The Charter Authorization & Oversight Micro-Certificate is designed to help California local educational agency leaders strengthen their knowledge of charter school authorization, oversight, fiscal accountability, and governance. Through a flexible, self-paced online learning experience enhanced with a live discussion session, participants will build practical skills to effectively fulfill their responsibilities as charter authorizers while supporting high-quality, accountable charter schools.

This comprehensive micro-certificate explores the core responsibilities of charter authorization and oversight, including foundational authorizer responsibilities, oversight planning, fiscal integrity, risk management, governance, audits, and relationship building. Participants will gain practical strategies for monitoring charter school performance, identifying potential risks, applying FCMAT oversight tools, and strengthening authorizer-charter partnerships.

Ideal for Chief Business Officials, assistant superintendents, charter school coordinators, finance directors, and other district and county office leaders responsible for charter school oversight, this program provides practical, role-based learning that can be applied immediately to authorization and monitoring activities.

Delivered primarily through CASBO’s SBU platform, the program combines self-paced online learning modules, peer discussion boards, knowledge checks, and a live Ask the Experts session to create an engaging and flexible professional development experience. Participants will learn from experienced charter school leaders, fiscal experts, policy specialists, auditors, and educational practitioners from districts, county offices, FCMAT, and other organizations across California.

Program Format:

Online CASBO SBU (Self-Paced)

Featuring a Live Virtual “Ask an Expert” Session

Program Access Information:

On the program start date, participants will receive an email from sbu@casbo.org with access instructions, course details, and learning materials.

Cohort Dates:

October 20 – November 24, 2026

Ask an Expert Session: November 17, 2026 | 12:00pm-1:00pm

Who Should Attend:

Chief Business Officials, Assistant Superintendents, Charter School Coordinators, Finance Directors, and other district or county office leaders responsible for monitoring charter school performance, fiscal accountability, and compliance.

What You Will Learn:

Strengthen your skills in charter school oversight while gaining actionable strategies to enhance your role as an authorizer. Learn to clarify responsibilities, foster strong relationships with charter leaders, navigate audits, and spot risks before they escalate.

• Module 1: Foundations of Charter Authorization
  Build a solid foundation in charter school fundamentals and the role of authorizers so you can confidently lead oversight with clarity and authority.
• Module 2: Oversight in Action
  Develop practical oversight strategies, including MOUs and oversight calendars, to effectively monitor performance and ensure accountability.
• Module 3: Deep Dive: FCMAT’s Annual Oversight Checklist
  Apply FCMAT’s comprehensive oversight checklist to evaluate fiscal health, educational programs, governance, and operational compliance.
• Module 4: Fiscal Integrity & Risk Management
  Protect public funds and minimize risk by detecting fraud, addressing audit findings, and ensuring financial and operational accountability.
• Module 5: Building Strong Authorizer-Charter Relationships
  Strengthen partnerships and foster trust by moving beyond compliance to build collaborative, high-quality authorizer-charter relationships.
• Live Ask the Experts Session | November 17, 2026
  Connect with experienced LEA leaders to explore best practices, clarify questions, and enhance your oversight skills in real time. Live participation is strongly encouraged. The archived session will be in SBU for the duration of the cohort only.

What You Will Earn:

Participants who successfully complete the self-paced online learning modules, knowledge checks, peer discussions, and the course evaluation will earn:

• 10 CEUs
• A verified CASBO Charter Authorization & Oversight Micro-Certificate

This printable credential can be shared with supervisors, colleagues, and professional networks to demonstrate your commitment to professional growth and excellence in school business leadership.

Plus, earn a digital badge to share on your email signature and social media accounts.

Registration:

• CASBO Member: $595
• Non-Member: $795

Registration and Cancellation Deadline:

October 13, 2026

Cancellation Fee:

$150

Featured Presenters

Participants will learn from experienced charter school leaders, fiscal experts, policy specialists, auditors, and authorizers from across California, including:

Kristin Armatis San Diego COE	Carolynne Beno, Ed.D. FCMAT	Tina Douglas La Mesa-Spring Valley Schools	Stephanie Medrano Farland Capitol Advisors Group	David Flores Shasta Union HSD
Amanda Goldman Sacramento City USD	Marcy Kearney Christy White, Inc.	Erin Lillibridge FCMAT	Molly Schlange University Preparatory School	Christy White, CPA, CFE Christy White, Inc.

What Participants Are Saying

“This program provided practical resources, examples, and guidance that increased my confidence in areas such as communication, collaboration, governance, and operational planning.”
— Mary Jeannette Sanchez, Senior Director of Fiscal Services, Upland USD

“Our Board just authorized a first charter and we appreciate the learning opportunity and resource library to ensure that we have the tools we need to support our Charter partners and perform the oversight duties required to protect the district. ”
— Louise Simson, Superintendent, Mark Twain Union ESD

 “I now feel more prepared to approach oversight with greater clarity, consistency, and a focus on student outcomes.”
— Alejandro Macias, Principal, Los Angeles Academy of Arts and Enterprise