Effective Superintendent-School Board Practices
Strategies for Developing and Maintaining Good Relationships With Your Board
Rene S. Townsend
- Consultant
Gloria L. Johnston
- Independent Consultant
Gwen E. Gross
- Superintendent, Irvine Public Schools, Irvine, CA
Margaret A. Lynch
- Consultant
Lorraine M. Garcy
- Retired Superintendent, Educational Consultant
Benita B. Roberts
- Visiting Angels of Riverside County
Patricia B. Novotney
- Retired Superintendent, current Associate Professor at University of La Verne, CA
Purchase
eBook
ISBN:
9781483360065
Available from
January 0001
Paperback
ISBN:
9781412940412
Available from
January 0001
Description
"The authors fill a gap in the literature by providing a practical, experience-based look at how superintendents should approach the most important relationship in their professional lives. Working effectively with school boards is what it is all about, and this book shows you how."
-Paul D. Houston, Executive Director, American Association of School Administrators
"This book provides practical insights and useful ideas to help district leaders who are serious about keeping the educational interest of children first among their priorities."
-Pedro A. Noguera, Professor, New York University
"Clearly lays out the important role the superintendent has in leading the district in partnership with the board of education. This book is well worth the time of every current and aspiring superintendent and school board member!"
-Anne Bryant, Executive Director, National School Boards Association
"This book is a useful tool in building district governance teams. The authors' collective wisdom provides valuable insight for superintendents and school board members."
-Luan B. Rivera, President, California State Boards Association
"A wonderful, clear, and jargon-free primer on how to be a successful superintendent. This book is must reading for superintendents and a real plus for school boards."
-Dede Alpert, Former California State Senator, Former Member, California State Assembly
"An outstanding fieldbook for those interested in down-to-earth strategies for navigating the complexities of providing leadership in school districts."
-General Davie, Jr., Retired Superintendent of Schools
-Paul D. Houston, Executive Director, American Association of School Administrators
"This book provides practical insights and useful ideas to help district leaders who are serious about keeping the educational interest of children first among their priorities."
-Pedro A. Noguera, Professor, New York University
"Clearly lays out the important role the superintendent has in leading the district in partnership with the board of education. This book is well worth the time of every current and aspiring superintendent and school board member!"
-Anne Bryant, Executive Director, National School Boards Association
"This book is a useful tool in building district governance teams. The authors' collective wisdom provides valuable insight for superintendents and school board members."
-Luan B. Rivera, President, California State Boards Association
"A wonderful, clear, and jargon-free primer on how to be a successful superintendent. This book is must reading for superintendents and a real plus for school boards."
-Dede Alpert, Former California State Senator, Former Member, California State Assembly
"An outstanding fieldbook for those interested in down-to-earth strategies for navigating the complexities of providing leadership in school districts."
-General Davie, Jr., Retired Superintendent of Schools
Foster a strong superintendent-school board relationship centered on quality teaching and learning!
Effective Superintendent-School Board Practices helps current and future superintendents and school board members develop an effective governance team that prioritizes quality teaching and learning.
Designed for practicing and aspiring superintendents and school board members, this exceptional book relates the everyday experiences and challenges faced by this important district team. Combining 84 years of service as superintendents in urban, rural, and suburban school districts, the authors offer:
- Real-life vignettes that highlight problems, successes, key points, and useful practices
- Indispensable information on building relationships, creating a team, managing conflict, and staying focused on the mission and priorities of the district
- Reflective practice questions and self-assessments throughout
This rich resource offers knowledge, skills, and strategies to teach and inspire current and future leaders, based on the experiences of practitioners who have learned what works and what doesn't, leaving valuable time to focus on student achievement.
Contents
Introduction
Introduction
Acknowledgments
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
About the Authors
Dedication
- 1. Building Relationships
- The First Step
- Understanding Each Board Member?s Interests and Goals
- Adapting Communication Methods
- Another Election, Another Challenge
- Political Fine-Tuning
- The Hidden Job Description
- The Board Member Who Wants to Be Governor
- Honoring Past Board Member Accomplishments
- Relationship Building Never Ends
- Chapter Summary
- 2. Creating a Team
- Board-Superintendent Protocols
- Use Planned Priorities as a Key Communication Strategy
- Board Communicator
- May I Ask That?
- Preparing the Board for an Upcoming, Difficult Decision
- When Is a Civility Policy Necessary?
- Board Meeting Follow-Up
- When Board Members Know Their Roles
- A Facilitated Superintendent Evaluation Process
- Board Self-Evaluation
- Recognize Board Member Accomplishments
- Chapter Summary
- 3. Staying Focused
- Keeping the Mission, Philosophy, and Priorities in the Forefront
- Taking the Plan to Others
- Updating Your Strategic Plan
- Monitoring Progress of District Goal Attainment
- Working for Board Consensus
- Maintaining Board Policies
- Budget as a Decision-Making Tool
- Chapter Summary
- 4. Managing Conflict
- Who Is Really in Charge?
- No Surprises
- You Heard What at the Party?
- All Internal Communication Is Not Internal
- Responding to a Violation of Board Protocol
- The Rebel Board Member
- Chapter Summary
- 5. Moving On and Succession Planning
- When to Leave
- Learning About a New District
- Knowing When to Retire
- Saying Good-Bye
- Making the Transition
- Selecting a New Superintendent
- Working as an Interim Superintendent
- Chapter Summary
Resource A: Board-Superintendent Protocols for Effective Governance
Resource A: Board-Superintendent Protocols for Effective Governance
Resource B: Planned Priorities
Resource B: Planned Priorities
Resource C: Civility Policy
Resource C: Civility Policy
Resource D: Mission Statement and District Goals
Resource D: Mission Statement and District Goals
Resource E: Strategic Plan
Resource E: Strategic Plan
Resource F: Superintendent?s Evaluation Process
Resource F: Superintendent?s Evaluation Process
Resource G: School District Budget Development Calendar
Resource G: School District Budget Development Calendar
Resource H: Budget Guidelines for Boards and Staff
Resource H: Budget Guidelines for Boards and Staff
Resource I: School District Responsibility Chart
Resource I: School District Responsibility Chart
References
References
Index
Index
Additional materials
Description
"The authors fill a gap in the literature by providing a practical, experience-based look at how superintendents should approach the most important relationship in their professional lives. Working effectively with school boards is what it is all about, and this book shows you how."
-Paul D. Houston, Executive Director, American Association of School Administrators
"This book provides practical insights and useful ideas to help district leaders who are serious about keeping the educational interest of children first among their priorities."
-Pedro A. Noguera, Professor, New York University
"Clearly lays out the important role the superintendent has in leading the district in partnership with the board of education. This book is well worth the time of every current and aspiring superintendent and school board member!"
-Anne Bryant, Executive Director, National School Boards Association
"This book is a useful tool in building district governance teams. The authors' collective wisdom provides valuable insight for superintendents and school board members."
-Luan B. Rivera, President, California State Boards Association
"A wonderful, clear, and jargon-free primer on how to be a successful superintendent. This book is must reading for superintendents and a real plus for school boards."
-Dede Alpert, Former California State Senator, Former Member, California State Assembly
"An outstanding fieldbook for those interested in down-to-earth strategies for navigating the complexities of providing leadership in school districts."
-General Davie, Jr., Retired Superintendent of Schools
-Paul D. Houston, Executive Director, American Association of School Administrators
"This book provides practical insights and useful ideas to help district leaders who are serious about keeping the educational interest of children first among their priorities."
-Pedro A. Noguera, Professor, New York University
"Clearly lays out the important role the superintendent has in leading the district in partnership with the board of education. This book is well worth the time of every current and aspiring superintendent and school board member!"
-Anne Bryant, Executive Director, National School Boards Association
"This book is a useful tool in building district governance teams. The authors' collective wisdom provides valuable insight for superintendents and school board members."
-Luan B. Rivera, President, California State Boards Association
"A wonderful, clear, and jargon-free primer on how to be a successful superintendent. This book is must reading for superintendents and a real plus for school boards."
-Dede Alpert, Former California State Senator, Former Member, California State Assembly
"An outstanding fieldbook for those interested in down-to-earth strategies for navigating the complexities of providing leadership in school districts."
-General Davie, Jr., Retired Superintendent of Schools
Foster a strong superintendent-school board relationship centered on quality teaching and learning!
Effective Superintendent-School Board Practices helps current and future superintendents and school board members develop an effective governance team that prioritizes quality teaching and learning.
Designed for practicing and aspiring superintendents and school board members, this exceptional book relates the everyday experiences and challenges faced by this important district team. Combining 84 years of service as superintendents in urban, rural, and suburban school districts, the authors offer:
- Real-life vignettes that highlight problems, successes, key points, and useful practices
- Indispensable information on building relationships, creating a team, managing conflict, and staying focused on the mission and priorities of the district
- Reflective practice questions and self-assessments throughout
This rich resource offers knowledge, skills, and strategies to teach and inspire current and future leaders, based on the experiences of practitioners who have learned what works and what doesn't, leaving valuable time to focus on student achievement.
Contents
Introduction
Introduction
Acknowledgments
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
About the Authors
Dedication
- 1. Building Relationships
- The First Step
- Understanding Each Board Member?s Interests and Goals
- Adapting Communication Methods
- Another Election, Another Challenge
- Political Fine-Tuning
- The Hidden Job Description
- The Board Member Who Wants to Be Governor
- Honoring Past Board Member Accomplishments
- Relationship Building Never Ends
- Chapter Summary
- 2. Creating a Team
- Board-Superintendent Protocols
- Use Planned Priorities as a Key Communication Strategy
- Board Communicator
- May I Ask That?
- Preparing the Board for an Upcoming, Difficult Decision
- When Is a Civility Policy Necessary?
- Board Meeting Follow-Up
- When Board Members Know Their Roles
- A Facilitated Superintendent Evaluation Process
- Board Self-Evaluation
- Recognize Board Member Accomplishments
- Chapter Summary
- 3. Staying Focused
- Keeping the Mission, Philosophy, and Priorities in the Forefront
- Taking the Plan to Others
- Updating Your Strategic Plan
- Monitoring Progress of District Goal Attainment
- Working for Board Consensus
- Maintaining Board Policies
- Budget as a Decision-Making Tool
- Chapter Summary
- 4. Managing Conflict
- Who Is Really in Charge?
- No Surprises
- You Heard What at the Party?
- All Internal Communication Is Not Internal
- Responding to a Violation of Board Protocol
- The Rebel Board Member
- Chapter Summary
- 5. Moving On and Succession Planning
- When to Leave
- Learning About a New District
- Knowing When to Retire
- Saying Good-Bye
- Making the Transition
- Selecting a New Superintendent
- Working as an Interim Superintendent
- Chapter Summary
Resource A: Board-Superintendent Protocols for Effective Governance
Resource A: Board-Superintendent Protocols for Effective Governance
Resource B: Planned Priorities
Resource B: Planned Priorities
Resource C: Civility Policy
Resource C: Civility Policy
Resource D: Mission Statement and District Goals
Resource D: Mission Statement and District Goals
Resource E: Strategic Plan
Resource E: Strategic Plan
Resource F: Superintendent?s Evaluation Process
Resource F: Superintendent?s Evaluation Process
Resource G: School District Budget Development Calendar
Resource G: School District Budget Development Calendar
Resource H: Budget Guidelines for Boards and Staff
Resource H: Budget Guidelines for Boards and Staff
Resource I: School District Responsibility Chart
Resource I: School District Responsibility Chart
References
References
Index
Index
Additional materials
Reviews
Effective Superintendent-School Board Practices
Strategies for Developing and Maintaining Good Relationships With Your Board
Rene S. Townsend
,
Gloria L. Johnston
,
Gwen E. Gross
,
Margaret A. Lynch
,
Lorraine M. Garcy
,
Benita B. Roberts
,
Patricia B. Novotney
September 2006 | 152 pages | Corwin
| Format | Published Date | ISBN | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paperback | 01/02/2026 | 9781412940412 | $37.95 |
| Lifetime | 01/02/2026 | 9781483360065 | $35.00 |
"The authors fill a gap in the literature by providing a practical, experience-based look at how superintendents should approach the most important relationship in their professional lives. Working effectively with school boards is what it is all about, and this book shows you how."
-Paul D. Houston, Executive Director, American Association of School Administrators
"This book provides practical insights and useful ideas to help district leaders who are serious about keeping the educational interest of children first among their priorities."
-Pedro A. Noguera, Professor, New York University
"Clearly lays out the important role the superintendent has in leading the district in partnership with the board of education. This book is well worth the time of every current and aspiring superintendent and school board member!"
-Anne Bryant, Executive Director, National School Boards Association
"This book is a useful tool in building district governance teams. The authors' collective wisdom provides valuable insight for superintendents and school board members."
-Luan B. Rivera, President, California State Boards Association
"A wonderful, clear, and jargon-free primer on how to be a successful superintendent. This book is must reading for superintendents and a real plus for school boards."
-Dede Alpert, Former California State Senator, Former Member, California State Assembly
"An outstanding fieldbook for those interested in down-to-earth strategies for navigating the complexities of providing leadership in school districts."
-General Davie, Jr., Retired Superintendent of Schools
-Paul D. Houston, Executive Director, American Association of School Administrators
"This book provides practical insights and useful ideas to help district leaders who are serious about keeping the educational interest of children first among their priorities."
-Pedro A. Noguera, Professor, New York University
"Clearly lays out the important role the superintendent has in leading the district in partnership with the board of education. This book is well worth the time of every current and aspiring superintendent and school board member!"
-Anne Bryant, Executive Director, National School Boards Association
"This book is a useful tool in building district governance teams. The authors' collective wisdom provides valuable insight for superintendents and school board members."
-Luan B. Rivera, President, California State Boards Association
"A wonderful, clear, and jargon-free primer on how to be a successful superintendent. This book is must reading for superintendents and a real plus for school boards."
-Dede Alpert, Former California State Senator, Former Member, California State Assembly
"An outstanding fieldbook for those interested in down-to-earth strategies for navigating the complexities of providing leadership in school districts."
-General Davie, Jr., Retired Superintendent of Schools
Foster a strong superintendent-school board relationship centered on quality teaching and learning!
Effective Superintendent-School Board Practices helps current and future superintendents and school board members develop an effective governance team that prioritizes quality teaching and learning.
Designed for practicing and aspiring superintendents and school board members, this exceptional book relates the everyday experiences and challenges faced by this important district team. Combining 84 years of service as superintendents in urban, rural, and suburban school districts, the authors offer:
- Real-life vignettes that highlight problems, successes, key points, and useful practices
- Indispensable information on building relationships, creating a team, managing conflict, and staying focused on the mission and priorities of the district
- Reflective practice questions and self-assessments throughout
This rich resource offers knowledge, skills, and strategies to teach and inspire current and future leaders, based on the experiences of practitioners who have learned what works and what doesn't, leaving valuable time to focus on student achievement.
Table Of Contents:
- Introduction
- Acknowledgments
- About the Authors
- Dedication
- 1. Building Relationships
- The First Step
- Understanding Each Board Member?s Interests and Goals
- Adapting Communication Methods
- Another Election, Another Challenge
- Political Fine-Tuning
- The Hidden Job Description
- The Board Member Who Wants to Be Governor
- Honoring Past Board Member Accomplishments
- Relationship Building Never Ends
- Chapter Summary
- 2. Creating a Team
- Board-Superintendent Protocols
- Use Planned Priorities as a Key Communication Strategy
- Board Communicator
- May I Ask That?
- Preparing the Board for an Upcoming, Difficult Decision
- When Is a Civility Policy Necessary?
- Board Meeting Follow-Up
- When Board Members Know Their Roles
- A Facilitated Superintendent Evaluation Process
- Board Self-Evaluation
- Recognize Board Member Accomplishments
- Chapter Summary
- 3. Staying Focused
- Keeping the Mission, Philosophy, and Priorities in the Forefront
- Taking the Plan to Others
- Updating Your Strategic Plan
- Monitoring Progress of District Goal Attainment
- Working for Board Consensus
- Maintaining Board Policies
- Budget as a Decision-Making Tool
- Chapter Summary
- 4. Managing Conflict
- Who Is Really in Charge?
- No Surprises
- You Heard What at the Party?
- All Internal Communication Is Not Internal
- Responding to a Violation of Board Protocol
- The Rebel Board Member
- Chapter Summary
- 5. Moving On and Succession Planning
- When to Leave
- Learning About a New District
- Knowing When to Retire
- Saying Good-Bye
- Making the Transition
- Selecting a New Superintendent
- Working as an Interim Superintendent
- Chapter Summary
- Resource A: Board-Superintendent Protocols for Effective Governance
- Resource B: Planned Priorities
- Resource C: Civility Policy
- Resource D: Mission Statement and District Goals
- Resource E: Strategic Plan
- Resource F: Superintendent?s Evaluation Process
- Resource G: School District Budget Development Calendar
- Resource H: Budget Guidelines for Boards and Staff
- Resource I: School District Responsibility Chart
- References
- Index
Recent Product Reviews:
"An easy-to-read guide that can be referred to again and again by current and aspiring superintendents and board members."
The School Administrator, September 2007
"This book is a must 'read-and-keep' for students interested in the superintendency as well as new and mature superintendents. An outstanding fieldbook for those interested in down-to-earth strategies needed to navigate the complexities of providing leadership in school districts."
General Davie, Jr., Retired Superintendent of Schools
"This book is a very useful tool in building school district governance teams. The collective wisdom of the authors will provide valuable insight to superintendents and school board members alike as they strive to provide a high-quality education for all of the children in their districts."
Luan B. Rivera, President, California State Boards Association
"A wonderful, clear, and jargon-free primer on how to be a successful superintendent. Not only is this book must reading for anyone who aspires to be a superintendent, it would be a real plus for school boards. As a former school board member myself, I would have benefited from having a better understanding of the myriad challenges facing the superintendent."
Dede Alpert, Former California State Senator, Former Member, California State Assembly
"The authors of Effective Superintendent-School Board Practices have filled a gap in the literature by providing a practical, experience-based look at how superintendents should approach the most important relationship in their professional lives. Working effectively with school boards is what it is all about and this book shows you how."
Paul D. Houston, Executive Director, American Association of School Administrators