Volume 1, Issue 4
August , 2002
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Special points of interest:
Board members wear three hats (Know when to wear each of them):
Board Member
Wear this hat only when, after appropriate notice, a quorum is present and
proper policies are being followed. You may wear this hat when in committee
doing work for the board. The board chair manages the board when members are
wearing this hat. The school head administrator is this group's agent to implement
its policies.
Implementer
Once in a while a board standing policy delegates authority to a committee
or an individual trustee to actually carry out policy (example-serve on a
task force; select an auditor). The board member should not act beyond this
standing policy.
Volunteer
Wear this hat at all other times, normally when you are interacting with staff,
attending organization functions, advising the head administrator on matters
of personal interest, etc. No individual has authority of the board when
wearing this hat.
Additional Resource:
Christian School Board
Leadership… A Framework for Effective Governance
- published by ACSI , 1999.
Quote:
I am often asked by school boards, "How much does it cost
to get a good administrator?" My answer is always the same- "Not
nearly as much as a bad one!"
Paul E. Young
The creation
of this newsletter is a fulfillment of a commitment to give back to the
Christian school movement. So many have invested time and energy into
my life. My desire is to provide an avenue for older, more experienced
administrators to offer mentoring opportunities for those young struggling
administrators who desire to make a difference. My desire is to make this
forum practical and beneficial. Let us know the issues you want to discuss.
I'll find someone to tackle the issue with you.
Visit our website at www.christianschooladmin.com
Paul E. Young
We're on the WEB www.ffna1.com
Free newsletter e-mailed each month
Printable Version (PDF format)
Understanding the Role of the Board of Trustees-Governance
The role of the board of trustee is best understood when
each board member realizes that the board must speak with "one voice."
This means that you, as a board member, have the authority to speak in
your governance capacity only when attending an official board meeting.
As an individual you bring much to the table. Your experiences, your leadership
ability and your expertise and wisdom in a given area are valuable assets,
but your contribution must be as part of the whole. When the board speaks
it must speak with "one voice" rather than multiple voices of
the individual members. Does that mean there cannot be differing opinions
and individual preferences? Absolutely not! Debate and discussion are
vital to the life of every organization. Your input is important, but
the board must come to consensus on every issue. Here, consensus means
that everyone present feels comfortable calling for the vote because he
or she have had a fair chance to voice their position. Consensus is the
"one voice" that establishes policy that guides the institution.
Consensus is the "one voice" (policy) that is communicated and
implemented by the school head to the parents and employees. Does this
mean you will have 100% agreement on every issue? Once again the answer
is no! It does not mean that at all. It does mean that each board member
must yield to the majority. Remember, you are a board member when you
are attending a called meeting - all other times you are a volunteer.
The board sets the policies; the head administrator implements the policies.
Web Sites
- Power Point Seminar for Board Training: christianschooladmin.com/powerpoint/Seminar Board Leadership.htm
- Consultant For Board Training: Dr. Phil Graybeal - www.graybeal.org
- Christian School Administrator Coach: Clark Stephens- www.administratorcoach.com/
Functions of the Christian School Board
- Determine the mission and core values (put in writing, review, and hold the school to them)
- Maintain board standing policies on all aspects of governance (compiled in one constantly updated document)
- Select a Head Administrator and hold that individual accountable to policies
- Ensure financial solvency and integrity (set wise financial policies; model personal giving; assist as volunteers)
- Require Periodic External Audits
- Encourage/nurture the head administrator (primarily through good policies, fair compensation, show of support)
- Serve as "Final Court of Appeals" for unresolved conflicts (seldom needed; most are handled by the staff; but this could prevent lawsuits)
- Evaluate and improve itself as the Governing Board (evaluate board
effectiveness; study and be trained; change as needed)
Robert Andring
www.christianschooladmin.com is a service of Family Financial Needs Assessment- http://www.ffna1.com/
Sign-up at
www.christianschooladmin.com
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Christian school leaders
|
John Carver |
Ways the Board Can Support Their Head
Administrator
As compiled by Dr. Phil Graybeal of Graybeal and Associates,
LLC
In March 2002, I met with a group of two dozen administrators from large Christian schools around the country and asked them about their relationship with their board. Below is a list of "finish the sentence" responses to -
"I would appreciate it if my board members..."
- Gave me a friendly call from time to time just to check in and see how I'm doing.
- Took me to breakfast or lunch now and then.
- Prayed for me.
- Provided a listening ear when I needed it.
- Sat with me at church or at a school function--especially after I have had to make a difficult decision that was unpopular with many.
- Saw to it that I received ample retirement benefits.
- Found a way to remain up-to-date with information regarding headmaster salaries and benefits in the region and led the board in keeping mine at least competitive.
- Remembered my birthday in some way.
- Remembered my anniversary and did something for us as a couple.
- Took the initiative to be sufficiently aware of budget matters that might allow for me to receive bonus options when appropriate.
- Just asked me the questions "What do you need?" and "What can we do for you?" because they appreciate me and want to keep me around.
- Would stop by the office and pray with me.
- Established a "Head's Welfare Committee" of the board with the responsibility of seeing that the board's only employee was well cared for in all appropriate aspects.
- Knew my spouse's name and the names of my children.
- Came by the office on my first day on the job to pray with me that God would bless my ministry.
- Provided the funds for me to pay for good long-term disability insurance.
- Expressed appreciation (verbal, gift certificates, etc.) in such a way that my spouse received the blessing as well.
- Encouraged me to think outside the box in accomplishing what God has called me to do.
- Gave nice cash gifts at noteworthy ministry milestones.
- Provided all-expenses-paid surprise weekend away with spouse after a time of special productivity or challenge.
- Cared enough about growing as board members that they would take the
initiative to attend worthwhile board training sessions.
Participate in the forum that is available at www.christianschooladmin.com. Sign on today and post the issue you would like to have discussed.
P.O.
Box 488
Hernando, MS 38632-0488
Phone: 662-429-3473
Fax: 662-429-8500
Email: pyoung@midsouth.rr.com
