Regional Workshops: Leadership Essentials for School Boards

Navigate the Board Leadership Landscape with Core Governance Skills (compass)Navigate the Board Leadership Landscape with Core Governance Skills: A Must-Attend Orientation for Every New Board Member and a Team Builder for the Entire Board/Superintendent Team
Jan. 9–Feb. 20, 2020, workshop runs 5:30–8 p.m.
Please note: Meal served between 5–5:30 p.m. Workshop begins at 5:30 p.m. and ends at 8 p.m.

Register Today

Being effective as a board member requires a strong understanding of board roles and responsibilities. It’s impossible to do a job well if you don’t know what the job is. This workshop will address fundamental duties of each board member in four core areas—all of which are front and center in the first months of the calendar year.

Join us for this exploratory mission to discover new essential skills, build your knowledge base and learn valuable, practical information you can use immediately. Plus, take home tips and practical ideas from veteran board members.
 

Workshop Topics

  • Financial Oversight—Gain an understanding of the board’s role in the budgeting process. You’ll learn what to anticipate on the budget road ahead and where to access information for continued learning on this important work—within your own district and IASB resources. Learn key parts of the district audit report as a new board member and ensuring the board gives adequate time at the board table.
  • Superintendent Evaluation and Goal Setting—Explore the board’s role in high-quality superintendent evaluation and goal setting—and how the board can commit to ensuring these critical processes occur. You’ll learn the essentials to do this work well and find clarity around the importance of understanding your district’s policy, evaluation instrument, and process.
  • Personnel Matters—Spring is the prime season for evaluating, hiring and terminating staff. Does the board have a role in this? Why or why not? How can the board make a difference, without undercutting the superintendent’s authority? Clarify the work of the board, superintendent and other administrators around personnel matters.
  • Constituent Relations—Financial and personnel matters are sometimes high-visibility issues in communities. Discover the power of common messages and having clear policy when communicating and responding to your school community. Build strong community relations by effectively sharing the work and deliberation that goes into board decisions.
 

What Your Peers Are Saying

Experienced board members, new board members and superintendents agree—the Leadership Essentials Workshops are focused on relevant topics, helpful and provide time for networking in small groups.

  • "Very helpful, not over my head and I'm feeling more comfortable." —New Board Member
  • "Topics were spot on relevant and IASB staff was fabulous! The breakout sessions were helpful." —Experienced Board President
  • "Nice overview of multiple topics for new board members, time to talk, examples and different roles." —Superintendent
  • "Great information was presented and there was time for discussions with other board members and superintendents." —Experienced Board Member
  • “Great class and gave a great overview of our responsibilities. I thought it was great that we also had experienced board members and administrators. This allowed for a great learning experience.” —New Board Member
  • “Lots of opportunity for discussion and hit several important topics.” —New Board Member
  • “Very informative!” —New Board Member
  • “It provided great info, especially as initial to new board members of tools to keep them from getting in a bind they don't need to be in. Even I learned after being in the position for 10 years!” —School Business Official/Board Secretary
  • “Wonderful scenarios and opportunities to discuss and collaborate.” —Superintendent/Chief Administrator

Coming to a Location Near You

  • Thursday, Jan. 9: Solon Schools (snow date: Tuesday, Jan. 14), Solon High School, Center for The Arts, 600 West 5th Street, Solon, IA 52333
  • Wednesday, Jan. 15: Fairfield Schools (snow date: Tuesday, Jan. 21), Fairfield High School, 21st Century Room, 605 E. Broadway Ave., Fairfield, IA 52556
  • Thursday, Jan. 16: Ames Schools (snow date: Tuesday, Jan. 21), Ames District Office, Board Room, 2405 24th St., Ames, IA 50010
  • RESCHEDULED WORKSHOP: Thursday, Jan. 30 (postponed from Jan. 22 due to inclement weather): Algona Schools, Algona High School, PAC Board Room, 600 S. Hale St., Algona, IA, 50511
  • Tuesday, Feb. 4: Sumner-Fredericksburg Schools (snow date: Wednesday, Feb. 12), Durant Elementary School, Media Center/Library, 601 W. 5th St., Sumner, IA 50674
  • Wednesday, Feb. 5: Chariton Schools (snow date: Thursday, Feb. 13), Chariton High School, Chariton Community Center, 501 N. Grand St., Chariton, IA 50049
  • Thursday, Feb. 6: Riverside Schools (snow date: Thursday, Feb. 20), Riverside School District, Media Center, 18997 Hwy. 59, Oakland, IA, 51560
  • RESCHEDULED WORKSHOP: Thursday, Feb. 13 (postponed from Jan. 23 due to inclement weather): Carroll Schools, Carroll High School, Media Center, 2809 North Grant Rd., Carroll, IA 51401
  • Thursday, Feb. 20: Northwest Iowa Community College (snow date: Thursday, Feb. 27), Northwest Iowa Community College, Building A, Room 119, 603 W. Park St., Sheldon, IA 51201

For your convenience, all workshop addresses and location instructions are available in a downloadable PDF format!
 

Registration Details

Fee: $75 for IASB members. Walk-ins are welcome for the same fee. Fee includes program, materials and a light meal. Meal served between 5–5:30 p.m. Workshop begins at 5:30 p.m. and ends at 8 p.m.

   For more information, email Emily Rhodes or call (515) 247-7046.


Workshop attendees earn
10 Better Boardsmanship credits!

Learn more about
Better Boardsmanship Awards