Transcript Spring 2012: Superintendent/School Board Relationship

Superintendent/School
Board Relationship
By
Arturo Alferez, Casey Burkhart,
Darren Cole, Alecia Hancock
Objective
To analyze superintendent/school board
relationships to determine what makes a
relationship positive or negative.
Interviews were conducted with
superintendents to gather data specific to
what superintendents can do to keep the
relationship positive and what can damage
the relationship.
Keep it Positive
Be fair with all seven members/Do not team
up with one or two.
Be a team player.
Be ready to conform to their ideas/It is their
school and community.
Communication and honesty are very
important.
School Boards do not like surprises.
Keep it Positive
•
Provide the Board with much information.
•
Be professional.
•
Do what you say you will do.
•
Integrity is very important.
•
Build strong relationships with Board
members.
•
Make it okay to disagree respectfully and
move on to the next issue.
Negative Relationship
Communication and trust become an issue.
They are not supporting your decisions.
Split votes.
Body language/facial expressions.
Making major changes without informing the
board first.
Negative Relationship
•
Board members start to challenge even the
smallest decisions.
•
Board members interfering with too many
activities.
•
Micromanaging.
How to Turn it Around
Board/Superintendent work sessions.
Face to face meetings.
Meet with the President to seek advice.
Team building sessions.
Provide training for the Board so that
everyone understands their role.
Other Advice
Do not jump into the position unless you are
sure you are ready. It is very different.
The superintendency requires many
sacrifices, so make sure you are willing to
make them.
Understand the community you are in
before you make major changes.
Other Advice
•
Be willing to relocate.
•
Be aware that board members and
community members may be jealous of your
salary.
•
Keep your cell phone your cell phone.
DO
Talk to all and give the same information to
every board member and be honest.
DO
Be prepared for every board meeting by
sending notices and agenda on time.
DO
Be willing to make unpopular recommendations
and admit your mistakes.
DON’T
Misuse district funds and resources.
DON’T
Overwhelm the board with information.
References
http://toonedinpottsmerc.blogspot.com
CBS7.com
Teachercartoon.com