My name is Sharon Bennett, and as Board President of Arkansas Outdoor Academy, my responsibility is to ensure that the Governing Board is equipped to meet the fiduciary, legal, and oversight obligations required of a public charter school.
During AOA’s launch and early operational phase, the Board is intentionally prioritizing recruitment of members with expertise in the following areas:
Finance and financial oversight, including budgeting, cash flow management, audits, and public or nonprofit finance
Legal and governance oversight, including regulatory compliance, employment law, contracts, public sector law, or charter school governance
These areas are critical to responsible stewardship of public funds, compliance with Arkansas Department of Education requirements, and long term sustainability of the school.
Board recruitment is being conducted through a structured application process to ensure transparency, mission alignment, and appropriate governance capacity. All board members are expected to serve at the policy and oversight level and to maintain clear boundaries between governance and school operations.
As Arkansas Outdoor Academy stabilizes operations and continues to grow, the Board anticipates expanding its composition to include additional expertise that supports strategic partnerships, outdoor and experiential learning systems, and community engagement. Subject matter expertise is essential to the school’s mission and will be incorporated at the appropriate stage through board appointments or advisory roles.
This phased approach reflects the Board’s commitment to strong governance, accountability, and long term success as a public charter school serving Arkansas students.
Thank you for your interest in Arkansas Outdoor Academy and in serving the students and communities we support. We welcome your application and appreciate your willingness to explore board service during this important stage of AOA’s growth.
Governing Board Member Role Descriptions
General Board Member Responsibilities (apply to all)
All Arkansas Outdoor Academy board members are expected to:
Act as fiduciaries of a public charter school and stewards of public funds
Uphold the mission, charter, and legal obligations of AOA
Govern at the policy and oversight level (not day-to-day operations)
Attend and actively participate in board meetings and committee work
Review financial reports, compliance materials, and strategic plans
Comply with Arkansas open meetings, ethics, and conflict-of-interest laws
Participate in board training and ongoing governance development
Board members serve without compensation.
Board Member Role: Finance & Financial Oversight
Purpose of the Role
To strengthen the board’s capacity to provide rigorous financial oversight, budgeting discipline, and long-term sustainability planning for Arkansas Outdoor Academy as a public charter school.
Preferred Background
Finance, accounting, banking, public finance, or investment experience
Experience with budgets, audits, cash flow, or financial controls
Familiarity with nonprofit, public sector, or education finance is a plus
Experience with debt, bonds, or facilities financing is helpful but not required
Key Responsibilities
Review and help interpret monthly and quarterly financial reports
Support oversight of the annual budget and financial projections
Assist the board in understanding cash flow timing and funding sources
Review audit findings and financial policies
Serve on or chair the Finance Committee
Help ensure appropriate internal controls and fiscal accountability
Time Commitment
Monthly board meetings
Finance committee meetings as needed
Periodic document review outside of meetings
Board Member Role: Legal & Governance Oversight
Purpose of the Role
To support strong governance, legal compliance, and risk management for Arkansas Outdoor Academy as a public charter school.
Preferred Background
Licensed attorney or professional legal experience
Experience in one or more of the following areas:
Education law or charter school law
Employment or labor law
Public sector, municipal, or regulatory law
Contracts, real estate, or facilities law
Key Responsibilities
Provide governance-level legal insight to the board
Support compliance with charter obligations and ADE requirements
Assist with review of policies, contracts, and MOUs from a risk lens
Help ensure board adherence to open meetings, ethics, and fiduciary standards
Serve on or chair the Governance or Compliance Committee
Important Note
This role does not replace outside legal counsel. The board member does not provide legal services to the school and may not be a paid legal vendor to AOA.
Time Commitment
Monthly board meetings
Governance or compliance committee meetings as needed
Periodic document review
👉 Apply Now: Governing Board Member Application
-Sharon Bennett, Board President/ Co-Founder