I need to do that. That s a natural tendency that we all have. But we have to work as a team and address the needs of all children in the district, Strong said. They accomplish the former by taking the time to thoroughly explain issues and answer questions. They accomplish the latter by making new members aware of board training opportunities, attending with them when possible, and opening the door for them to network with important contacts outside of the district.
Mentors answer new board members everyday questions.
Rookies typically ask about everything from meeting times to how different members of the board typically approach problems. Understanding the people on the board can be as critical for a new member as understanding the district s problems. Not to be overlooked is the fact that mentors provide much-needed reassurance when new members feel overwhelmed by it all. Just the reassurance I received in that first six to eight months was the most critical thing to me, Duke said. The support that mentoring provides new members alone would seem to be adequate reason for districts without any kind of mentoring system to start one.