Board member training tips?

[Paul Haggett]

Hello!

Does anyone have any tips or tricks for getting board members to sign up for/participate in NYSSBA or regional association training sessions?  We have a new superintendent and four members of my board who have never participated in a superintendent evaluation, but only two have agreed to take part in the upcoming live virtual workshop.  I have tried making the argument that we can all use a refresher and with a new superintendent to evaluate, now is a perfect time.  Any suggestions for persuading reluctant board members to do training that they seemingly are not interested in?  

Paul Haggett

 

[Cliff Johnston]

Hi Paul, I am a new Board President and a new Board member as well. While we don't have experience with this yet, next week we invited another Superintendent and Board President from a neighboring district to explain to us and give the example what they are doing for Super eval and a self board eval. It's just another option, I'll let you know how it goes!

[Vanessa Warren]

I have been in service for 24 years. 20 years as an officer. The trainings have been so valuable is having successful board relationships and growing and learning in an ever changing field. I take every free webinar offered and many of the more in-depth offerings. I share what I can and try to do it in a way the other members are curious about the experience and the value of the time spent. I learned the hard way with one board long ago that you can lead the horse to water but getting them to drink is sometimes an art form. But I also realize that I am fortunate that my work and family situation structure offers me the luxury of the time needed to pursue training and others may not have that and sharing is a necessary thing.
I also believe a solid and highly communicative relationship among board members makes the conversation and logistics of training and sharing information a much easier job.

[Ed Fersch]

Hi Paul, One thing that has worked for us is to bring the training to the district. The NYSSBA leadership development team runs some very useful custom board retreats (and no, I am not getting paid for that endorsement).

[Melinda Leising]

we have a new superintendent and last year was my first as president so I took the virtual workshop. No one else from the board did but I shared my learnings and handouts with the rest of the board (so you should consider getting 2 to take the training with you as success!). Maybe if you and the other two share what you learned, those who don’t attend can review the materials and hopefully get on the same page. I got 100% participation from board members in reviewing our superintendent through SuperEval. Some had more thoughtful input than others but I considered it a good start.

[Dr Lynnda Nadien]

The trainings are so valuable bc as board members we never stop learning- you need to remind members that they will be much more effective and well rounded in the decision making process by receiving informative trainings and workshops! Board members receive points for participation and earn board mastery awards! This enables the board to be at the forefront of the work! Never stop learning or getting better! Go for the GOLD!