Listed below are some of the hallmarks of effective board meetings.

• Starting on time, everyone present, prepared and ready to work.
• Agenda materials and back-up information readily available and pertinent.
• Staying on topic and focused with a goal toward disposing of issues.
• Focusing the majority of the meeting on educational issues and district goals.
• Appropriate communications:  around the table, with the public and staff.
• Understanding the benefits and limitations of parliamentary process.
• Respecting the leadership role of the president.
• Knowing when to take a vote, dispose of issues, and move on.
• Providing for reports and updates by the relevant committees.
• Dealing with open and closed session material appropriately.
• Having minutes ready in a timely fashion.
• Giving clear direction to the Superintendent for follow up action required.

Guide to Planning

The agenda has become the most important tool the local board uses to conduct its business. It is a diagram whereby the board can proceed with one item of business to another in a methodical manner.

Rate Your Board’s Effectiveness 

Find out how effective your last board meeting was.