Message from Executive Director
Dr. Theodore Comstock
MAKE BOARD TRAINING A TOP PRIORITY
As this school year winds down, now is a great time for all of you to set your board goals for next year. I respectfully suggest that one of those goals is for your board to actively engage in professional development- for itself!
Donald R. McAdams, the President of the Center for Reform of School Systems in Houston, Texas, suggests several simple steps to make training a priority. He says, “Start first with board education. Show your superintendent, community members, students, and other board members that you are a learner and share with them your quest for knowledge. Use periodicals that you find useful, invite board discussion around important articles or books on major issues facing your district.
Next, use board training as a means to focus on the building blocks of good governance: board meetings, agenda reviews, consent agendas, board committees, board workshops, and so forth. Building blocks are important. If the processes by which the board does its work are flawed, it is almost impossible to do good work.
Try scheduling monthly board workshops to review board process, or hold yearly school board retreats where the focus is on important facets related to governance. Meeting off site can provide a wonderful opportunity for building relationships. Build on your effective processes by clarifying roles, responsibilities, and relationships.”
Board training must be ongoing and focused on the needs of the board and district. Effective boards know they must lead and take responsibility for their training. Let NHSBA help you become more effective. We’re here to make recommendations and/or help you organize any type of board training opportunity that supports your belief that continuing school board training is a priority.
Be Well and Stay In Touch!
Dr. Theodore E. Comstock, Executive Director
June 9, 2008
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