The Art of Presiding: Tips for Current and Aspiring Board Presidents
Katie Oliver, Policy and Superintendent Search Manager
Election season is upon us and many school boards across Alaska in both municipal and REAA districts will soon bid farewell to departing members and welcome new members to the board table. Among the first decisions a new board will make together following election certification will be reorganization and the selection of board leadership. As new members join the board and leadership roles are decided, it’s important to set a strong foundation for effective governance; here are some tips to help a Board President be an effective leader.
Invest in getting to know your fellow board members
You may already know the members of your board to some degree but make an effort to understand their interests, points of view, areas of knowledge, and approach to problem-solving. Understanding what motivates others to serve and what information they need to feel successful in decision-making will help you as President bring out the best in others while developing a strong leadership team. A strong board explores solutions with the full participation of each member, as encouraged and facilitated by the President. Recognize, too, that members who are new to the board should have a thorough orientation to school board service, and may benefit from mentorship and ongoing check-ins throughout the year.
Foster a culture of cooperative leadership
Set a cooperative tone and work to reduce conflict through communication. The President has a responsibility to model positive and respectful discourse, and establish working relationships among board members and with the Superintendent.
One of my favorite memories from this year was during a Board self-assessment when members highlighted a key team strength: “we disagree well.” This board President excels at fostering civil debate, and encouraging everyone to listen to differing opinions and support majority decisions after votes are taken. Members feel satisfied knowing their voices are heard and understood, even when their ideas don’t prevail.
Study up on your Board bylaws
Article 9 of your district’s policy manual holds the board bylaws – the foundation for how the board operates. Here you will find the answers to most questions that arise on the board’s structure, responsibilities, and limitations. Your bylaws guide everything from the duties of specific offices to the appointment of members in the case of a vacancy, to identifying conflicts of interest, to public notice requirements of meetings. A strong familiarity with Article 9 will help you as President ensure the board’s work is fair and in compliance with law.
Be confident with that gavel
This title is a metaphor- it doesn’t mean you need to bang the gavel louder or more frequently! Rather this is an encouragement to be a prepared, informed, and confident leader at board meetings where the work of the board is accomplished. A working familiarity with parliamentary procedure can help you run an efficient meeting while ensuring that every board member understands the meeting procedure and has the opportunity to be heard. Use your privilege as meeting chair to keep the board focused on governance and the needs of students rather than meandering off-topic or into the details of district operations. Some board presidents anticipate and prepare remarks to provide measured guidance when sensitive discussion items arise. When you preside effectively, the board will be viewed as effective.
Plan for Board development
The President plays a crucial role in maintaining the board’s effectiveness by modeling continuous learning and encouraging members to participate in local, regional, state, and national meetings. Professional development opportunities help members stay informed of best practices and legal requirements in an evolving environment. Engaging with peers from different districts allows board members to share experiences and challenges, and foster solutions through the exchange of ideas. The President will also support the board by organizing board retreats, prioritizing an annual board self-assessment, and leading a fair and objective evaluation of the Superintendent.
Support the Board / Superintendent relationship
A President will be called up to interpret for others the difference between the board’s governance role and the Superintendent’s management role. There is a teaching responsibility on the part of the President here, especially when new members come on board. Additionally, the President plays a key role in ensuring the leadership team – the Board and Superintendent – can be open and honest with each other and respectful of one another. We encourage the leadership team to praise publicly and criticize privately, and to live by the adage of “no surprises” at board meetings.
All current and aspiring board Presidents are encouraged to join us at the AASB Annual Conference in November where my colleague Jenni Lefing and I will facilitate a Friday session especially for board presidents. This is a valuable opportunity to engage with fellow Presidents from across the state and enhance your leadership skills. Join us!