When it comes to school board governance, focusing on both compliance and student outcomes is crucial for the overall success of the school system. School boards have a responsibility to ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and policies at all levels. To ensure compliance, school boards should establish clear policies and procedures, regularly review and update them as needed.

The primary goal of any school board should be to promote positive student outcomes. By focusing on student outcomes, school boards align their decisions, policies, and resources to maximize student success and support educational excellence. Boards of Education must:

Set Clear and Measurable Goals

Establishing specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals provides a framework for assessing and improving student outcomes.

Monitor Progress

Regularly review data and assessments to evaluate student progress and identify areas for improvement. This may include analyzing standardized test scores, graduation rates, attendance data, discipline reports, and other relevant leading and lagging indicators.

Allocate Resources Effectively

Ensure that financial and human resources are allocated strategically to support initiatives and programs that positively impact student outcomes. This might involve investing in professional learning for staff, providing targeted support for struggling students, or enhancing instructional resources and technology.

Engage Stakeholders

Involve parents, students, teachers, community members, and other stakeholders in the decision-making process. Their input can provide valuable perspectives on improving student outcomes and help build a shared vision for the district.

Support Educators

Promote a robust teacher professional learning model to support continuous improvement among educators. This includes providing resources, training, and mentorship opportunities to enhance instructional quality and meet the diverse needs of students.

Foster a Positive School Climate

Promote a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment that nurtures students' well-being and fosters their academic and personal growth. School boards can prioritize policies that address bullying prevention, mental health support, and cultural responsiveness.