Sarcouncil Journal of Multidisciplinary

Abstract: Founder-led K–12 school networks occupy a distinctive governance space characterised by concentrated authority, mission-driven momentum, and structurally fragile accountability architecture. This study examines how board design, succession planning, and accountability mechanisms evolve as founder-led networks grow toward institutional scale. Drawing on cross-sectional data from 120 multi-campus school networks collected through structured surveys, governance document analysis, and semi-structured interviews, all gathered up to December 2020, the study applies an explanatory sequential mixed-methods framework integrating descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, hierarchical multiple regression modelling, and thematic analysis. Three governance stages; founder-led (Stage 1), transitioning (Stage 2), and institutionally scaled (Stage 3) are identified and compared across six dimensions of board capacity. Results reveal that board independence and succession planning are the weakest and most consequential governance dimensions in early-stage networks. The accountability composite score improves nonlinearly and synergistically with both board independence and succession readiness, producing a multiplicative rather than merely additive governance dividend. Findings underscore that governance transition is not merely structural but deeply cultural, requiring deliberate, bundled board development investment. Implications for network leaders, philanthropic funders, and education policymakers are discussed.