Chapter 1The chairman as a leader

What are the characteristics of a leader?

• Prepare a list of characteristics;

• As a group, post at least 5;

• As a group, which characteristic ranked the highest?

Why were you elected as chairman?

What are the characteristics of a good chairman?

Characteristics of a good chairman:

• Control a meeting

• Deal diplomatically with a variety of malcontents

• Be articulate on school matters

Characteristics of a good chairman:

•Set the tone and shape the public’s perception of the school board

•Possess a personality that constituents can relate to

•Serve as a peacemaker during board meetings

Characteristics of a good chairman:

• Subordinate his personal views and represent those of the collective board

• Communicate with the news media effectively

Characteristics of a good chairman:

• Avoid playing members against each other

• Be a leader, but not be so far ahead as to appear to abandon the other board members or their interests

A Board should expect its chairman to:

• Serve as a model for the rest of the board

• Keep other board members informed

• Direct everything through the proper channels

• Help the board distinguish between policy and administrative procedures

• Preside over meetings with dignity and fairness

A Board should expect its chairman to:

• Rally the troops!

• Keep meetings moving

• Know when more time is needed on an issue

• Bring each item to closure

• State the issue before the board immediately before a vote

A Board should expect its chairman to:

• Announce results of all votes;

• Declare discussion out of order when necessary;

• Remember only members are legally empowered to make school policy decisions; and,

• Encourage the superintendent to come to you with any problems

A Board should expect its chairman to:

• Call for superintendent’s recommendation for action items on the agenda

• Promote continuous development of the board

• Ensure that the board uses its time wisely

• Control involvement of non-board members

• Eliminate inappropriate action by board members

Essentials of board leadership:

The board leads in a single direction… The board leads in a single direction…

or it doesn’t lead at all.or it doesn’t lead at all.

Essentials of board leadership:

Excellence in the classroom begins in the boardroom.

Essentials of board leadership:

Plan time to focus on the school board.

See page 1.8

Specific ways to lead your board to become more effective

• The Board Meeting

• The Facility

• Board Operations

School board chairman & leadership

What do you want the school board to accomplish during your leadership as

chairman?See page 1.9

Discussion