Superintendent/School Board Relationship

ByArturo Alferez, Casey Burkhart,

Darren Cole, Alecia Hancock

ObjectiveTo 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 PositiveBe 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 RelationshipCommunication 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.

DOBe 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.comCBS7.comTeachercartoon.com