Creating Successful School Boards: Key Strategies and Best Practices
As the focus of the public shifts towards high-profile political races in the coming months, it is essential not to overlook another set of races at the local level that can be just as consequential: local school board elections. These elections play a critical role in shaping the educational landscape of communities and directly impact the quality of education that students receive.
Many voters may find themselves unsure of how to make informed decisions when it comes to school board elections. The lack of public attendance at local school board meetings and limited research on school boards contribute to a general lack of understanding of the role of school boards. Unfortunately, media coverage often highlights the negative aspects of school board governance, focusing on disputes and controversies rather than the positive impact effective governance can have on education.
It is crucial to build awareness of the important work that school boards do and the positive outcomes that effective governance can bring. By examining successful examples, such as the Napa Valley and San José Unified School Districts in California, we can learn valuable lessons that can be applied to other districts.
**Commit to Shared Priorities**
The pressures facing school districts today are greater than ever, with challenges ranging from the impact of the pandemic to educator shortages and financial constraints. In the face of these challenges, school boards must work towards a shared mission, vision, and values to create coherence and focus in their decision-making processes. Both Napa Valley and San José Unified School Districts demonstrate the effectiveness of aligning their work around clearly defined priorities, which allows them to work towards a shared vision more effectively.
**Establish and Embrace Norms for Behavior**
In addition to setting shared priorities, school boards must establish norms for behavior that promote collaboration, respect, and transparency. Both Napa Valley and San José Unified have implemented norms for working together that hold members accountable for acting in the best interests of their communities. By defining roles, promoting respect, and fostering transparent communication, these districts are able to navigate disagreements in a healthy manner and model positive behavior for their communities.
**Invest in Onboarding Experiences**
Following elections, newly elected trustees often require onboarding experiences to ensure a smooth transition and maintain a commitment to shared priorities and norms. In Napa Valley and San José Unified, newly elected trustees undergo district-specific onboarding processes that include one-on-one meetings with key stakeholders and workshops to establish relationships and co-develop norms for working together. A strong onboarding experience helps new trustees understand their roles, fosters collaboration, and communicates to constituents the expectations of the school board.
**Lean on Internal Commitments**
During challenging times, such as school closures or contentious decisions, school boards can rely on their shared priorities and norms to navigate difficult situations. Representatives from Napa Valley and San José Unified have faced tough decisions but credit their commitment to established practices and values for guiding them through these challenges. By maintaining a strong sense of role clarity and a dedication to their shared vision, school boards can effectively address and overcome obstacles.
As voters prepare to choose their representatives in local school board elections this fall, it is crucial for district leaders, trustees, and voters to consider the importance of informed decision-making. By increasing awareness, promoting understanding, and equipping voters with the knowledge they need to make informed choices, we can help create governing bodies that prioritize problem-solving, compromise, and student needs above all else.
Joel Knudson and Marina Castro, researchers at the American Institutes for Research and members of the California Collaborative on District Reform, emphasize the significance of effective governance in school districts. By highlighting successful strategies and best practices, they aim to empower communities to make informed decisions that will benefit students and improve educational outcomes.