Do Your Board Meetings Make the Grade?

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Many boards find it valuable to reflect on the effectiveness of their board meetings. If you were to fill in each blank with a “grade” from “A” to “F,” what would you choose?

 

Our meetings:

·         Focus on student learning.

 

·         This is where we spend our time. We keep track of our time use and remind ourselves of the need to focus when necessary.

 

·         Have good leadership.

 

·         We respect the role of the chair. We expect the chair to help formulate the agenda, to objectively handle a variety of opinions, and to help work toward common understandings.

 

·         Have a clear, focused agenda.

 

·         The agenda formation process includes consideration of timing and the necessity of providing appropriate supporting materials. The use of a consent agenda conserves board time for significant deliberation and decision making. Use available resources wisely.

 

·         We have clear recommendations from the superintendent to consider. We hear reports from a variety of staff at the board table. Board materials are received in advance, and we come prepared to discuss them at the board table. Questions are directed to those who can provide answers prior to the meeting.

 

·         Welcome and inform the public.

 

·         This is a meeting of the board held in the public view, not a meeting of the public. We allow for public participation on our agenda. We greet the public when they arrive and provide them with material that allows them to follow the meeting and understand their role. We make the purpose of our meeting clear and do not allow the public to interfere with that purpose. When we deliberate, the public is able to clearly hear that deliberation. When we make a decision, the public hears all board members express the rationale for their decision.

 

·         Are not overwhelmed by controversial issues.

 

·         We express thanks for varied opinions. All public comments are directed through the board chair. Areas of agreement are pointed out. We listen and then summarize and paraphrase opposing opinions. We relate decisions to our posted mission, vision, beliefs, and goals.

 

·         Are orderly events.

 

·         We follow our own policy.

 

·         We follow the agenda.

 

·         We respect opinions and listen to each other.

 

Can you provide a reason for your “grade?” Can you give examples of when these things happen, or what makes them difficult to do? How would your fellow board members and your administrative team respond to this consideration?

 

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