What is the Thunderboard?

The Thunderboard serves as the primary governance and decision-making body for campus-based instructional programming at Travis Heights Elementary In-District Charter School. Teachers, parents, community members, and representatives from collaborating institutions (Education Austin and Austin Interfaith) are partners in creating shared accountability and a culture of high expectations. Student performance will be measured pursuant to state assessments that are required of other schools. This community governance structure assumes that the responsibility for education lies in shared accountability to ensure equity and excellence for all children regardless of economic status or ethnicity.

We see as our goal that all children will graduate ready for secondary school as well as the continuing education of their choice. We will create purposeful, systematic mechanisms to engage in relationships with each other as we plan, co-design and monitor the future of our children. While the Principal is the instructional leader, the board joins the Principal in being responsible for the campus academic goals. In addition, the board will work with leadership teams to create the budget, communication, and monitoring systems.

The THES Thunderboard is composed of 6 teachers (one from PreK-2, one from 3-5, one from dual language, one from art, music or PE, and one from special populations), 6 parents representing the student demographics, 2 community members and the Principal. Each partnering organization will also have a representative. At the end of the first year, half of the board will leave, be replaced by new members, and the remaining members will stay through a 2nd year. In subsequent years, all members will serve a two-year term. Members will report back to their constituents. All board communications will be distributed in Spanish and English both online and in hard copy in keeping with school transparency policies. Robert’s Rules of Order will govern the meetings. Progress monitoring meetings will be held biannually with AISD leadership. Our contract with the district will be reviewed bi-annually.

Thunderboard meetings are open to our school community.

Have a question or comment for the Thunderboard?
Email us at thunderboard@travisheightselementary.com