Sharpening the Saw How to make your board more effective Carol Cimino, SSJ, Ed.D

Some pitfalls 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

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