BoardWise: Governance team members write in
Published: June 14, 2011
BoardWise is a forum for board members and superintendents across the state to share questions about governance and board-superintendent relations. Send your questions to
boardwise@csba.org
.
Dear BoardWise:
I was elected to the board last November. I have asked for a lot of information from the superintendent and district staff so I can learn everything I need to. But I am sensing frustration from them. Am I doing something wrong?
Sincerely,
Need To Know
Dear Need to Know,
Some frustration is understandable as relationships develop between new and established governance team members. Here are some ideas to consider as you pursue your legitimate need for information:
How much info? The board must balance its need for information with the impact of the requests on staff. Data requests can be time-consuming and prevent the staff from completing other tasks that meet the objectives set forth by the full board.
Collective judgment: As individuals, board members have no authority. Only the full board, at publicly noticed meetings, can take action, so it’s important for the full board to determine what information the board needs to provide direction and oversight.
Learning takes time: It takes time to learn the cycle and flow of information and the kinds of issues that will come before the board. Good board members are naturally anxious to learn everything they can as soon as they can, but they also need to give themselves permission to learn over time. Districts are too complex to learn it all at once.
Manner matters: Finally, never underestimate the importance of the manner in which you ask questions. A smile goes a long way in communicating good intent. However, it may be beneficial to also explicitly state your intent when asking for information.
I suggest that you explain your perception to the superintendent and ask for feedback. Have a conversation that creates more clarity and improves your relationship with the board and superintendent. Some questions you could start with are:
- What is the best way for me to ask for information?
- Does the board have a process I am supposed to follow?
- If I am frustrated, what should I do?
Good luck!
Dear BoardWise:
I am a new superintendent, in my first year. I’m finding that the board takes a great deal of my time! I know I need to work with the board, but I am having trouble balancing my time. How do I gently push back without offending board members?
Sincere Superintendent
Dear Sincere Superintendent,
“Pushing back” sounds confrontational—and you don’t want that. It’s really a matter of reaching clarity about what the board and superintendent need and expect from each other. I suggest you ask for a governance study session—an open board meeting—and talk with the board about your experience. It may be that board members are unaware of the impact they are having on you. Two good starter questions might be:
- Is the board asking too much of the superintendent?
- Is the superintendent giving the board what it needs?
The time superintendents spend with board members or on board matters can be significant. When there are new members on the team—a new superintendent or new board members—time with the board generally increases, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. This will likely decrease over time, but in the first year both parties need to learn each other’s communication styles and preferences, and what issues are most important. Those are important conversations, and quality conversations take time.
Good luck with your next conversation.
BoardWise is written by CSBA’s Governance Consulting Services staff: Babs Kavanaugh, Christopher Maricle, Leslie DeMersseman and Luan Burman Rivera.