Don't let your board spend its time on non-board issues Every time an issue comes before the board, the question should be asked whether or not this is really an appropriate board issue, or should it be referred to the administrator. Boards set policy, administration and staff implement it. Effective boards use the Head wisely. Before considering a new issue, effective boards commonly ask the administrator to do some research and recommend alternatives. Boards should be constantly thinking about where the school will be in ten to twenty years hence, and how it will get there.
Contracts are forever.
Whether it is a contract for a new janitorial service, an enrollment agreement or a contract for employment, each commits the school to whatever is spelled out in writing. Contracts should always be carefully reviewed by an attorney. Handbooks can be construed as legally binding contracts between your school and your customers or employees. Be very careful about what you send out in writing. Be as specific as possible about what's expected of Board members when you are recruiting new candidates.