Programs for Boards of Education

Programs for boards of education are designed as opportunities for local boards to experience training as a team and are generally conducted in the members’ county.

Board Retreats

MABE recommends boards conduct at least one retreat annually, and can provide a trained facilitator to help accomplish this goal. In addition to the following retreat topics, MABE is able to customize retreats to fit your board’s unique needs.

Key Work of School Boards - An in-depth study of the eight elements of the key work of school boards as identified by the National School Boards Association. Members will assess their own strengths and areas for growth, discuss the roles of the board and superintendent, and determine a focus for their own work.
Vision Building - Designed to explore the school system’s vision, mission, and core values. Topics include a discussion of the components of an effective vision and mission, elements of core values and their importance in school systems today.
Board Self Evaluation - Just as boards evaluate the superintendent, they also should evaluate themselves and the effectiveness of their performance as governors of the school system. Areas for self evaluation can include: instructional program; finance; board and superintendent relations; board performance/ operations; community, engagement and board meetings. This review can lead the board to identify its own goals as they relate to supporting the school system.
Board Operations - A comprehensive look at the roles and responsibilities of board members and the superintendent. Topics can include communication strategies, goal setting, methods for establishing a strong working relationship, and keeping student achievement at the forefront of decision making.
Team Building - Designed to examine the stages of team development and growth. Topics include a self assessment of the board and superintendent as a team, stages of group development, strategies for reaching success at each stage, understanding how personal style impacts communication, and strategies to strengthen the team.
Strategic Planning - Designed to develop or update a strategic plan. Elements include reviewing the school system’s mission and vision, an analysis of the current plan (if applicable), strengths and gaps in the school system, and identification of goal areas.

Master Board

The Master Board Program is designed to refine school boards’ collective skills in the areas of team building, communication, problem solving, and decision making. The program responds to the desire of the board to learn as a team and address the challenges they face in their local school system.

Master Board courses are based on the eight action areas in the Key Work of School Boards. Courses will utilize a variety of tools including surveys, simulations, and case studies that align with current issues. Content will be tailored to the needs and expectations of each board.

The Master Board Program requires:

Commitment to participation by the entire board
Four to five sessions to be conducted in the board’s home county, held in conjunction with a board work session, a dinner meeting, or a retreat
Attendance at either one Boardsmanship Academy course, MABE Annual Conference, or NSBA Convention by each board member
Pre– and post-assessments completed as a board
Development of board goals

Program Cost: $1500 which includes all materials.

Programs for boards of education are designed as opportunities for local boards to experience training as a team and are generally conducted in the members’ county.

Board Retreats

Key Work of School Boards - An in-depth study of the eight elements of the key work of school boards as identified by the National School Boards Association. Members will assess their own strengths and areas for growth, discuss the roles of the board and superintendent, and determine a focus for their own work.
Vision Building - Designed to explore the school system’s vision, mission, and core values. Topics include a discussion of the components of an effective vision and mission, elements of core values and their importance in school systems today.
Board Self Evaluation - Just as boards evaluate the superintendent, they also should evaluate themselves and the effectiveness of their performance as governors of the school system. Areas for self evaluation can include: instructional program; finance; board and superintendent relations; board performance/ operations; community, engagement and board meetings. This review can lead the board to identify its own goals as they relate to supporting the school system.
Board Operations - A comprehensive look at the roles and responsibilities of board members and the superintendent. Topics can include communication strategies, goal setting, methods for establishing a strong working relationship, and keeping student achievement at the forefront of decision making.
Team Building - Designed to examine the stages of team development and growth. Topics include a self assessment of the board and superintendent as a team, stages of group development, strategies for reaching success at each stage, understanding how personal style impacts communication, and strategies to strengthen the team.
Strategic Planning - Designed to develop or update a strategic plan. Elements include reviewing the school system’s mission and vision, an analysis of the current plan (if applicable), strengths and gaps in the school system, and identification of goal areas.

Master Board

The Master Board Program requires:

Commitment to participation by the entire board
Four to five sessions to be conducted in the board’s home county, held in conjunction with a board work session, a dinner meeting, or a retreat
Attendance at either one Boardsmanship Academy course, MABE Annual Conference, or NSBA Convention by each board member
Pre– and post-assessments completed as a board
Development of board goals

Program Cost: $1500 which includes all materials.