School Board Chairman & Vice-Chairman Orientation Session

1. School Board Chairman & Vice-Chairman Orientation Session

2. Ever feel like this?

3. The Many Roles of the Board Chair • Team builder/Leader • Planner • Organizer • Spokesperson • Delegator • Liaison • Confidant • Caretaker of Relationships

4. What changes when you become board chair? • From your perspective • From other board members • From staff • From constituents

5. Board Chair Responsibilities • Preside at meetings • Run participative, but efficient meetings • Provide leadership necessary to support the board in proactively setting the school district’s leadership agenda • Lead the board in defining its own job and in setting annual performance objectives within the parameters of that job

6. Work with Superintendent and board to plan and develop policies and programs that provide educational opportunities for students • Support and defend the policies and programs adopted by the board, thus setting an example for other board members to follow • Serve as a link between the board and the daily operation of the schools by consulting with the superintendent on board policies, program, finances, and public position statements on an ongoing basis

7. Ensure that the board gives authority to the superintendent for administration of the schools • See that the board formally evaluates its own performance and that of the superintendent • Lead the board’s annual review of school system effectiveness, including board policies and student achievement

8. Chairman Pitfalls • Not following parliamentary procedure • Not following the agenda • Selecting a place at the board table where you cannot be seen by all • Not keeping your ego in check • Inability to harmonize divergent board member views • Permitting one board member to dominate

9. Beware of These Pitfalls • Not discussing the agenda with the superintendent • Not asking for the superintendent’s recommendation before the vote • Assuming the vote will be unanimous and not taking a vote • Not being prepared to break a tie • Inconsistency • Not planning for crisis • Not being prepared to be the spokesperson • Misusing or overusing closed sessions

10. 7 Cardinal Rules for Beginning Board Chairmen • Be enthusiastic… but do not gush • Never try to force your ideas on other board members; dazzle them with logic • Talk softly and carry a big gavel • Be a part of the team • Maintain your sense of humor • Get thee wisdom • Think CHILDREN

11. To Be An Effective Board Chairman… • You must be willing to take risks • You must be willing to take criticism • You must be totally committed to public education

12. Basic Principals of Board-Superintendent Relations • Keep in mind that kids come first • Board sees that schools are well managed, but does not manage them directly • Consider the recommendations of the superintendent before making any commitments • Observe channel of communication

13. How Chairman Causes Conflict • Trying to be an administrator • Making promises as an individual • Not doing “homework” • Taking sides

14. Elements of a Strong Partnership • Full disclosure • Sufficient information • Careful planning • Information interaction • Periodic evaluation • Mutual support and trust

15. Keeping High-flying Board Chairmen Aloft You serve as an example to others. Remember to: • Be humble – don’t be dazzled by the title • Learn to be a facilitator – encourage participation • Be willing to delegate– don’t try to do it all • Minimize competition among board members • Listen attentively • Be fair • Be prepared for crisis meetings • Stay at the strategic level – don’t get into management

16. Meet Andy

18. Questions?