Excellence in the board room...Excellence in student achievement

Without question, there is a definite correlation between the framework of school board governance and student achievement and the district’s vision/purpose.  To clarify, let’s combine the last two components because quality districts will certainly elevate student success to be part of their vision and mission.  Certainly, there are some examples of districts who experience tremendous student success and also have boards at varying depths of involvement--some being FAR beyond policy making.  However, when one considers some common critical elements of high-functioning school boards (and districts), patterns begin to emerge.

Focus on policy...the overarching system.  This focus allows boards to do their work and  educators to do their work.  There is so much that needs to happen within an educational system and a variety of experts come together in every district so that their specific skills can serve the needs of students most efficiently.  When boards begin to dive deeply in to district operations (hiring, curriculum, etc.), the focus of the board begins to blur.  Similarly, not all board members are equipped with the knowledge necessary to be as deeply involved in district operations.  Additionally, it can hinder both the work of the board and of educators.  By keeping at a policy level, their focus is more concentrated and the policies they set can serve as guiding forces for administrators and teachers to put in action. 

When we talk about efficiency, we expect each component of the system to be working to its potential.  When boards begin delving into district operations, the efficiency of those responsible for various aspects of operations (buildings and grounds, food service, curriculum, etc.) can be dampened.  These leaders are sometimes unable to operate as quickly as necessary when board members involve themselves in micro-management.  In every high-functioning system, there is an element of trust that must be present.  By infusing board work into the operation level, that trust is questioned (whether intended or not).  In order for people to operate at maximum efficiency, micro-management needs to be kept at a minimum. 

Finally, school boards are part of democracy!  It is the way communities connect with public (publicly-funded) education.  When parents and neighbors speak highly of their schools, it is more likely that overall support for education will manifest itself by having families encouraging their children in school and becoming a part of the school community.  In such instances, the likelihood for increased student achievement is greatly increased.