The Benefits of Board Collaboration Software

Lena Eisenstein
5 min read
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Board collaboration software exists to simplify some of the work being done by the school board and to support the board in various ways. Leveraging board collaboration software, like BoardDocs, a Diligent brand, school boards can operate more effectively and efficiently. Employing this type of tool supports the board's focus on the needs of the district and student success.

Great resources can support boards into accomplishing great work. Utilizing an organized and effectual board collaboration software will make a difference in the work that your school board is able to achieve. Board collaboration software streamlines a lot of the tedious work being done by board members and administrators, and the benefits can range from communication to access to security, and more.
1. Quickly Access Important Board Information
Board collaboration software should make it easier to share and access pertinent board information. Meeting agendas, past meeting minutes, policy manuals, strategic plans, goal information and orientation or training resources are all significant materials related to board functions.

Utilizing BoardDocs, a cloud-based board collaboration software, school board members can easily upload, share, and access all of these vital documents. Meeting agendas can follow a guided template in the platform, meaning agendas can be shared more easily and quickly. Documents needed for board meetings can be uploaded and linked to the meeting agenda for access by board members, administrators, and attendees.

Meeting minutes are often time-consuming, but with board collaboration software your school board meeting minutes can be effortlessly tracked and adjusted. Paperless board collaboration software allows the school board to utilize both automated and manual capabilities to construct meeting minutes, which can then be easily distributed for approval at future meetings. Board members can add notations to meeting agendas or minutes through BoardDocs, for personal comments or reminders.

School boards are governed by state, federal, and local regulations. Having simple and fast access to policy manuals regarding board governance sets the board up for success. Board members and administrators can continuously be aware of the laws and policies that can impact the actions taken by the board.

Board member education is vital to board member development. Policies and regulations change and the needs of the community may shift. Depending on your state or district, it may be required for school board members to attend an orientation and subsequent required training sessions.

Through board collaboration software, board members can set up trainings as 'events' for board members on their profile. Documents related to board member training can also be shared for continuous access and referral.
2. Streamline Administration
Communication is the cornerstone of collaborative work among school board members and administrators. Using board collaboration software to provide a secure messaging system, school boards can encourage open communication to support the work done by the board and administrators.

Teams work more effectively when all of the members have access to the information they need, when they need it, in a format that works for them. Knowing that all board members have access to relevant documents will set the board up for success in efficiency and effectiveness. Board collaboration software is a helpful tool in ensuring that school board members have access to what they need to be successful.

BoardDocs has a Library feature where all board-related documents are featured and easily accessible. Board members can search by keyword to find related agendas, meeting minutes, and other supporting materials. These materials are also updated in real-time from any phone, tablet, or computer; ensuring that you have the most current information.

Not only should administration be streamlined in basic and simple access to board-related materials or documents, but also in the direct work being done by the board. BoardDocs allows board members to submit electronic votes in real time. Utilizing this capability assists in the development of accurate meeting minutes and records.

The work being done by the board through their strategic plan can also be followed and measured through board collaboration software. An ideal software should feature goal-tracking capabilities.

With BoardDocs, school boards can establish and outline their goals, set up a matrix to measure the goals through tasks accomplished, and share goal progress. This feature could even be used in other ways, like preparing for a superintendent's evaluation or by the superintendent when working with staff on projects or other objectives.
3. Access to Information
Security is fundamental and important to school board governance. BoardDocs enables school boards and administrators to establish custom privacy settings regarding board materials. Whether it be related to proposals, spending, or a superintendent's evaluation, the school board can set specific information to only be viewed by board members or administrators.

On the other hand, it is also imperative and crucial to promote transparency and trust within the community that the school board represents and serves. School boards can leverage board collaboration software to keep the public updated on the work being done by the school board.

Agendas, meeting minutes, and other related documents can all be made available to the public, which may be required by your state's Sunshine Laws. Additionally, the school board can share goal-tracking information.

Whether it be the actions taken toward completing a goal or the strategic plan, board members can share these updates via e-mail or social media through BoardDocs, which simplifies the sharing process. Various features within BoardDocs showcase a 'Public' setting, where board members can inform the public of what is being accomplished regarding various projects, goals, or issues.

When selecting a board collaboration software for your school board, it is important to look at all of the services, features, and support offered through the software. Is it organized and user-friendly? How can the features of the software impact the work our board is accomplishing? What security or privacy customizations are available?

BoardDocs' paperless and cloud-based services provide board collaboration software for user collaboration and customization. Utilizing tools, like those that BoardDocs features, can save school boards time, money, and energy ' all of which can be wasted on accomplishing tasks that are imperative to board function, but could be simplified with the right technology. Board collaboration software is a resource to be utilized by the school board to maintain focus on student achievement.