The November General Election will bring change to many school boards. Newly elected board members will likely bring new ideas and fresh energy to the board’s work. At the same time, new trustees will need strong support to learn how the board operates. They will have many questions, some of which may include:

• When and where are board meetings?
• How is the agenda created and how do I submit ideas?
• How will I get the agenda materials?
• What if I have questions?

In some cases, new trustees may not even know essential questions to ask, like:

• What are the roles and terms of officers?
• What are the board’s adopted values?
• What are the procedures (rules of order) for making motions at meetings?
• Where are the board bylaws and district policies?

A written onboarding process is essential in helping new members understand their roles and responsibilities. This onboarding process will likely take weeks if not months — because there is a lot to absorb. School governance is complicated.

Key initial documents that should be shared with new board members as soon as possible include the board bylaws that govern board operations; the governance handbook, which is the board’s written agreements that clarify a range of topics that include board values, culture, communication and procedures; and the governance calendar, which lays out the board’s governance work month by month.

The following items represent ideal times and resources to orient new board members.

Orientation meetings: A series of meetings with the superintendent, board president and executive assistant to review key documents, answer questions and, most importantly, to make the trustee feel welcomed.

A mentor: If possible, pairing a new trustee with an experienced board member can be an effective way to support newly elected board members. A mentor can answer questions, provide background on issues, offer historical context, explain processes and offer suggestions on how to prepare for meetings.

A board retreat: Boards know that turnover in board seats is an opportunity to re-establish the team’s core agreements — particularly in the areas of values and priorities. New trustees will want to have confidence that their ideas and interests are part of the board’s common ground. CSBA’s Governance Consulting Services offers facilitated conversations tailored for the needs of governance teams with new members or superintendents.

These key learning opportunities will help new board members get up to speed quickly by equipping them with the knowledge needed to engage confidently in board discussions and navigate the complexities of their role. When trustees feel confident and informed, they can make decisions that reflect the district’s needs and contribute to a positive educational environment for all students.

The election is just around the corner. Get ahead of the curve by planning a thoughtful onboarding process that ensures new trustees feel welcomed, prepared, confident and ready to contribute meaningfully to the board’s work, ensuring their role directly supports student success.