The #1 Back-to-School Mistake Charter Leaders Make

🤔 Ever been in a meeting where everyone thinks someone else is handling it?

That’s exactly what happens when schools skip one critical step before the year begins: clarifying roles.

We see it constantly—great teams working hard, but unknowingly duplicating efforts or dropping the ball. Why? Because no one really knows who’s responsible, who’s just informed, or who’s silently assuming someone else is on it.

That’s where a simple RACI chart comes in.

✔️ Responsible

✔️ Accountable

✔️ Consulted

✔️ Informed

Here’s our RACI Example: Planning a Family Vacation

Planning a family vacation might seem simple, but it quickly gets messy without clear roles. Here's how applying a RACI model brings clarity.

Goal: Plan a 5-day family beach vacation.

Task Responsible Accountable Consulted Informed

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Choose Destination Mom Mom Dad, Kids Grandparents

Booking Lodging Dad Dad Mom Everyone

Arrange Transportation Mom Mom Dad Kids

Plan Meals Kids Mom Dad Everyone

Pack Bags Each person Each person Mom (for help) Dad

Budget Planning Dad Dad Mom Everyone

Activity Schedule Kids Mom Dad Everyone

Emergency Contact Plan Mom Mom Dad Grandparents

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Key Takeaway: Without assigning these roles clearly, you may end up with double-booked hotels, forgotten sunscreen, or a week of “what are we doing today?”

Apply this to your school team before the year begins—especially for leadership and operations tasks. Even a quick draft RACI chart can eliminate confusion, reduce overlap, and strengthen your team’s trust.