Setting the Stage for New Board Members

As school districts prepare for the upcoming annual meeting, new board members will begin their terms of office. Board members come to their position with varied life experiences as well as familiarity with school district operations. Some may have never served on a board in any capacity. Board members are mandated to undergo training in accordance with Education Law §2012-a in the areas of fiscal oversight, accountability, and fiduciary responsibilities. They also receive general training on the powers, functions and duties of school boards and other legal and administrative authorities affecting public education. A board member is required to complete this training within one (1) year of beginning a term in office. While this training is offered by local and state school board associations, each local school board should consider implementing a process to assist new members to become familiar with the practices and procedures unique to the district they serve.

Since new board members may not be able to complete the statewide mandated training prior to taking office, it is important that they have some knowledge of their role and familiarity with the district before taking office. Local boards of education and board leadership should consider sharing with new board members any board operational guidelines or best practices that are in effect. These typically address how board meetings are conducted and the behavioral expectations of all members. They often include protocols for the use of email as a means of communication by board members and information on how new board members can ask questions and obtain information.

The local school board leadership should consider sharing with new board members how meetings are conducted and what the meeting agenda typically entails. Making available past board meeting minutes and videos of earlier board meetings is a helpful tool to assist new board members in getting up to speed. Time should be taken to explain the purpose of each section of the board agenda so new members are familiar with related procedures and expectations.

New board of education members should also be directed to review all board policies applicable to board membership or board operations. District ethics or conflict of interest policies should be specifically reviewed with new members prior to taking office. District reports new members will receive in board packets should be explained, including all financial reports. Districts should consider having board members meet with various district department heads that typically present information to the board in order to provide a better understanding of the district’s chain of command and organizational structure.

New board members are called to digest a mountain of information in a brief period of time. Taking the time and opportunity over the next few months to assist new members with this transition will benefit them in their anticipated service to the District and students.