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The Challenge
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The Board may not always be right, but the board is always the board. Discord often occurs when there is poor communication or lack of agreement regarding how much leeway the superintendent and staff have to meet their responsibilities or disagreement between the board and superintendent as to each others roles and responsibilities.
The board member who has served for years, the one with great institutional knowledge requires communication that dignifies their tenure. The brand new board member requires communication of another sort—background along with current information.
REMEMBER, there are three key questions that frame your relationship with the Board: |
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- Do you care about me?
- Can I trust you?
- Do you really know what you're talking about???
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Strategies that superintendents have been found effective in school districts center on communication as the key to success, sharing decision making as a contributor to success, contact between the superintendent and board members is planned, not left to chance.
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Be Open |
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- Board packets go to each board member and administrator.
- Agendas are posted in each building and teachers lounge (some send full packets to buildings, maintenance departments, transportation offices).
- At the reorganization meeting each year (2nd meeting in September), changes from the previous year to the present are outlined, goals are reviewed, the vision for the future is discussed—ideas and changes the Board would like to suggest are presented.
- Board recognizes staff and students for accomplishments.
- Policy Work is a regular item.
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Be Visible |
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- Some Boards hold one meeting a month at school sites.
- At meetings held in buildings, there is a short presentation by the principal and selected staff followed by tours of the building.
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Special Events Always Include an Invitation to Board Members |
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- Opening general session for all staff (Board President gives the welcome).
- New teacher breakfast or lunch.
- Employee recognition event.
- Showcase of student achievement (tied to building goals).
- Special events at school (academic assemblies, NHS Induction, special programs.
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Committee Meetings |
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- Focus on particular topics (finance, policy, instruction, capital projects).
- Draw on expertise/interests of board members.
- Provides first forum for discussion, requests for additional information.
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Information Sent to Board Members |
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- Building Newsletters.
- Administrative Team minutes.
- All committee meeting minutes.
- Superintendent Update (hard copy or email).
- Letters from Community members.
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