Entries by bethany

October 2019

Member query:

What are best practices around DEI board committees? Should we have them?

 

Reply from Cathy Trower:

I believe it is essential to engage the board in matters of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) for many reasons, perhaps most …

May 2019

Member query:

Should Board Chairs be evaluated by their Board and how?

 

Reply from Cathy Trower:

I firmly believe that board chairs should be evaluated and should welcome feedback. As the Chair of the BoardSource Board, I get feedback after …

March 2019

Member query:

Given that Boards have an important role in assuring a healthy school culture, is there an appropriate role for Boards to play in creating and/or viewing the results of exit interviews of departing faculty and staff? What process …

February 2019

Member query:

What are the top three topics that must be discussed as part of a new board member orientation process? Are there best practices around how and when to incorporate governance training into the board’s yearly schedule of meetings? …

January 2019

Member query:

How common is it to have an Executive Committee of the board and what are its most important roles?

 

Reply from Cathy Trower:

A 2005 report from NAIS says that “practically all school boards (98 percent) include …

December 2018

Member query:

When planning and commencing a search for a new Head of School, what are your top five “Do’s” and top five “Don’ts”?

 

Reply from Cathy Trower:

Keep in mind that planning and commencing a search for a new …

November 2018

Member query:

Does the Board have a role in creating/approving the school’s disciplinary policies? If so, what role would the Board play?

 

Reply from Cathy Trower:

School disciplinary matters are best left to the administration; the Board should never …

October 2018

Member query: Our Nominations and Governance Committee is interested in exploring different models for board chair succession. We would benefit from seeing position descriptions for vice chair or chair-elect, as well as hearing about the benefits and challenges of these …

September 2018

Member query:

As we work on writing goals for our head for the upcoming year, we are struggling with articulating a measurable goal for our head that does not create unintended consequences (such as acceptance of students who are not …