A random conversation about perception versus reality led former board members to develop the presentation “10 Myths of Board Service.” Sandi Barry, communications and marketing coordinator for the Maryland Association of Boards of Education, and Terry McCabe, associate executive director for the Maine School Management Association, explored the many misconceptions new members have when they arrive at the board table.
During the New Board Member Boot Camp program on Saturday, Barry and McCabe began the session with one of the most common beliefs — that after the election or appointment, a board member may still speak and write as a private citizen about school issues. As McCabe explained, even if members state they are speaking as individuals, news media will identify them as a board member, leading readers or listeners to assume the views reflect that of the board. She added that most citizens don’t understand the distinction between the member’s role as a citizen and the role as a board member.
McCabe suggested that new board members find out if their board has a policy or guidelines about who speaks for the board and what is said. She cautioned them to consider the impact of their speaking and writing on the board and school staff.
Another myth generating much discussion in the session was, “As a former teacher (or PTA person, etc.), I know exactly how the system operates.” Barry stated that while there were many roles that were a good foundation for board service, such as having been a teacher, PTA leader, or school committee member, there was no role that fully prepared them for the intricacies of the job and school system operations. For example, while a former elementary school teacher is familiar with curriculum and assessment, areas of budgeting, staffing, and transportation will be completely new.
Barry recommended they use their knowledge to develop appropriate questions, attend as much training as possible, and have their superintendent schedule meetings with directors of all areas to bring them up to speed.
The last myth explored was, “I’m the only one in it for the kids.” Both presenters shared how difficult it was for fellow board members to hear this statement made by a colleague insinuating they were serving for less commendable reasons. Barry stated that members come to the table with vastly different styles and have different definitions of protecting the students and system. For the member with a business background, this may mean going over the budget with a fine-tooth comb, while the member with a special-needs child may focus on the special education department.
McCabe suggested that board members give their colleagues the benefit of the doubt and, while issues and topics were approached in various ways, assume they all have the best interest of the students at heart.
Other misconceptions about board service:
# I can stay involved with school-related groups.
# No more 5-0 votes! I am here to “rock the boat.”
# I have a mandate from the voters.
# I don’t need to read or attend training to understand the issues.
# I have all the new ideas.
# School board service is my full-time job.
