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STRIDE Academy Board of Directors Election Procedures

Purpose

These procedures outline the steps for conducting the annual election of the STRIDE Academy Board of Directors. They are designed to ensure transparency, fairness, and compliance with Minnesota Statute 124E.07.

1. Election Timeline

  • Election Dates: Elections for the Board of Directors will take place annually during the school year, but not on days when school is closed.

  • Candidate Filing Window: The nomination and filing period will open no later than 30 calendar days before the election and close no later than 10 calendar days before the election.

2. Communication to Voters

  • All eligible voters will be notified of election dates, procedures, and deadlines at least 30 calendar days prior to the election.

  • A list of candidates, including biographies and candidate statements, will be made available at least 10 calendar days before voting begins.

  • This information will be posted on the school’s official website and communicated through appropriate school communication channels.

3. Voter Eligibility

Eligible voters for the STRIDE Academy Board election include:

  • All current STRIDE Academy employees.

  • All parents or legal guardians of currently enrolled STRIDE Academy students.

  • Current members of the Board of Directors.

4. Board Composition Requirements

In accordance with Minnesota law, the Board of Directors must include:

  • At least one licensed teacher employed by or under contract with STRIDE Academy.

  • At least one parent or legal guardian of a current STRIDE student who is not employed by the school.

  • At least one community member who lives in Minnesota, is not employed by STRIDE Academy, and does not have a child currently enrolled.

5. Candidate Eligibility

To be eligible to run for the board, individuals must:

  • Not be related parties, as defined in MN Statute 124E.07.

  • Not have conflicts of interest (e.g., financial, employment, or contractual relationships with the school or its vendors).

  • Be willing and able to complete all required board member training within 12 months of being seated. Failure to complete training will result in removal from the board and an 18-month restriction from future board service.

6. Candidate Filing Process

  • All interested individuals must complete a Candidate Filing Form during the designated filing window.

  • Candidates must indicate which seat they are seeking (e.g., Licensed Teacher or Parent/Guardian).

  • A short biography and candidate statement must be submitted with the form. These will be made available to voters in advance of the election.

7. Voting Process

  • Voting will be conducted using either a secure paper or electronic ballot system.

  • Ballots will be distributed to eligible voters at least 10 days before the election window.

  • All votes must be cast and received before the close of the voting window.

  • Results will be certified by the Board and published within five business days after the election ends.

8. Training Requirement for Elected Members

  • Elected board members must complete mandatory training on topics such as governance, school finance, employment law, open meeting law, and data practices within 12 months of being seated.

  • The school will cover costs associated with required training and will report annual training completion in its official report.

9. Publication

  • These election procedures will be published and maintained on the STRIDE Academy website for ongoing reference.

  • Any updates to these procedures will be promptly reflected online with a notation of the revision date.