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Your First 90 Days (New Member, New Team)

First Steps

  • Schedule orientation "coffees" with the Board president or designated mentor 
  • If you can, schedule one-to-one mentoring for six months (new member with a veteran or retired board member)
  • Review the governing team's strategic framework and operating norms
  • Explore local board policies 
  • Study CASB's Leadership WORKbook
  • Attend the next CASB event

Essential next steps

  • Schedule an orientation session hosted by your administration to hear about their strategic approach 
  • Ask for a team effectiveness session to affirm/adjust the governing team's strategic framework, which is the number one "tool" of highly effective boards
  • Establish a calendar for advancing both board and superintendent performance
  • Schedule school tours and introductions at the district office and the district schools

Issues of Importance

Upon election or appointment, every new member needs a collection of local issues of importance, as well as ongoing mentoring. 
Some ideas to consider:

  • Plan for board reorganization and oaths of office
  • Make sure to request the calendar of board meetings and yearly agenda
  • Discover the district's orientation and mentoring plan
  • Read the district policy manual and bylaws 
  • Ask about the Board packet delivery schedule
  • See if you receive a Board laptop/iPad/technology assets and the following: access, responsibilities, passwords, procedures, etc.
  • Read the Board’s strategic framework: vision, mission/purpose, goals, operating norms, and core values
  • Find out about the Board’s goals/performance plans, progress assessments, leadership commitments/agreements/policies
  • Learn about the norms for board's local version of parliamentary procedure
  • Make sure to understand the Board's plan for listening, learning, and trust-building with constituents
  • Read the superintendent’s contract, progress plans, assessments, and the official end-of-year evaluations
  • Discover the District's student achievement goals, dashboards, and progress reports
  • Read the Board's strategic plan and related measurables, dashboards, and feedback
  • Read about the District's Unified Improvement Plans 
  • Determine if the budget is clear and easily usable
  • Check out the financial audits and executive summaries
  • Read the Annual Report
  • Negotiated contract(s), salary schedule, schedule/calendar
  • Read through the curriculum system and guides
  • Read through the District crisis action plan
  • Find the District calendar
  • Look at the District map (sites, boundaries, contact info)
  • Make sure to receive a CHSAA activity pass
  • Receive the District's key communication card (print and e-version contact info for all board members and administrators)
  • Know where to find the District directory of employees and volunteers
  • Make sure to receive the District reimbursement form and understand the procedure
  • CASB’s Leadership Workbook.
  • CASB calendar of learning events.
  • Online password for CASB website's "members only" areas.
  • CASB acronym/ jargon list.

Norms and Commitments 

  • Governing is the board's distinct leadership role.
  • Healthy/effective board work is a board/team/group effort.
  • The board listens and learns.
  • The board is focused on top priorities.
  • Respect others, constantly.
  • Desire to mature as a learner.
  • Clear pursuit of learning, improvement.
  • Accountability to shareholders.

 

For information on CASB board training, please contact CASB at [email protected].