In New York State this past week every school district voted on their respective budgets and the selection of new Board of Education members. A very stressful process in these difficult economic times. What is less stressful, but equally important to a school administrator is the selection of Board of Education members. In a well organized district, the role of the Board of Education is to set policy. Unfortunately, in even the best organized district with the strongest Superintendent, Board Trustees usually want to get involved in the management of the schools in their district. Whatever you do, don't participate in this process.
Although you might view a Board Trustee as a potential benefactor for your school or as a confidential assist in your move up the professional latter, don't get involved. Many school districts have written policies regarding the interaction of Board of Education members and school administration. In some districts this type of communication it is strictly forbidden. In other districts, informational requests made by Board Trustees must be forwarded to the Superintendent's office. Just be careful. Often times, conversations which appear to be innocent between school administrators and Board members are really fact finding missions for the purpose of embarrassing your Superintendent.
Now don't get me wrong. I'm not saying that every time a Board Trustee speaks to you that they are up to no good. But unfortunately it only takes one inadvertent slip of your tongue, or one of your subordinates to make your life miserable. The last thing that you want to be is the ping pong ball between your angry Superintendent and a contentious Board member.
So my advice to you is simple. When you are approached by a Board of Education member, be courteous and respectful and always direct their questions to your Superintendent for a response. This policy may annoy your Board Trustee in the short run and save your professional ass in the long run.
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