MASB Leaderboard Winter 2021 Edition

Brenda Kelley
Bronson Community Schools
I have some notes I wrote for myself before
my first meeting and keep in my board
binder for reference:
1. Don’t define choices too narrowly—there
may be more than two choices.
2. Don’t take a thin slice of facts into consideration
while ignoring the preponderance
of evidence.
3. Don’t turn a blind eye to the obvious to
see your own biased view.
4. Don’t accept blind spots—sometimes we
have blind spots because we don’t know
what we don’t know!
5. Research—think outside the box/be
resourceful!
6. Put facts into context, hear all sides,
check for bias and discern the truth.
7. Remember that true wisdom = knowledge
+ understanding.
8. Most importantly, LISTEN, THINK and then
speak.
Nicole Lewis
Saugatuck Public Schools
Communication is critical. Ask how—and how
often—your board communicates amongst
itself, with the administration and with
the community. As a new board member,
I wasn't fully aware of Open Meetings Act
rules or how our district handled communication
that wasn't directly sent to parents.
Be prepared to step in and get your hands
dirty, maybe sooner than you'd think. Spend
your first few meetings learning the ropes
and doing a lot of listening, but also be confident
speaking up when you have relevant
skills or perspective on the situation. Board
service is so much more than participating
in meetings—often you can be the driver of
positive change in your school district.
If you have children who attend school in
the district, give them an age-appropriate
glimpse into the workings of the school
board. My kindergartner knows I volunteer to
help make her school a great place to learn.
My eighth grader knows the school board
and administrators meet regularly and publicly
to discuss policy that directly affects his
education. Giving kids that greater perspective
is a wonderful learning tool.
Jennie Urtel
South Lyon
Community Schools
I went into the position fairly
knowledgeable about what a board
member does. I was aware of how
schools are funded and the basics of how
schools operate, as well as the time commitment
needed to be a board member. I
wasn’t aware that board members aren’t
included in every minute decision and detail
of the district. Our main responsibilities are
to approve the budget, set policy and hire a
superintendent. One item I didn’t necessarily
think about that has been an interesting and
sometimes heartbreaking aspect of being a
board member is student discipline related
to long-term suspension or expulsion.
Another aspect of being a board member
is thinking about the district and student
body as a whole. People need to understand
there are thousands of kids in a district with
thousands of different issues and needs.
The board has to make a decision that’s
best for all, not just one group or type of
student.
A conversation with the superintendent is
highly recommended. Having a discussion
to hear the superintendent’s expectations of
themself, the direction they see the district
going and how, as a board member, you
can help. It’s also beneficial for the board
member to let the superintendent know their
expectations for them and the district.
Finally, respect and listen to your fellow
board members. You may not always agree,
but respect for each person, their decisions
and the decision of the majority is key to a
working board.
18 WINTER 2021 MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION of SCHOOL BOARDS | LEADERBOARD