I. Be yourself
A. Yourself as a professional
B. Find your own time
II. Do not try to be their friend
A. Treat all seven the same
B. Do not socialize after meetings!
III. Communication
A. First line is with Board President
B. Keep board informed at all times
C. Explain in detail situations
D. Have regular line of communication (ie) Superintendent's Update
IV. New Board Member Orientation
A. Establish a board orientation
B. Do before first meeting
C. Invite Board President
D. Opportunity for real success
V. Board Packets
A. Very organized
B. Easy to follow and understand
C. Use one page overviews followed by details
D. Superintendent is the leader or CEO (even at the meeting)
E. Keep your explanations to the point
VI. Superintendent as C.E.O.
A. Board makes policy and hires the
Superintendent
B. Act the part – Do not blame the board
C. Learn the art to board involvement
VII. Board conferences and dinner meeting
A. Be there
B. Know your role
- driver (yes maybe)
- resource
- introduce them
- make them look good
- thank them!
C. State conference
- Be organized
- Find out what board has expected
- Important tips (will be shared)
VIII. Be honest
A. Be honest at all times
B. Share your concerns (when possible)
IX. Give everyone else credit
A. Build up your staff
B. Make your board look good
X. Board elections
A. Stay out of election of officers
B. Way behind the scenes in election of members or appointments