Strategies for Attracting a New Superintendent in a Tight Market
In fall of 2024, EdWeek reported that 1 in 5 of the nation’s largest 500 school districts replaced their superintendent
HYA for Boards: Board Workshops
Board workshops designed to clarify superintendent and board roles and strengthen the relationship.
Successful collaboration at board workshops have contributed to some of the longest superintendent tenures.
Board Workshop Process
At HYA, we know that your district is unique and we understand that a comprehensive process does not meet the needs of all districts. We will work with your district to build a board workshop that best fits your needs.
1. Concepts
2. Reflection
3. Protocols
1. Concepts
The first step in the board workshop is a discussion, led by HYA, that educates the board and superintendent on current best practices. This provides everyone with common ground for further discussion. A review of publications related to board governance are the basis for discussion. Recent articles and case studies form the foundation for reflection and protocol development.
Current district policies and practices are reviewed. This may include the superintendent’s contract, the superintendent evaluation process, and the board strategic plan.
2. Reflection
The second phase of HYA’s board workshop process is reflection. In this phase, a survey and/or interviews is/are conducted by HYA. The survey was developed to help the board and superintendent work together and engage in meaningful discussion on how well it works together on several dimensions:
- Mission, vision, principles, and goals
- The board team
- Board and Superintendent relationship
- Operations and finance
- Communication
- Board meetings
3. Protocols
In the final phase of the board workshop process, HYA facilitates the development of protocols and agreements related to board and superintendent relations. Including, but not limited to:
- Expectations for ongoing communication from superintendent
- Board member communication with each other, quorums
- Board member visits to schools
- Board member questions from staff and/or community
- Complaints brought to the board
- Responses to media/public
- Projects and committee assignments
- Addition of board meeting agenda items
- Split votes
- Closed session and confidential material
- Open Meetings Act requirements
“Very professional and capable. Your team was able to navigate a very difficult board to come to a mutually agreed choice.”
John Butto
Ramapo Indian Hills
You're in Good Company
HYA has been trusted by hundreds of districts, across the nation, to help with a variety of needs.
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FAQ
Board workshops include the following:
- Board self-evaluation via survey instrument
- A review of the district’s vision, mission, and guiding principles
- A review of the board’s strategic plan, if available
- Review of best practices regarding trusteeship and governance
- Ensuring the superintendent’s goals are aligned with the strategic plan
- The establishment of protocols between the board and superintendent to ensure effective relations
- Identify issues that impact progress
- Other consulting services as needed
A board workshop is typically a two day engagement.
HYA recommends an associate that is a best match for your district. The board is welcome to interview multiple associates and choose the best fit.
