Dr. Susan LockwoodSSA Executive Director

June 18, 2010

Provides on-going training for board members,Makes board communications a priority,Uses board meetings as a positive force for system,Gets to know each board member and what matters most to each one,Develops common ground and common goals over time, and Remembers that good timing is everything!

The Savvy Superintendent:Provides on-going training for board

members

School Board MeetingsHold a board work session to discuss board

meetings and establish how you will handleComplaints and public commentsTimelines for discussion before actions

Personnel Building Programs New Programs Budget

Provide a Calendar with Topics likely to be on Board Agenda for each month of year

Discuss Roles and Responsibilities of Board, Superintendent, and Leadership Team

Explain Relationship of Central Office and Schools

Review whenever you get New Board Members

The Superintendent shouldExpect board members to refer Complainants

to follow “chain of command”; then notify you of the problem/concern.

Expect board members to abstain from individual counsel and action.

Ask board members to assure the individual who comes to them with a concern that school leaders are also concerned and share insights that are appropriate.

Ask board members to keep conversations focused on the issue at hand.

Expect board members to build up the school district and leaders whenever possible.

Set Expectations for Board Members

Emphasize Board TrainingAttend AASB meetings with your board members and

help them understand how what they hear relates to your school system

Bring in assistance if you need it through AASB’s Roles and Responsibilities Workshop, through the Lighthouse study, or through SSA.

Urge new board members to attend AASB Leadership Training and attend with them

Take the time to meet and teach new board membersYOU should be the board member’s primary teacher

The Savvy Superintendent:Provides on-going training for board

members,Makes board communications a priority,

Expect Phone Call to Board Members from Superintendent’s Office Discuss with board members the “situations” they want to

know about before they “hear about it in community” Drug bust at high school Student picked up for “ */!/*” Accusation of harassment

Superintendent or designee should tell board members What has happened What administrators are doing to investigate When superintendent anticipates determining “what will be

recommended” Hold some possible dates if a hearing may be needed Expect superintendent will call and inform you as needed as

the investigation proceedsGive board members advice on how to answer media

or questions from public in a manner avoiding suits.ALWAYS notify ALL board members with the same information.

Written Information UpdatesExpect bi-monthly updates to board members

Between board and superintendentShare update on “situations”Given information immediately rather than waiting for

next meetingShare information on AASB, SSA updates, information

from SDEReminded of events to attend such as AASB district

meetingProvided background info on upcoming discussion at

board meetingStaying in touch in a dependable manner helps

build the relationshipShare what you send to one board member with

ALL board members

Outcome of Superintendent’s Communications to School BoardGive board members the knowledge and

confidence that superintendent is performing the job

Keep board members informed on topics for which they have legal responsibilities

Don’t allow board members to be blind-sided; The Superintendent’s ability to inform is

determined by board members’ willingness to handle some information confidentially and professionally.

The Savvy Superintendent:Provides on-going training for board

members,Makes board communications a priority,Uses board meetings as a positive force for

system,

What should the Board Members Expect from the Superintendent?

Board Packets should beClearAccurateSuperintendent’s Report should lay the foundation

for action at future meetings, highlight programs for public and board consumption, and promote positive public relations. Use this time to explain why you might need to reduce number of units or why you are considering building program at a particular school.

Say it more than once Say it in a Superintendent’s Report Include information in an Update to Board mail-out Say it again the next month

Provide information in Media Packet so they help “tell your story” in print and news media

Make Board Meetings PositiveAlways start the meeting with something positive

that focuses on teaching and learningShow off great things happening in schoolsUse recognition to highlight achievementsGive a “Superintendent’s Award” annually

Make the meeting efficient: everything should be professional, on time, clear, with mutual respect

Take care of details STAY ON TRACKInstructions for those that wish to address the

board

The Savvy Superintendent:Provides on-going training for board

members,Makes board communications a priority,Uses board meetings as a positive force for

system,Gets to know each board member and what

matters most to each one,

Study your board more closely

Jot down the first name of each board member

Beside each name list their relatives and where they work in the schools

Summarize the one topic you think is most important to that board member and write it beside each name

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Create Opportunities to Get to Know Your Board MembersGo to AASB Conference and Dine out TogetherFind the best time and place to meet individually

once a month or every other monthLunch out at the Mexican RestaurantInformal visit at their officeRide together to a ball game

Create an opportunity to know if there is something “on the mind” of your board members

Know their children, spouses, favorite sports, and keep in mind as you plan

The Savvy Superintendent:Provides on-going training for board

members,Makes board communications a priority,Uses board meetings as a positive force for

system,Gets to know each board member and what

matters most to each one, andDevelops common ground and common goals

over time.

Establish System GoalsThe Superintendent and School Board should work to establish Goals for the System for the coming year and use a work session to seek common ground.

Using principal input collaborate with school board to establish 3-5 Goals for the coming year that will be the focus.

PLANNINGEstablish System Goals and expect the board

members to work with you in determining those goals; then

Work with your Leadership Staff to Develop a PLAN for Implementing and Communicating the Goals

Bring the PLAN to the School Board and update the Board on how the Goals will be implemented and seek their consensus

Make the Plan the School Board PlanExpect board members to support the work of

the PLANHelp the board members COMMUNICATE the

PLAN Within the Community as you are asked questions about the schools

Expect board members to support the PLAN and the administrators as they implement the PLAN

Follow-Up on the PLANGive the school board a Report on the

Goals at the end of the year

Keep the board members focused on the System Goals instead of micromanaging the superintendent’s work.

☻WORK TO MAKE THIS PLANNING A REALITY IN YOUR SCHOOL SYSTEM.

The Savvy Superintendent:Provides on-going training for board members,Makes board communications a priority,Uses board meetings as a positive force for

system,Gets to know each board member and what

matters most to each one, Develops common ground and common goals

over time, andRemembers that good TIMING is everything!

(knows when to Hold ‘Em, knows when to Fold ‘Em)

Develop trust among the board, superintendent, and community and make decisions that are good for boys and girls