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Sharpening the Saw. How to make your board more effective. Carol Cimino, SSJ, Ed.D. Understanding purpose of the board Understanding impermissible areas Understanding relationships/authority. Problematic meetings Committee work Record-keeping Focus on planning
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Sharpening the Saw How to make your board more effective Carol Cimino, SSJ, Ed.D
Understanding purpose of the board Understanding impermissible areas Understanding relationships/authority Problematic meetings Committee work Record-keeping Focus on planning Decision-making, trust, confidentiality Nature of membership Some pitfalls
Purpose of the Board • Support the administrator • Develop and defend policy • Ensure school development • Develop and monitor the school budget • Strategic planning • Ensure nature/mission of the school
Impermissible Areas • Grievances • Hiring/Firing(except trustees) • Supervision • Curriculum design • Designation of instructional materials • Discipline • Negotiating Contracts(except for trustees)
Relationships • Administrator • Pastor or church authority • Parents’ organization • Other supportive ancillary groups
Problematic meetings • Lack of focus, agenda • Punctuality • Preparation • Focus • Committee work
Committee Work • Nature/ purpose of committees • Committee work • Committee membership • Committee meetings • Standing committees: • Finance • Development • Buildings and Grounds • Student Life • Membership
Record-keeping • Importance of accurate records • Records: • Agenda • Minutes • Policies, regulations • Strategic plans • Annual report • Accreditations • Other Board meeting minutes
Policies/Regulations • Policies: from the board • Regulations/Procedures: from the administrator • Policy: broad guide for discretionary action • Regulation: how the policy gets carried out • Procedure on recommendation, approval, promulgation, start date, publication.
What policies? • Admission, graduation, grading, suspension, expulsion. • Tuition, fees, responsibility to pay • Use of internet, computers, licensing • Sexual harassment, alcohol, weapons • Use of building, safety • Privacy, accession of records
What to avoid... • Cornering the administrator • Countering law, statute, diocesan directive • “Zero tolerance” • Non-age specific • Unenforceable • Not related to educational purpose • No start date
Focus on Planning • Long-range strategic plan • Annual goals, objectives • Quarterly review • Annual retreat • Evaluation of effectiveness
Decision-making, trust, confidentiality • Consensus, rather than vote • Avoid “parking lot meetings” • Importance of confidentiality • Sticking with decisions, defending policy
Nature of membership • Related to mission of the institution • Who may not serve • Importance of commitment • Recognition, thanks • Selection rather than election
Final thoughts: • Do a good job orienting new members • Make sure committees are working • Clarify policy and procedure • Write things down • Select, rather than elect • Watch meetings for productivity • Gear everything toward the mission
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