The Governance Corner in the October 2025 issue of California School News made the case that boards must model the behavior they expect from others, including modeling continuous improvement. What are some practical tips for achieving that?

Taking online or in-person courses, particularly when board members have an opportunity to talk about challenges with their colleagues, is very beneficial. However, it’s no secret one of the challenges trustees often face is enough time as they already dedicate a considerable number of hours to their governance responsibilities.

So how can school boards overcome the challenge of time in pursuing board development? One answer lies in research on teacher professional development. Educators know that good professional development is highly effective when it is embedded in the life of the work. For boards, this would mean finding time during board meetings for development.

That sounds difficult, but it needn’t be. Setting aside just 15 to 20 minutes for board members to discuss an article relevant to their work that they’ve read can be highly effective. One valuable resource to consider is The School Board Role in Creating the Conditions for Student Achievement. This report from CSBA’s Research and Education Policy Development Department provides an excellent opportunity for the board to demonstrate that it is serious about improving board effectiveness and staying focused on student achievement.

The agenda item is easily crafted:

The board can build credibility with the public and staff by demonstrating a commitment to improving both student achievement and board effectiveness. Board credibility will build and sustain trust within the organization and within the community at large because it makes the board’s intent clear.