The approaching first days of spring can bring a sense of renewed energy and optimism to local educational agency students, staff and leadership. Boards can bring that optimism and energy to the superintendent evaluation at the mid-year check-in — a crucial step in the process. It gives the superintendent an opportunity to report progress toward goals, share successes, explain challenges and unexpected barriers, and seek trustee perspective. It gives the board a chance to celebrate early wins, provide feedback on the superintendent’s efforts and encourage the superintendent’s work going forward. For both the superintendent and the board, this is a key moment for continuing to build trust and improving the board-superintendent relationship.

The following are reflection points for individual trustees:

• How can I best prepare for the check-in? Board members should review the established goals and metrics in advance to be prepared for the discussion.
• Am I open to the idea that some priorities may have shifted since we set performance goals in the fall? Trustees should reflect on the district’s experience over the last few months and if any unexpected events required the superintendent’s time and attention.

The following are questions for the board as a whole to consider:

• Have we designated enough time? A high-quality evaluation process is at the core of the board’s governance work. The board should ensure the mid-point check-in is scheduled, with timely notification to board members so each trustee can provide thoughtful input.
• Are we staying focused? The board may wish to be careful about “scope creep” and carefully balance raising small concerns to prevent them from growing into major issues with the importance of keeping the superintendent focused on established goals.
• In retrospect, is it possible we did not give the superintendent adequate support? Consider if the superintendent has taken on more duties or if circumstances outside of their control is affecting their ability to reach goals.The mid-point check-in is an opportunity for the board to extend trust by asking: “What do you need from the board?”

CSBA resources

Key Points Relating to Superintendent Evaluation (SE) provides a high-level overview of the SE process. It includes a range of recommended steps and strategies to ensure the board provides their superintendent with a collective determination about the superintendent’s performance. csba.pub/key-points-supe-eval

Governance Consulting Services can provide facilitated guidance for this process. More than a dozen districts contracted with CSBA for this support so far in 2026. csba.pub/GCS

Masters in Governance Course 4A: Human Resources provides a deep dive on the superintendent evaluation process and the board’s responsibility for establishing a framework for evaluation. csba.org/TrainingAndEvents