What are the characteristics and performance indicators that across the nation set effective school boards apart.
When asked what a local School Board does, many folks struggle to answer. They might offer that they oversee the local school or the funds that schools get. Though the role of a School Board Trustee is part of one of the oldest forms of democracy, many of the areas that school boards focus on are often not seen directly.
They have several important basic roles, they hire the Superintendent that serves as the CEO of the district, they set the vision and goals of the district, and they set and approve the budget that aligns to that vision and set of goals. With the Superintendent, they form the governance team that puts into place the policies and processes by which the other areas of the district use to function and develop.
The National School Boards Association as well as the California School Boards Association have surveyed across the nation to determine what makes a school board effective and what does that effective nature contribute to the local schools. They found that when the Board functions well together and with the Superintendent as the governance team, the schools excel in performance across many different areas. If you look at the qualities defined by http://www.GreatSchools.net as to an effective board and what to look for in a school board member you find the following:
- How does the school board make decisions? Do the members function as predictable, single-issue advocates, or do they approach each decision with an open mind? Do they seem to make strategic choices for the well-being of the district? Strong decision-making requires analysis, the balancing of needs and concerns, and the ability to see the long-term implications of an action.
- How's the team spirit? Does the board exhibit a healthy group dynamic, or is it a parade of egos marching single-file? Do members show respect and trust for each other, and for the operating rules of the board?
- Is the board's authority well defined? The classic challenges of management don't skip over your board of education. There's a delicate balance between the board's act of choosing a strong chief executive (the superintendent) and letting him or her lead the way and the board's tendency to get involved with many levels of decision-making.
- Does the board understand the community? One of the most difficult parts of school governance is creating a strong relationship with the public. An effective board knows and respects its community, and encourages the community's trust in its school system.
When you take a look at the Cambrian School Board you find the above are the cornerstones on which they operate.
- In 2002 they were honored with the Magna Award by the American School Board Journal. They were only one of 23 districts in the nation selected. They were selected for their "continuous improvement" innovative approach to learning which is also used by some of the country's most successful private companies. This award recognizes local school boards for taking innovative steps to improve educational programs and make positive impact on student learning.
- All of members have attended training and development in order to better serve the district and community, be involved in the local schools, community events, meetings and those areas that keep them informed as to the needs of the schools and community.
- They operate on a defined strategic vision and set of goals and priorities that were built through the shared views of the community and schools.
- The schools have excelled in performance and have all been recognized as Distinguished Schools by the State.
- The latest District wide survey indicated a 94% parent satisfaction rating and an 86% Staff satisfaction rating.
- They keep the public trust as demonstrated in the management of the funds such as the on time and on budget five year modernization program recently completed, the safe and stabile school environment the children attend, the excellent academic performance of the schools, the outstanding enrichment programs developed from within the community.
- They are recognized by other school boards and educators around the county as a district that has been innovative, successful and leading to challenge and improve the schools they govern. Over 250 educators met with the district staff at the county's job faire last spring for a single position.
What should I look for in a school board candidate?
First of all, you should think about the issues that are important to you in your school district. Are you concerned about student transportation, textbook adoption, funding for extracurricular activities, new curriculum standards and/or construction of new school facilities? What's your hot button? You'll want to find out where the candidates stand on issues that are important to you.
You might also look for the following qualities:
- The ability to work well with a team and support group decisions, along with an understanding that the board sets a climate for the entire district
- A desire to work toward a stronger relationship between the district and the public it serves
- A keen eye toward serving the needs of all students, regardless of their abilities and backgrounds
- A professional, poised demeanor and respectful, respectable behavior
- Respect for diverse points of view
- Commitment to the time and energy required each week for meetings, phone calls, conversations, visits to schools, and professional development seminars and workshops
- Knowledge about district policies, guidelines, needs, challenges and strengths
At the heart of it all, members of a district's board of education must believe, unequivocally, in the value of public education. They must be dedicated to serving and teaching all children. They must believe in the democratic process and understand that their role is to act strategically, in line with the interests of the entire school community.
As you take the opportunity to evaluate and select your choice to serve you as your school board member, please consider the thoughts above. I have worked hard to lead and team with my fellow board members using the attributes listed above as a board member, and it would be my honor to continue to serve our community.
|
