““Superintendent/Board Superintendent/Board Relations - The Role of the Relations - The Role of the

Board Member”Board Member”

Presented byOscar O. Garcia - Board Member

Ben Bolt-Palito Blanco CISD HBLI Workshop

October 11, 2003San Antonio, Texas

Introduction• Studies show the role of the superintendent and of

the school board is critical to a school’s success.• Studies also show that the common factor found

in excellent schools throughout the nation is neither wealth, good facilities, or even a good staff; instead, the common factor is good leadership.– Others factors mentioned notwithstanding.

• As a board member you are part of the top leadership of your school district.– It is an enormous responsibility.– By virtue of being a board member, you have

accepted that responsibility.– You must demonstrate good leadership qualities

to be successful.

Introduction• The superintendent and the board team have the responsibility

of creating the learning and working environment of the district.• The roles are different in that mission, but you must always act

as a complete unit and team.– You must recognize how they complement each other.

• The superintendent is the CEO who handles the daily operations of the district.

• The board oversees the management of the district.– The roles and the lines must be clear.

• Each must do their own job and not overlap into the other’s.

• The team can breakdown when the roles get violated.• The district management can become unstable and the

instability can work its way down the district and out into the public.

• It can become a nightmare if it spills out into the public.

The Board Member’s Role• You have been entrusted by your voting constituency

to do what’s best for your schools and your students, for as long as you are on the board.

• Therefore, you must:– Honor that responsibility by attending all meetings

if, possible.– Learn your role by becoming a good board member.– Learn the issues, state your opinions, cast your

votes, and contribute.– Stay informed, stay involved, and know the pulse of

our community.– Always do what’s best for the students and the

district.– Demonstrate good leadership and professionalism

in your conduct.

Code of Ethics for Board MembersAs a member of the board, I shall promote the best interests of thedistrict as a whole and, to that end, shall adhere to the followingethical standards:

Equity in attitude• I will be fair, just, and impartial in all my decisions and actions.• I will accord others the respect I wish for myself.• I will encourage expressions of different opinions and listen with

an open mind to others’ ideas.Trustworthiness in stewardship• I will be accountable to the public by representing District policies,

programs, priorities, and progress accurately.• I will be responsive to the community by seeking its involvement

in district affairs and by communicating its priorities and concerns.

• I will work to ensure prudent and accountable use of district resources.

• I will make no personal promise or take private action that may compromise my performance or my responsibilities.

Code of Ethics for Board MembersHonor in conduct• I will tell the truth.• I will share my views while working for consensus.• I will respect the majority decision as the decision

of the Board.• I will base my decisions on fact rather than

supposition, opinion, or public favor.

Integrity of character• I will refuse to surrender judgment to any

individual or group at the expense of the district as a whole.

• I will consistently uphold all applicable laws, rules, policies, and governance procedures.

• I will not disclose information that is confidential by law, or that will needlessly harm the district if disclosed.

Code of Ethics for Board MembersCommitment to service• I will focus my attention on fulfilling the Board’s

responsibilities of goal setting, policymaking, and evaluation.

• I will diligently prepare for and attend Board meetings.

• I will avoid personal involvement in activities the Board has delegated to the Superintendent.

• I will seek continuing education that will enhance my ability to fulfill my duties effectively.

• Student-centered focus.• I will be continuously guided by what is best for

all students of the district.

The Four Most Important Functions of a School Board

1. Select a competent and established 1. Select a competent and established educationaleducational

leader as Superintendent of Schools.leader as Superintendent of Schools.

2. Approve a yearly school budget.2. Approve a yearly school budget.

3. Adopt a tax rate to support the school 3. Adopt a tax rate to support the school budget.budget.

4. Evaluate the Superintendent.4. Evaluate the Superintendent.

• Once your superintendent is selected, the following

must work to maintain a good working relationship*.

1. Open lines of communication.

2. Mutual trust.

3. An understanding between the two of you on what

you are trying to accomplish.

* Also applies if the superintendent is in place when you join the board.

Relationship with Your Superintendent

1. Encroaching on administrative duties, i.e. micromanaging.2. Not following board policy and the district’s chain of

command.3. Surprising the superintendent with new information at board meetings.4. Not following local policy when visiting schools. Board members should not be considered any different than school patrons or parents when visiting school campuses.

5. Bringing personal matters into school board meetings.

Trouble spots that school board members should avoid*

* By A. N. Vallado

The Dirty 32

6. Failing to keep executive sessions confidential (a violation of the Texas Open Meetings Act).

7. Harboring hidden agendas and then springing them on the superintendent and the rest of the board.

8. Coming to board meetings unprepared and wasting precious time.

9. Not willing to make the tough decisions and abstaining from voting on critical issues or sidestepping discussion on crucial matters.

10. Circumventing the administration with improper communication with the staff.11. Taking private action that compromises the school

system, the board, and the administration.

The Dirty 32 (cont’d)

12. Placing oneself in a position that presents a conflict of interest.13. Not listening to or ignoring constructive criticism; being insensitive to public concerns and often feeling offended when fairly criticized.14. Not willing to compromise.15. Not participating in the team and being a “team of one.” 16. Getting involved in the daily operations of the district; going beyond policy setting and actually managing the district, rather than “overseeing the management of it.”17. Taking action on administrative matters without the recommendation of the superintendent.

The Dirty 32 (cont’d)

18. Violating the Texas Open Meetings Act and discussing matters not on the agenda, and not observing proper executive session procedures.19. Observing the classrooms and “evaluating” teachers.20. Reassigning personnel without the recommendation of the superintendent.21. Making decisions (voting) in executive sessions and/or

illegal meetings that are not properly posted or not in compliance with posted requirements.22. Taking official action individually or taking action outside

the realm of a member of the board.

The Dirty 32 (cont’d)

23. Providing directions to the superintendent to make certain decisions and/or reprimanding personnel outside a duly called meeting.

24. Assuming power to take certain action on behalf of the board

without formal authorization.

25. Conducting an investigation (particularly the board president)

on one’s own despite the fact that the administration has

already investigated the matter in question.

26. Conducting business in board meetings that crosses over into

administrative areas.

The Dirty 32 (cont’d)

27. Requesting things/personal favors of the superintendent.28. Exerting pressure to influence decisions of the administrative staff; contacting school employees to influence them in certain recommendations or decisions.29. Communicating with administrators, principals, and/or teachers to acquire information and take concerns to the superintendent;

initiating a request for information rather than waiting for the information through proper channels.30. Conducting interviews of prospective employees. 31. Voting against

the superintendent’s recommendation and then substituting one’s own proposal.32. Using executive sessions for purposes other than those authorized

by law.

The Dirty 32 (cont’d)

Conclusion

Recognizing your role as a board member and accepting its responsibilities and duties is essential to your success, the success of your board, the success of your superintendent, and the success of your schools!

Final Advices• Make all meetings.• Be prompt and prepared.• Ask questions and get informed.• Make your vote, accept the outcome, and move

on.• Respect your fellow board team and

superintendent.• Be positive.• Be professional.• Be proud of yourself and your school district.• Always do what’s best for the students.