"An empathetic but hard-hitting book about effective school boardleadership. It should be required reading for superintendents,school board members, and all elected leaders."
--Anne L. Bryant, executive director, National School BoardsAssociation
"The chances for providing an even better education for studentsincreases geometrically when school boards and superintendents worktogether in common purpose. This book can help build the capacityof boards to support district-level improvement with wisegovernance and leadership."
--Paul Houston, executive director, American Association of SchoolAdministrators
School boards are under fire and overworked, but they are here tostay. Here is a practical guide to improving their operation.Filled with real-life examples of sound board action, EffectiveSchool Boards presents a useful model for boards who want to make adifference in improving education and leading wisely. In this book,Eugene Smoley analyzes information received from extensiveinterviews with school board members about the key elements ofhighly functional boards and offers advice and insights to helpboards make better decisions, act collaboratively, relate to theircommunities, and plan strategically. He outlines three stages ofboard improvement--self-assessment, monitoring, anddevelopment--highlighting how boards can partner with districtsuperintendents to lead change. Practical tools for improvementinclude a self-evaluation questionnaire, a sample format forretreats and conferences, and concrete suggestions to assist schoolboard members, superintendents, concerned citizens, businessleaders, foundations, and anyone who cares about how today'sschools are governed.
This book is written from the unique perspective of school board members who lead and serve districts of all sizes-urban, suburban, and rural.
2009 Notable Education Book, American School Board Journal The Essential School Board Book highlights effective practices that are common to high-functioning boards around the country--boards that are working successfully with...
This book arises out of a critical need for a better understanding of school boards and the development of helpful tools and guidelines for school board members.
Newly revised in 2020, NSBA's Key Work of School Boards framework identifies the core skills that effective boards need to ensure that all students achieve at high levels through excellence in governance.
This book is well worth the time of every current and aspiring superintendent and school board member!" -Anne Bryant, Executive Director, National School Boards Association "This book is a useful tool in building district governance teams.
If board meetings are something you simply "get through" so you can get on with your "real" work, this book is a must.
Steve Webb has served as superintendent of the district for 11 years. He was the 2016 Washington State Superintendent of the Year and was one of four finalists for the 2016 National Superintendent of the Year. Under his administration ...
While the overwhelming majority of school board members have good motives, even people who mean well can make bad moves. This book shows how to prevent good intentions from creating bad outcomes.
David T. Conley, professor of Educational Policy and Leadership at the University of Oregon, expressed this sentiment best when he wrote in his book, Who Governs Our Schools? Changing Roles and Responsibilities, “Almost every state has ...
Contributors to the volume include Edward A. Holdaway and Anthony Genge; Derek J. Allison, Patricia A. Allison, and Helen A. McHenry; Kenneth Leithwood and Roseanne Steinbach; Frances Wills and Kent Peterson; Joseph Murphy; Richard G. ...