Programs for Local Boards
Programs for boards of education are designed as opportunities for local boards to experience training as a team and are generally conducted in the members’ county. To discuss a program for your board, please contact Molly Young, Director of Board Development.
Board Retreats
MABE recommends boards conduct at least one retreat annually, and can provide a trained facilitator to help accomplish this goal. In addition to the following retreat topics, MABE is able to customize retreats to fit your board’s unique needs.
Key Work of School Boards
An in-depth study of the eight elements of the key work of school boards as identified by the National School Boards Association. Members will assess their own strengths and areas for growth, discuss the roles of the board and superintendent, and determine a focus for their own work.
Vision Building
Designed to explore the school system’s vision, mission, and core values. Topics include a discussion of the components of an effective vision and mission, elements of core values and their importance in school systems today.
Board Self Evaluation
Just as boards evaluate the superintendent, they also should evaluate themselves and the effectiveness of their performance as governors of the school system. Areas for self evaluation can include: instructional program; finance; board and superintendent relations; board performance/ operations; community, engagement and board meetings. This review can lead the board to identify its own goals as they relate to supporting the school system.
Board Operations
A comprehensive look at the roles and responsibilities of board members and the superintendent. Topics can include communication strategies, goal setting, methods for establishing a strong working relationship, and keeping student achievement at the forefront of decision making.
Team Building
Designed to examine the stages of team development and growth. Topics include a self assessment of the board and superintendent as a team, stages of group development, strategies for reaching success at each stage, understanding how personal style impacts communication, and strategies to strengthen the team.
Strategic Planning
Designed to develop or update a strategic plan. Elements include reviewing the school system’s mission and vision, an analysis of the current plan (if applicable), strengths and gaps in the school system, and identification of goal areas.
Master Board
Level I: Basic
This program is designed for boards with three or more new members, or boards desiring an opportunity to revisit some of the basics of good governance. It covers five major themes: Governance, Vision, Roles and Responsibilities, Communication, and Norms. Because board members are at different stages in their development, Level I: Basic will be adapted to the unique strengths and needs of each school board.
The Master Board Program, Level I, requires:
- Commitment to participation by the entire board and superintendent
- Five to six sessions to be conducted in the board’s home district held in conjunction with a board work session, a dinner meeting, or a retreat
- Attendance at a Boardsmanship Academy course, MABE conference, or session/seminar related to governance topics by each member, with topic and implications shared with their colleagues
- Pre- and post-assessments completed as a board
- Development of board goals
Program Cost: $2000. This includes all materials.
Level II: Advanced
This program is designed to refine school boards’ collective skills in the areas of team building, communication, problem solving, and decision making. The program responds to the desire of the board to learn as a team and address the challenges they face in their local school system.
Master Board courses are based on the eight action areas in the Key Work of School Boards. Courses utilize a variety of tools including surveys, simulations, and case studies that align with current issues. Content will be tailored to the needs and expectations of each board.
The Master Board Program, Level II, requires:
- Commitment to participation by the entire board
- Four to five sessions to be conducted in the board’s home district held in conjunction with a board work session, a dinner meeting, or a retreat
- Attendance at either one Board Service Academy course, MABE Annual Conference, or NSBA Convention by each board member
- Pre- and post-assessments completed as a board
- Development of board goals
Program Cost: $2000. This includes all materials.