Divided Boards and Dissension

Board-Savvy Superintendent

The increase in political polarization, dissension and arguments over pandemic mitigation strategies and rude behavior by some board of education members is making it hard for school districts to govern their operations effectively. It’s tied to wider disruptions to civil dis-course across society by loud community factions, and it’s truly disturbing.

Superintendents are struggling with these conditions when working with their boards.

Based on my 17 years in the superintendency and my observations of others in the profession, I have some thoughts about possible leadership responses.