Summary
Contents
Build a successful board by knowing where the land mines are
Veteran school board member, Richard E. Mayer, takes a humorous but substantive approach to the serious relationship between school administrators and board members. While the overwhelming majority of school board members have good motives, even people who mean well can make bad moves. This book shows how to prevent good intentions from creating bad outcomes. Each chapter presents a negative school board scenario, offers alternatives, and provides win-win solutions. Key features include: 28 brief case studies; Lessons learned for board members; Lessons learned for administrators
In addition to highlighting typical traps, the case studies light the path to positive collaboration and shared decision making between superintendents and school boards. Whether you are a school board member or an administrator who is trying to figure out what goes on in school board members' heads, How Not to Be a Terrible School Board Member provides clear direction in a realistic and memorable way.
Terrible Habit #2: Negotiate for the District
Terrible Habit #2: Negotiate for the District
Saturday Afternoon Call, 1:02 p.m.
You are enjoying a cup of coffee at your kitchen table on a leisurely Saturday afternoon, when promptly at 1:02 p.m. your cell phone rings with a call from Penny Pinkstaff, the president of the teacher's union and a beloved former teacher of your daughter.
“Hi, Penny,” you say. “It's good to hear from you.” “Hi, Richard; I hope I'm not interrupting your weekend.” “Not at all. What can I do for you?” you ask in your sincerest voice.
“Well, I'm hesitant to complain, but I want you to know that the superintendent is not being very cooperative with us. We have asked her repeatedly to stop the practice of ...