Successful leaders develop an organized decision-making routine that allows them to focus their efforts, gather and organize appropriate information, make wise decisions, delegate responsibilities and move on. Simple as they may be, I've sometimes thought that the Association might do a great service to its members if we mailed these questions, poster-size, to every member board, and asked that they be hung on the wall in each board room to serve as the board's routine when making decisions about important issues. Superintendents and board presidents would do well to use these same questions when leading discussions, outlining reports and organizing information. This question recognizes that the board is a diverse group with various points of view. The discussion that follows will help all board members to understand each other's starting point and develop consensus.
Most boards are a mixture of veterans and new members.
It is important for both to share their perceptions and to learn from each other. This is also a good time to check board policy. Superintendents would do their boards well to simply attach relevant policies to the agendas. If none exists, then they should let the board know and attach a sample policy from the Association. If you don't get the problem right, you won't get the solution right.