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President's Message-May 2012

In last month’s column, I described ten “deadly” blunders that school board members have sometimes made.  In response to several subsequent inquiries, I want to dedicate this month’s President’s Message to a more positive topic:  what we as board members can do to become stronger and more effective board members.  For manageability, I have tried to keep these suggestions in three major categories.

One key to our effectiveness is PREPARATION.  We work in a context defined by statues and regulations.  Having a working knowledge of the laws, both federal and state, that establish how our schools must operate is one of the primary responsibilities of school board members today.  Failing to keep that knowledge current can cost board members and their districts, distracting both board members and educators from their student-focused mission.

How can board members remain abreast of these laws?  The Nevada Association of School Boards provides annual training at the Conference on the latest updates in school law.  In addition the Nevada Association of School Administrators provides an opportunity for board members to attend that organization’s fall workshops also focused on school law.  The National School Boards Association (NSBA) also offers numerous resources in regular legal updates, school law seminars, regional workshops, and other learning opportunities. 

Our preparation also involves doing the continual work necessary to fully understand and be ready for our many board responsibilities.  This involves studying thoroughly board agendas and backup materials before each meeting or workshop, asking your superintendent questions early in the process of both meeting preparation and working on important projects, and coming to each board meeting prepared to work with the full board. There is nothing glamorous about this part of our job as board members.  This is time-consuming and sometimes complicated preparation—but one of the most important aspects of our effectiveness. There is no substitute for preparation in order to make informed and responsible decisions.

The second key to our effectiveness is COMMUNICATION. It is crucial for us to be effective and receptive listeners and informed communicators.  We have to be able to communicate with a variety of audiences.  We are private citizens outside the board meeting and board members during the board meeting itself.  Nonetheless, our constituents view us as the face or sometimes the voice of the school district.  Listening to input from parents, taxpayers, students, and staff is a vital role, yet our responses must be handled in such a way that we do not commit the school district to a course of action that has not been adopted by the board itself.

The third element that deserves our attention is TEAMWORK.  “A school board is not able to act through the work of one.”  No one board member can adopt policy, direct staff, adopt programs, or meet the educational needs of Nevada’s boys and girls.  Even the full board can’t work alone without the support and guidance of other governance team members.

It is the work that is done year-round by the board, superintendent, and other members of the governance team—serving together in commitment to student learning and success—that makes for effective leadership.  Each team member comes fully prepared for his or her role.  Each knows that it takes a team effort to ensure comprehensive success in all the responsibilities of the board.  Each participates in honest communication with others, learning and sharing.  Each knows that “gotcha” behaviors are counter-productive.

I look forward to seeing many of you during the month of May as I attend school board meetings in Carson City, Churchill, Mineral, Pershing, Humboldt, and Lander Counties.  Thank you for all of your preparation, communication, and teamwork on behalf of Nevada students.

NASB President / (702) 799-1072

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