Governing Effectively via a Framework for School Governance
Maintaining
What
The board systematically maintains its model of governance
Why
During its first year of operation, and continuously after that, the board needs to pay attention to its own process (taking self-correcting measures) and organizational progress (monitoring CEO performance) and make mid-course adjustments by adjusting policy
Who
Board members and their CEO
When
Regular meetings of the board
Where
Wherever the board meets
How
Maintenance of the model begins with self-assessment at each meeting, noting any instances of failure to adhere to coherent governance principles, and adjusting its own process.
As part of board self-assessment it may assign staff or consultants the task of providing feedback on board performance. Owner input can be solicited via surveys, observer feedback forms available at meetings, and linkage meetings. Customer feedback can also be solicited.
CEO evaluation provides an opportunity for dialogue about progress toward desired results, CEO compliance with means policy, and board-CEO relations.
Evaluation of the organization (and the CEO) occurs at each meeting when monitoring occurs, and adjustments may be made in the relevant policy at the next meeting.
Annual retreats and refresher training keeps board members knowledgeable of coherent governance and reminded of its principles; new board member orientation is essential.
Systematic review of each policy occurs through the annual agenda, but all policies can be the focus of a retreat, particularly after the first year of operating under the model.
