In this article, you will learn:
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The main governance models that school boards follow, and why they use them
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Why a policy-based governance model is effective for decision-making
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The core tools and practices needed for effective school board governance
As the key figures charged with governing the local school district, each school board is entrusted with a great responsibility within the community. Holding to a school board governance model supports the board in effectively and efficiently carrying out their duties. For public governing bodies, governance refers to processes of regulation, organization and management. This means school boards function very differently than those in the corporate or non-profit sectors. It is important to note that school boards are designed to be governing boards, not management boards. Although school boards provide oversight in the management of the superintendent, the school board's goal is to serve as reflective representatives of the public's interest. School boards also function under various federal statutes, state laws, administrative codes and local policies. These laws and policies govern the work of the school board. It is imperative that school boards stay abreast of these policies and regulations and how they may impact the school board's actions.
School Board Governance Models
School board governance is seen as a unique system or form of ownership, rather than a way of management. The school board is more connected with the needs of their constituents, the general public. Meaning, the school board does not exist to run the local public school system, but to govern the individuals that do. The school board provides limits or margins of acceptability, within which the superintendent and staff are permitted autonomy. This provides the opportunity for imagination and innovation. Meaning, the school board tells the superintendent how not to operate rather than how to operate. There are four main school board governance models that most public school boards follow: operational, managerial, traditional and policy model. In one study, approximately two-thirds (61.32%) of school board members surveyed reported that they applied the policy model for decision making. Approximately one-third of respondents (30.66%) reported that the traditional model best described their board governance process. Based on that information, we will discuss the policy model of governance and what board members should be aware of when applying a school board governance model.Policy-Based School Board Governance Model
With the policy-based school board governance model, the board governs through policies that establish organizational goals, governance methods or processes, and management restrictions or limitations, and define the board/superintendent relationship. The superintendent may have autonomy to determine the method or process that will be implemented to achieve organizational goals or objectives. In this school board governance model, the superintendent reports to and is managed by the board. The school board does not compete with administrators or the superintendent in managing or administrating the schools. The school board's job is to represent the interests and goals of the community and to oversee the superintendent, who carries out the duties associated with achieving those goals. With the board serving in this role through the policy-based school board governance model, they take on the difficult responsibility of determining what goals should be tackled and setting the boundaries of ethics and prudence within which the system will function. Then, staff perform tasks to run the system. Keep in mind that there is limited information involving the analysis and testing of some of these models as to their effectiveness in school board governance, particularly when it comes to the traditional and the policy school board governance models. However, implementing a school board governance model provides organization and efficiency in the governing of the public school system by the board.Utilizing Tools for School Board Governance
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Security
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Training
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Manage Meetings
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Monitor and Measure Progress
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Transparency
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