Training for My Board Colleagues? You Bet - why school board members need training - Brief Article

School Administrator, Feb, 2001 by William R. Morehouse

First, the vote had to be nullified because four affirmative votes are required to pass any motion. Second, the board had to conduct another reorganization meeting, opening up the prospect of someone else gaining election to the board presidency. What a field day for the press!

Veterans Too

This is not to suggest that only new school board members need training. Experienced members need regular opportunities to be brought up-to-date on ever-changing laws and regulations. Even veteran board members who have the basic knowledge and experience can become more effective and efficient in leadership and governance of their school districts.

Board training can take many forms. In-house workshops or classes can be conducted by area or state school board associations or professional trainers. The most critical standard should be that training is provided by qualified instructors and that it is consistently applied. Just as we expect our classroom teachers to be the best and most qualified, school boards deserve top-quality instructors. Just as we expect continuing education for our teachers, board members need ongoing training. Those of us in the business of education should be the first to promote continuing education within our own ranks.

When we talk of raising standards, of lifting the bar, of pushing for better results, we need to start at the top. We need to hold everyone involved accountable for our children's education, and that means mandatory training for all of us on school boards.

Bill Morehouse is a board member of the Warren-Saratoga-Washingtan-Hamiiton-Essex BOCES who previously spent 21 years on the board of education of the Bolton, N.Y., Central Schools, including 13 years as president. He can be reached at 15 Evergreen Lane, Bolton Landing, N.Y. 12814. E-mail: billmore@superior.net