'The authors fill a gap in the literature by providing a practical, experience-based look at how superintendents should approach the most important relationship in their professional lives. Working effectively with school boards is what it is all about, and this book shows you how' - Paul D. Houston, Executive Director, American Association of School Administrators
'This book provides practical insights and useful ideas to help district leaders who are serious about keeping the educational interest of children first among their priorities' - Pedro A. Noguera, Professor, New York University
Effective Superintendent-School Board Practices helps governors and school management team members develop an effective team that prioritizes quality teaching and learning.
Designed for practising and aspiring governors and school management team members, this exceptional book relates the everyday experiences and challenges faced by this important team. Combining 84 years of service in urban, rural, and suburban school districts, the authors offer:
* Real-life vignettes that highlight problems, successes, key points, and useful practices
* Indispensable information on building relationships, creating a team, managing conflict, and staying focused on priorities
* Reflective practice questions and self-assessments throughout
This rich resource offers knowledge, skills, and strategies to teach and inspire current and future leaders, based on the experiences of practitioners who have learned what works and what doesn't, leaving valuable time to focus on student achievement.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
Dedication
1. Building Relationships
The First Step
Understanding Each Board Member?s Interests and Goals
Adapting Communication Methods
Another Election, Another Challenge
Political Fine-Tuning
The Hidden Job Description
The Board Member Who Wants to Be Governor
Honoring Past Board Member Accomplishments
Relationship Building Never Ends
Chapter Summary
2. Creating a Team
Board-Superintendent Protocols
Use Planned Priorities as a Key Communication Strategy
Board Communicator
May I Ask That?
Preparing the Board for an Upcoming, Difficult Decision
When Is a Civility Policy Necessary?
Board Meeting Follow-Up
When Board Members Know Their Roles
A Facilitated Superintendent Evaluation Process
Board Self-Evaluation
Recognize Board Member Accomplishments
Chapter Summary
3. Staying Focused
Keeping the Mission, Philosophy, and Priorities in the Forefront
Taking the Plan to Others
Updating Your Strategic Plan
Monitoring Progress of District Goal Attainment
Working for Board Consensus
Maintaining Board Policies
Budget as a Decision-Making Tool
Chapter Summary
4. Managing Conflict
Who Is Really in Charge?
No Surprises
You Heard What at the Party?
All Internal Communication Is Not Internal
Responding to a Violation of Board Protocol
The Rebel Board Member
Chapter Summary
5. Moving On and Succession Planning
When to Leave
Learning About a New District
Knowing When to Retire
Saying Good-Bye
Making the Transition
Selecting a New Superintendent
Working as an Interim Superintendent
Chapter Summary
Resource A: Board-Superintendent Protocols for Effective Governance
Resource B: Planned Priorities
Resource C: Civility Policy
Resource D: Mission Statement and District Goals
Resource E: Strategic Plan
Resource F: Superintendent?s Evaluation Process
Resource G: School District Budget Development Calendar
Resource H: Budget Guidelines for Boards and Staff
Resource I: School District Responsibility Chart
References
Index
