Learning to Ask, ‘Is This the Will of the Board?’

BOARD-SAVVY SUPERINTENDENT

Superintendents who work well with school boards have learned to ask the question, “Is this the will of the board?” They ask themselves this question, and sometimes they ask board members. Research into what boards consider when evaluating a superintendent lends the serendipitous finding that a key to effective superintendent/board relationships is learning to ask just that.

As a new school board member, I was full of ideas. With three children in the district in various grade levels, I had noticed opportunities for improvement. My ideas included testing the chicken nuggets for nutritional value, purchasing new middle school basketball uniforms and starting high school later. After substitute teaching in the district and as an engaged citizen, my presence on the school board was a cause for consternation. Making matters worse, my board members also had a lot of ideas. Each of us wanted to promote our ideas and feel we were making a difference.

This is not uncommon. Whether veteran or newly elected, school board members bring their ideas, suggestions and sometimes demands. Navigating this with a five- or seven-member board can be challenging for any superintendent but especially for new and first-time superintendents. When an individual or pair of board members present their ideas, assess the level of interest, and sometimes ask, “Is this the will of the board?”