CSBA offers essential governance training for newly elected school board members

Start new trustees off on the right foot with a strong governance foundation

The Nov. 6 General Election saw California preparing for a significant turnover in school governance, with 2,339 seats up for election — nearly half of all board of education positions across the state. To meet the need for effective governance, CSBA is providing essential training for new trustees.

The importance of governance training

California’s newly elected board members bring diverse perspectives, backgrounds and experiences to their roles. However, many step into these positions without fully understanding the laws, processes and priorities essential for effective governance. Governance training ensures that trustees can collaborate with their board presidents, superintendents and fellow board members to navigate the complexities of public education and fulfill their roles effectively.

Getting started: Orientation for New Trustees

CSBA’s Orientation for New Trustees provides the foundation every new board member needs to understand factors impacting student success in their districts and statewide; clarify the roles and responsibilities of board members and superintendents; foster a positive and collaborative governance culture; promote diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility; and utilize CSBA’s resources and supportive structures effectively.

The program introduces trustees to the four pillars of governance: unity of purpose, understanding roles and responsibilities, norms and positive governance culture and supportive structures.

A fundamental aspect of good governance is understanding the distinction between governance and management. Trustees are responsible for setting the district’s vision, goals and policies, while superintendents and their staff are responsible for day-to-day management. When board members overstep these boundaries, it can lead to confusion, operational disruptions and poor decision-making.

Newly elected trustees should check out CSBA’s training calendar (www.csba.org/training) for the next session of this interactive and engaging training that will kickstart ongoing learning and development.

Ethics and compliance training

CSBA’s training continuum includes Assembly Bill 2158 Ethics training, a course that fulfills a new legal requirement for local agency officials, including school board members. This training emphasizes the importance of transparency, accountability and ethical conduct, ensuring trustees understand their obligations under California’s conflict-of-interest laws.

Moreover, the Brown Act’s principles of open meetings are critical for maintaining public trust. While the law may seem straightforward, its application is nuanced. CSBA’s Brown Act training helps members understand the intricacies of the law.

Fostering a collaborative governance culture

Each new trustee or superintendent impacts the governance team’s culture. CSBA provides consultants to assist and guide boards through these changes to maintain a strong foundation for effective governance. The Good Beginnings Workshop, for instance, is designed to help school board teams navigate transitions and align vision, roles and expectations.

Continue the governance training journey with CSBA

With Orientation for New Trustees as their foundation, trustees will progress to the CSBA’s Masters in Governance^® training, available in person and online. This comprehensive program covers critical topics such as student learning and achievement, policy and judicial roles, finance, collective bargaining and human resources. Each module is designed to enhance and empower trustees’ ability to make informed decisions that improve student outcomes.

As California prepares for a significant turnover in school board leadership, governance training for new trustees is urgent and essential. Starting with the Orientation for New Trustees, CSBA assists, supports and guides board members throughout their journey as elected officials. Better boards make better decisions — producing better outcomes for California’s children.