school leadership. The training includes topics such as ensuring exceptional school leadership, planning for succession, and the requirements for both professional and administrative staffing.

GOVERNANCE
This session will serve as an overview of topics related to effective charter school governance. The training includes topics such as a commitment to exemplary governance, with specific information about implementation of best governance practices, including board composition, and the structure of charter school board meetings.

OPERATIONS
This session will serve as an overview of topics related to the basic operations of charter schools. The training includes topics such as the strategic direction for the charter school and an exploration of the ways in which the board of trustees may plan in a manner that balances oversight and management of the charter school.

FISCAL MANAGEMENT
This session will serve as an overview of topics related to charter school fiscal management. The training includes topics such as managing resources responsibly and the basics of charter school funding and budgets.

ETHICS, OPEN MEETINGS, AND REGULATIONS
This session will serve as an overview of topics related to maintaining legal and regulatory compliance. The training includes topics such as a review of Pennsylvania Charter School Law and other applicable statutes and regulatory requirements (inclusive of the Sunshine Act and the Public Official and Employee Ethics Act).

The trainings are free of cost as a service of our Pennsylvania Charter Schools Program (PACSP) Grant.

Arrangements can be made for separate on-site training.  If you are interested in scheduling an on-site training, please email Sharmaine Granison at s.granison@pacharters.org.

Register Today for In-Person Sessions:

Monday, October 20, 2025

In-Person Act 55 Trainings at PCPCS Annual Conference

  • New Trustee (Initial) Training, 10:30 AM-3:15 PM
  • Advanced Training, 10:30 AM-1:30 PM

Wind Creek Event Center
77 Wind Creek Blvd, Bethlehem, PA 18015

Here is a complete list of upcoming dates for virtual Act 55 training in 2025-2026 School Year:

Virtual – Via Zoom
  1. Advanced Training on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, 6 – 9 PM  – registration open
  2. New Trustee (Initial) Training on Friday, November 7, 2025, 9 AM – 2 PM – registration open
  3. Advanced Training on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 6 – 9 PM  – registration opens 11/6/25
  4. New Trustee (Initial) Training on Friday, February 13, 2026, 9 AM – 2 PM  – registration opens 11/8/25
  5. Advanced Training on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, 6 – 9 PM – registration opens 1/1/26
  6. New Trustee (Initial) Training on Friday, May 8, 2026, 9 AM – 2 PM  – registration opens 1/1/26

Click this link to view the Act 55 training collection and to register for training.

To learn more about Act 55 training, please email Sharmaine Granison at s.granison@pacharters.org.