“Boards of Education provide an unparalleled example of volunteerism, of the exercise of power by the citizenry, and of the application of lay wisdom to guide one of society’s most complex challenges: The education of its young.” – from the introduction to NSBA’s Becoming a Better Board Member, A Guide to Effective School Board Service
- Understanding the Board Role: One of the most challenging lessons for board members is defining just what their function is and how to accomplish it effectively. Utilizing lessons learned from a wide cross section of board members from around the State, your board can develop clarity around its most important roles.
- Effective Board Member Skills: No matter how finely tuned your skills are in any given area, you will need to test them as a board member with your own board. As a board member, you will need to sharpen your skills in many areas, including: communication, group decision-making, managing during a meeting, and dealing with conflict.
- Developing Board Goals: If your board doesn’t set goals, others will establish them for you. By setting goals, the board establishes the basic framework for administrative action leading to student success.
- New Board Member Training: Without some preservice training or orientation program, it is estimated that it will take at least two years of school board service before board members gain the background and confidence to perform effectively and confidently. From learning about your fellow board members and key staff, to school law, employee relations, personnel administration, transportation and curriculum we can help you successfully navigate the new school board member learning curve.
- Interest Based Bargaining: Interest-based bargaining is a negotiation strategy in which you collaborate to find “win-win” solutions to mutual issues. This strategy focuses on developing mutually beneficial agreements based upon your interests and the needs and desires of your employees.