Vermont School Boards Association

School Board Self-Assessment Survey

School Board: required field

Please identify your role. Check the boxes below that best identify your response to each question about the board’s performance. If you haven’t formed an opinion about a specific question then leave it blank. There are no right or wrong answers; your personal views are important. VSBA staff will compile results and share the common trends and differences of opinion with the board and administrators at the scheduled board work session. The information will help the board assess its effectiveness, identify priorities, and create short and long-term goals for the leadership team.

School Board Member Administrator
Strongly
Agree

Agree

Disgree
Strongly
Disgree
No
Opinion
SETTING THE VISION
1. The board regularly discusses where the district should be headed 3-5 years into the future.
2. The board regularly solicits input from the community when establishing the future vision of the district.
3. The vision reflects community priorities.
4. The vision is written in terms of expected results for students rather than activities the district will engage in.
5. The vision is realistic given available resources.
ESTABLISHING STRUCTURE
6. The board adopts and follows policies to ensure that school resources are used appropriately and effectively to meet district goals.
7. The board has developed an ongoing system to review & update all policies every two to three years.
8. The budget reflects the district vision and mission.
9. The board delegates responsibility for implementing policy to the administration.
10. There is a process for soliciting and responding to input from staff and community.
OPERATING WITH APPROPRIATE CONDUCT AND ETHICS
11. The board adopts a Code of Conduct that outlines leadership team expectations.
12. The board makes decisions that are consistent with the district’s vision, mission and goals.
13. The board follows a consistent process when making decisions.
14. Board members have the information needed to make informed decisions and understand their potential impact.
15. Once a decision is made, regardless of differing opinions, board members work to support it.
16. Board members consistently maintain confidentiality regarding executive session information.
17. Regular board meetings are efficient and generally last no more than 2-3 hours.
18. Board members are respectful to other board members, administrators, staff, and visitors.
19. Board members annually participate in board development activities.
20. The board allocates funds for board member development.
21. The board encourages community leaders to run for open board positions.
22. New board members are assisted by experienced board members and administrators to become familiar with the work of the board.
ENSURING ACCOUNTABILITY
23. The board regularly evaluates student progress toward meeting established school goals.
24. The board regularly evaluates its performance in meeting established board goals.
25. The board annually evaluates the superintendent’s progress in meeting district goals.
26. The board ensures adherence to policy.
27. The board keeps the community informed of district performance.
ADVOCATING FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION
28. The board is actively involved at both local and state levels in advocating for education legislation.
29. The board keeps the community informed on educational issues and the needs of the district.