Implementing Policy Governance

Hey --- The discussion board has been giving me fits and won't allow me to post this so I am putting it on my blog.... thanks

                                            Implementing Policy Governance

In the process of moving a district/school board toward policy governance the first and most important aspect is developing a level of trust with all board members.  Building strong relationships will only enhance and improve your chances of moving the district towards this process and allow administration to run the day to day operations of the school.  The governance process will then allow the board to focus on policies. 

 

Once when trust is established, the process educating the board members can begin.  There are a couple ways a district administrator can educate the board. One is to work closely with the board president and hold board retreats to professionally develop about the concepts and/or hire an outside agency to come in and assist the district administrator in the education process. 

 

Next step is the District Administrator must communicate with the board about what is working well and in what areas that need improvement.  When situations or problems arise communication is the key to working through these problems.  This entire process takes a lot of work and all stakeholders working together.  

 

The third step is to hold regular board retreats to review the policy governance process and also educate any new board members that happen to be appointed or elected.  In the event that new board members are running for a seat the District Administrator should meet with them prior to getting elected so they have a better understanding of how the board works and the responsibilities of the board.