• Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA)

    Principles for Governance and Leadership

     

     

  • Pennsylvania school boards are committed to providing every student the opportunity to grow and achieve. The actions taken by the board ultimately have both short and long-term impact in the classroom and schools. To learn more about the role of a school board director, please click here. 

    • Advocate Earnestly

      • Promote public education as a keystone of democracy
      • Engage the community by seeking input, building support networks, and generating action
      • Champion public education by engaging members of local, state and federal legislative bodies

      Lead Responsibly

      • Prepare for, attend and actively participate in board meetings
      • Work together in a spirit of harmony, respect and cooperation
      • Participate in professional development, training and board retreats
      • Collaborate with the Superintendent as the Team of 10

      Govern Effectively

      • Adhere to an established set of rules and procedures for board operations
      • Develop, adopt, revise and review policy
      • Align decisions to policy
      • Differentiate between governance and management, delegating management tasks to administration
      • Allocate finances and resources
      • Ensure compliance with local, state and federal laws

      Plan Thoughtfully

      • Adopt and implement a collaborative comprehensive planning process, including regular reviews
      • Set annual goals that are aligned with the comprehensive plan
      • Develop a financial plan that anticipates both short and long-term needs
      • Formulate a master facilities plan conducive to teaching and learning

      Evaluate Continuously

      • Utilize appropriate data to make informed decisions
      • Use effective practices for the evaluation of the superintendent
      • Assess student growth and achievement
      • Review effectiveness of the comprehensive plan

      Communicate Clearly

      • Promote open, honest and respectful dialogue among the board, staff and community
      • Encourage input and support for the district from the school community
      • Protect confidentiality
      • Honor the sanctity of executive session

      Act Ethically

      • Never use the position for improper benefit to self or others
      • Act to avoid actual or perceived conflicts of interest
      • Recognize the absence of authority outside of the collective board
      • Respect the role, authority and input of the superintendent
      • Balance the responsibility to provide educational programs with being stewards of community resources
      • Abide by the majority decision

      Download the Principles for Governance and Leadership