“Foundation of Knowledge” Article in the American School Board Journal

An article that offers advice on orientation/onboarding of a new school board member, focusing on a foundation of essential knowledge about the job, was printed in the August 2024 issue of ASBJ. Providing newcomers to your school board team with helpful knowledge informs them about serving in their role with knowledge that is critical to their success. It encourages that was take advantage of opportunities for learning and reflection about that foundation of knowledge over time. This article is the Read More …

Six (Not So) Simple Rules for School Board Success

Effective school boards build a base of competencies (knowledge and skills) that help them succeed in their roles. They know the difference between boardsmanship and governance. They use individual board member competencies (boardsmanship) that contribute to the work of the board, and whole-board competencies (governance) that can only be performed by the board working together. These competencies increase a board’s potential for success. However, to fully realize that potential, boards need the right beliefs, values, and attitudes—a mindset for success Read More …

NSBA Presentation Handouts

At this year’s National School Board Conference I am presenting a session entitled “Boardsmanship Is Not Enough: We Need to BE, KNOW, and DO More to Reach Our Full Governing Potential” Five HANDOUTS. Summary. Systematic self-assessment is a significant professional development routine that enhances a board’s performance, and – more importantly – district results. Research studies have found that certain board characteristics, such as an ‘elevating’ view of students are positively correlated with higher levels of student achievement, or boards Read More …