The vital importance of governance team relationships

BoardWise

by Chris Norwood, Mike Walsh and Sepideh Yeoh

Boardwise is a forum for board members and superintendents across the state to share questions about governance and board–superintendent relations. Send your questions to boardwise@csba.org. Have governance team questions that require personal attention? Reach out to CSBA for a customized Governance Consulting Workshop with our experts at gcs@csba.org

n the complex landscape of public education, relationships within governance teams — especially between superintendents and their boards — are foundational to a district or county office of education’s (COE) success.

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Understanding the differences in roles and responsibilities between district and COE governance teams is crucial, as these distinctions shape decisions and how effectively educational goals are achieved. Additionally, strong communication, adherence to the Education Code and state regulations, and a commitment to equitable budget decisions are all critical to the success of these governance teams.

Distinctions in roles and responsibilities

One of the primary differences between district and COE governance teams lies in the scope and nature of their responsibilities. District school boards primarily focus on the direct oversight of schools within their district, which includes setting policies, approving budgets and evaluating the superintendent. The superintendent, acting as the district’s CEO, is tasked with implementing these policies, managing daily operations and ensuring the success of every student. The relationship between the board and the superintendent is essential to translate the board’s vision into actionable strategies, requiring a solid alignment of goals and open communication.

On the other hand, COE governance teams have a broader mandate. County superintendents, who are elected in all but five of 58 counties, are responsible for ensuring compliance with state regulations, supporting school districts within the county and advocating for educational equity. COE boards, meanwhile, have a significant role in making decisions that impact countywide educational policies, overseeing budget allocations serving as an appellate board for local district decisions and serving as the governing board for county office-run schools. Their governance role is unique in balancing direct oversight with broader support functions, often requiring a deep understanding of diverse district needs and statewide educational priorities.

Clarity in roles and responsibilities

The need for clarity in roles and responsibilities within governance teams cannot be overstated. This means understanding the fine line between governance and management for district school boards. Board members must focus on setting the district’s vision, goals and policies, leaving the day-to-day operations to the superintendent and their staff. When board members overstep into management, it can create confusion, disrupt operations and strain the board-superintendent relationship.

For COE boards, clarity is equally important but more complex due to the dual nature of their role. They must ensure that their oversight does not impede the superintendent’s ability to support districts while advocating for countywide educational needs. This requires a governance team that is both cohesive and capable of strategic thinking, ensuring that the superintendent’s initiatives align with the board’s priorities and the unique needs of the county’s diverse student population.

Communication and compliance

Effective communication is the backbone of successful governance. For district boards, this means maintaining regular, transparent dialogue with the superintendent to understand the district’s challenges and opportunities. For county boards, communication is even more critical given the broader scope of their responsibilities, requiring coordination within the board, with the superintendent and with multiple districts and state agencies.

Compliance with Education Code and state regulations is another pillar of effective governance. Both district and COE governance teams must ensure their decisions adhere to legal requirements, protect the organization from legal challenges and allocate resources fairly and equitably. For county boards, this compliance is vital as it links the state and local districts, ensuring state regulations are implemented effectively across the county.

Equitable budget decisions and student success

At the heart of every governance team’s mission is the success of all students. Making budget decisions that are equitable and focused on student success is a vital responsibility of both district and COE boards. For district boards, this involves allocating resources in a way that addresses the needs of all students, particularly those from marginalized communities. For county boards, the challenge is even more significant, as they must balance the needs of multiple districts while ensuring that countywide initiatives are funded adequately.

Equity in budget decisions means more than equal distribution of funds; it requires a thoughtful approach, considering the unique challenges different student populations face. Whether it’s ensuring that students with disabilities have the necessary support or that schools in underserved areas receive additional resources, governance teams must prioritize decisions that enhance educational opportunities for every student.

Building strong relationships for success

Strong relationships are the foundation for effective governance in both district and COE governance teams. Research consistently shows that student achievement improves when superintendents and boards work together in a collaborative, trusting relationship. For COEs, this relationship extends beyond the boardroom, influencing the organization’s ability to advocate for students at the state level and ensuring that countywide initiatives are successful.

Clarity in roles and responsibilities, effective communication, compliance with legal requirements and a focus on equitable budget decisions are essential for successful governance teams. Whether in a district or COE setting, the relationship between the board and the superintendent is the cornerstone of success. By building and maintaining strong relationships, governance teams can ensure their decisions lead to improved educational outcomes for all students, ultimately fulfilling their mission to serve the public and support the next generation.

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