Tips for Working with Boards
1. Communicate
I would make sure that I am communicating with my board. By allowing my board members to know what is going on they will not be caught off guard with certain situations and will ask questions if they need to. Communication can solve many problems in administration that do not need to occur.
2. Know What to Expect
By sitting down with the board early on I would want to establish expectations for communication, decisions, evaluations and if there are any concerns that need to be addressed. Both the superintendent and board should know what is expected of one another.
3. Establish Priorities
There should be some priorities that you as a district are trying to accomplish. Whether that be student achievement, attendance, staff, money and needs of your district. Once these priorities are established you will not be constantly changing what your district wants to achieve.
4. Understand the Roles of Your Board
There should be a distinction between your board and the administration. The board should govern the district and the superintendent should be running the day to day operations of your district. By having this open line with your board president you can clear up any concerns. There should be mutual trust between your board and you.
5. Own Your Decisions With Staff
When hiring staff as a superintendent I would own those decisions. I would inform my board why I chose the person I did to fill the position. I have always been able to learn about my staff as a principal and what the needs are of my district.
6. Allow Your Board to Succeed
As a superintendent you want to allow your board to succeed. This can be done by informing them of what is going on at your school and providing information they may need to make a decision.
Board Professional Development
Providing your board with professional development is something I would want to do as well. There are many topics that can be taught by the Nebraska Association of School Boards. They teach about school law, financials, policies, evaluating a superintendent and more. This can help if you have new members on your board.
Board Policy and Administrative Regulations
Your board policy should outline what you as a district want to accomplish and your administrative regulations will tell you how. As I said before your board should know what to do and you as the administrator should know how to do it.