An item I have written on in the past, both in my books and through AASA’s School Administrator magazine, relates to the concept of equal versus equitable treatment of board members. I have come to believe this is one of the most important issues superintendents can consider as it will have a major impact on superintendent/board relationships.
Let me give you a scenario. You have a five member board, which includes a diverse set of members in terms of their jobs, lifestyles and activities. Sound familiar? Among your board members you have a retiree with time on their hands and also a business executive who is on the road much of the week. Do you treat these individuals equally, or equitably?
The answer is equitably. By this I mean as superintendent you need to, for example, assess the differences between these two board members desires related to communication methods and frequency. The retiree may desire hard copy materials and the business executive digital. The executive may want a quick executive summary regarding items of concern and the retiree a 30 minute face to face meeting. The concept here is that we need to assess our individual board members needs in various areas and then differentiate.
So, how to we go about making this happen? A good first step is to interview your board members and assess their individual needs. How do they desire to receive information and on what level of frequency? When emergencies occur in the district how can we best reach the board member: email, text, phone call…etc.
It is wise to provide board members the same information, but the lesson learned here is that not all board members desire to consume that information in the same manner. Superintendents who remember this concept and take the time to figure out their board members individual preferences will enhance their success when it comes to the superintendent/board relationship.
What methods do you use to achieve this concept of equitable treatment among your board members?