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 …
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 …
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? …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …