The chair of the board of trustees leads the board and facilitates board processes. He or she plays an important role in ensuring that the board effectively governs the institution and that trustees work together well. The chair is often perceived as the major spokesperson for the board. She or he is usually the primary point of contact with the…

The California Community College system is the largest system of higher education in the world, with 115 colleges organized into 73 districts, serving over 2 million students. By design, California's community college districts incorporate all of the state's territory. Virtually all Californians are within commuting distance of a community…

The California Community College system is the largest system of higher education in the world, with 114 colleges organized into 72 districts, serving over 2 million students. The colleges are publicly supported and locally oriented institutions that offer associate degrees, transfer education, and workforce development programs. They are part of…

The selection of a president is a governing board's most important responsibility, and the search process is the board's best opportunity to help guide its institution into a successful new era. This guide outlines the leadership roles during a search (those of the board, the board chair, the search committee, and others), briefs board…

The selection of a superintendent is among the most significant decisions any school district board of directors will make. The superintendent should be the person and office through which the direction set by the board is carried out. The working relationship that develops between the board and superintendent is thus absolutely critical and the…

To lead effectively and contribute to a successful board-superintendent relationship, board presidents are advised to consider specific guidelines, such as knowing their job's responsibilities and limitations, offering advice, representing the board's will, setting agendas in advance, scheduling work sessions prior to regular meetings, and…

Describes five tactics that striking teachers use against superintendents and school boards. Notes their effect on administrator resignations and school levy defeats, and lists three ways administrators can build mutual support, including sharing strike experiences, getting professional associations' support, and establishing statewide networks of…

The Denver, Colorado, school board has an agenda summary sheet that streamlines communication between the board and staff members. The form, placed after the title sheet of any proposal, lists background issues, options and alternatives considered, and implications of adoption or rejection. (MLF)

A discussion of the place of advisory boards in college administration looks at board types (general, program, and ad hoc), general and specific purposes, and steps to keep the board involved and functioning. Cultivating a productive and directed relationship between institution staff and these volunteer consultants is emphasized. (MSE)

Details the process that helped Oklahoma City school board members decide what they wanted in a superintendent and how they went about finding that person. (MLF)

School business officials can upgrade their status by developing good working relationships with the superintendent, school board, employees, and the taxpayers. Besides providing accurate information, business officials need to demonstrate their competence and increase their visibility by attending school and community functions and participating…

Possible advisory committee roles and responsibilities, and some examples of these in action, are described and discussed. Included are the Indiana State Advisory Council on Vocational Education's recommendations for maintaining an active advisory committee, which are based on the assumption that a board can be effective only if it receives…

A California school board approved a transition scheme that involved a five-month overlap period during which the soon-to-retire superintendent was joined by a deputy superintendent. The deputy superintendent's primary responsibility was to get acquainted with the district. Separate impressions from each person are offered to help other school…

Process called "Team Review" is designed to help develop and maintain better working relationships among board members and between the board and superintendent. Every three or four months, board members and the superintendent complete questionnaire concerning such matters as communication, trust, and decision making, followed by a discussion.…

The selection of a school board president is as important as the superintendent's selection. Four ways not to choose a president are outlined, as well as six points of advice for the selection of good school board presidents. (MD)