Frequen⁠t⁠ly Asked Ques⁠t⁠⁠i⁠ons

1. What is CALN?


CALN stands for Carolinas Academic Leadership Network. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization. Our mission is simple: to serve public school board members who prioritize student achievement, parental involvement, and community service. CALN provides members with professional development, governance guidance, networking opportunities, and other benefits.

2. Who or What is behind CALN?


At the request of school board members, CALN was founded by three state-based public policy non-profit organizations: the John Locke Foundation (Locke) in North Carolina, the South Carolina Policy Council (SCPC), and the Palmetto Promise Institute (PPI).  For a list of our founding leadership team, visit our About page.

3. Do I have to be a member of Locke, SCPC, or PPI to be a member of CALN?


No. CALN is a separate entity. But, any of the organizations certainly would welcome you.

4. Can any school board member be a member of CALN?


Any school board member in North or South Carolina is welcome to be a member of CALN.

5. Does an entire board have to be members of CALN, or can individual members belong to CALN?


That is up to your school board. Some boards have adopted CALN as an option for members’ professional development. We encourage CALN members to follow others’ lead and get CALN approved by your school board. We’re available to speak with your school board if necessary.

CALN proudly offers superior professional development opportunities. Because we have access to some of the nation’s best and brightest experts on everything related to K-12 education, including budgeting, governance, policy, legal compliance, and more, we can provide that access to CALN members.

6. Does CALN require that individual members or school boards adopt a specific legislative agenda?


Absolutely not. We provide our resources free from a political or legislative agenda. Our only concern is student achievement and your ability to best serve your students, families, and communities.

7. What’s the difference between CALN and the North Carolina and South Carolina School Board Associations?


CALN doesn’t take a top-down approach. So, we’re free from Washington, D.C., or national association dictates.

CALN serves individual school board members along with entire boards—your choice.

CALN is student-achievement-focused. Channeling our inner AJ Craybill, author of Great on Their Behalf, we prioritize student outcomes over adult inputs.

8. Can I be a member of CALN, the NCSBA, and the SCSBA?


Absolutely! We believe the more options and resources available to you, the better for everyone – especially North and South Carolina school students!

9. Can members of Charter School boards be members of CALN?


We welcome Charter School board members.

10. How can I sign up for CALN?

Email Jessica Proctor by email at info@schoolboardleader.com to become a member. Please, refer a friend!

11. I have additional questions; who can I contact?


Email your questions to info@schoolboardleader.com. We look forward to hearing from you.

12. Can I donate to CALN and is my contribution to CALN tax deductible?

The answer to both questions is yes! You can mail a check to Carolinas Academic Leadership Network, 4800 Six Forks Road, Suite 220, Raleigh, NC 28581. If you prefer to use a credit card, please contact aoc@schoolboardleader.com.

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