School Board Governance - Vision and Mission -- Student Performance

The framework for school board policy governance without a question has a direct correlation of student achievement and providing a vision/mission for school districts.  The saying of "Excellence in the classroom starts with excellence in the board room" has been shared and tossed around in our class.  Through our discussions, class reading and various books it is evident that this statement is true and the most effective schools live by this philosophy.

The District Administrator has a huge role is making this statement come to life in a school district.  The District administrator first off has to educate the board to their roles as board members and keep them focused on the policies.  The District Administrator then should begin the process of community involvement. This will allow the community to have a voice in what they want for their school, buildings, expectations etc... School Board Governance has a direct influence on the climate and culture of the school district by setting goals for the school district.  The ability to set high expectations for all district leaders to implement and instill in their buildings along with having a strategic plan in place will have a direct affect on student achievement.

The Policy Governance process allows district leaders to lead effectively and keeps board members focusing on what their roles and not micromanaging the school.  This allows everyone to do their jobs and do them much more effectively.   An effective school district ideally will live in all five areas of community engagement, policy governance, strategic planning, deployment of the plan, and focusing on results.  A school that can live in all areas is much stronger than ones that don't, however it is very difficult to live in all areas equally so you will see schools visiting some areas and living in others more frequently.  I also see each district as being different in which areas they will ultimately live in based on the dynamics of their board, community and the current issues the district faces.