Q. How do you guide board members when they are faced with complex, controversial decisions?
A. Regardless of whether we are in a period of crisis we need to help our boards operate from a pre-determined foundation; a set of core values. In the absence of established core values any idea becomes acceptable, which is almost always problematic.
Superintendents should be working with their boards to establish these core values, if not already in place. Additionally, tenured superintendents likely use individual, ongoing conversations with board members as a method to “care and feed” them in their role. We need to be constantly teaching our boards, helping them to understand how varying issues might be handled. Over time, if appropriately modeled, this leadership development takes hold and board members become aware of how to handle complex, controversial issues.
Finally, new superintendents need a mentor to use as a sounding board to vet their thoughts, ideas and decisions as they prepare to work with their boards. To the extent one can prevent stepping on land mines through establishing routines and using proven strategies it can bolster their chances at success.
Q. In our current COVID-19 context what are you doing to help board members focus on science rather than being impacted by political pressure.
A. Clearly it is important to point them to reliable data, rather than whatever information might be seen in the media or through other sources. To the extent sources of information can be deemed valid and reliable it makes a big difference.
Another method I find helpful is to outline for the board the pros, cons and potential consequences of their decisions. As a superintendent I will make my recommendation, but I must also have the courage to help the board understand what might occur if they go a different direction. I believe as superintendents we have a responsibility in this regard.
Q. What techniques can you recommend to assist board members when they are faced with vocal individuals or groups?
Sometimes the best response is no response, but rather to listen. Anytime you are on a board, which serves constituents, people want a venue in which to participate and share their concerns. So, at times, it is simply providing an opportunity to listen, rather than feeling compelled to respond.
Bringing in a professional to help the board craft a message can help too. Depending upon the size and severity of the issue this can be a way to help the board more effectively address vocal, demanding groups.
Although this is preemptive, establish a routine where board members share with the superintendent what they are hearing in the community. Superintendents can then walk the individual through a response, which comes back to the board leadership development mentioned earlier.
Q. Do you have recommendations for superintendents, during this current time period, regarding how they might deal with a board member who is not willing to follow science in making decisions?
A. We need to help the board be objective and if individual members are ideologically skewed, then we need to work to assist the other members in making clear, rational decisions. In some cases, a board member may be too emotionally engaged to look at an issue objectively. Again, if this is the case, then we must move on to assisting the remainder of the board in making a sound decision.
In essence superintendents have two scenarios when facing tough situations with their board: Stay with their convictions and make a recommendation they believe in, providing the potential ramifications if needed, or allow the board to make a decision without the full value of the superintendent’s expertise.
I believe Dr. Wilson provides us with deft advice in handling not only the current situation, but other crisis too. Dr. Wilson is the superintendent of the Buckeye Elementary School District, located in Buckeye, Arizona. She can be reached at kwilson@besd33.org
6 thoughts on “Leading Boards in Staying Focused on Science Not Politics: A Conversation with AASA President, Dr. Kristi Wilson”
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Thank you Howard for the opportunity to lend voice to these important issues! As always your approach is thoughtful, articulate and compassionate. Be well my friend.
Thankful for your deft advice and for the fact that you are always willing to help your colleagues. I wish you the best as you progress through leading superintendents across the world as AASA President!
Thank you for this insightful article.
We are very thankful for Dr. Wilson’s insights and I hope they are helpful to those who are contemplating these issues currently.
In these challenging days, the importance of sharing counsel and insights with one another is paramount. Thank you for taking time to get Kristi’s thoughtful perspectives and words of wisdom. Be well.
Absolutely, my friend! Superintendents are dealing with challenging times and the ability to share and gain from each other, as you state, is paramount.