ARTICLE
The season of learning for newly elected and appointed board members is well underway. For many, the first step has been the New Board Member Academy (NBMA). These full-day sessions in five locations around the state have been well attended. For most new board members, being sworn in is the realization that there is much more to the job than one first realized. The initial NBMA training is the introduction to the expectations and work of an effective board member. Here are the top three takeaways from the first phase of the 2025 New Board Member Academy. Fundamental Constant The fundamental constant that allows board members to work together is the understanding that no member has decision-making authority. Individuals have no right to intercede on their own in district-level decisions or issues. That includes speaking on the board’s behalf without the entire board’s authorization. Simply stated, each member’s point of authority is their vote. Lines of Communication and Chain of Command How communication and directives flow through the organization is absolutely essential to the corporation’s overall success and, ultimately, to improved student outcomes. The chain of command does not stifle a board member’s voice or influence. Instead, it is a structure that allows each person in the organization to understand to whom they report. When it is muddied, it creates confusion and miscommunication and leads to dysfunction and morale issues. Board members should understand that they need to stay in their proverbial helicopter and see the big picture. Boards willing to “stay in their lane” experience better longevity and continuity among their staff and administration. At a time when employees at all levels are hard to come by, that is a critical need. Trust Is Key A genuinely effective board cannot function without a high level of trust. Trust is the basis for open, transparent, and collaborative communication. I am not advocating for blind trust but rather the willingness to get to know colleagues better personally and professionally. If each team member is consistently responsible for confidentiality, has a high level of respect and professionalism, and is willing to listen to each other, trust will grow over time. It takes time to develop and unfortunately is easily broken. That often leads to an inability to function as a team and leads directly to issues within the corporation and community. The next phase of the NBMA will take a deeper look at public access and the Open Door Law, policy oversight, and school funding and budgets. ### Steve Horton ISBA Director of Board Services shorton@isba-ind.org
The season of learning for newly elected and appointed board members is well underway. For many, the first step has been the New Board Member Academy (NBMA). These full-day sessions in five locations around the state have been well attended. For most new board members, being sworn in is the realization that there is much more to the job than one first realized. The initial NBMA training is the introduction to the expectations and work of an effective board member. Here are the top three takeaways from the first phase of the 2025 New Board Member Academy.
Fundamental Constant
The fundamental constant that allows board members to work together is the understanding that no member has decision-making authority. Individuals have no right to intercede on their own in district-level decisions or issues. That includes speaking on the board’s behalf without the entire board’s authorization. Simply stated, each member’s point of authority is their vote.
Lines of Communication and Chain of Command
How communication and directives flow through the organization is absolutely essential to the corporation’s overall success and, ultimately, to improved student outcomes. The chain of command does not stifle a board member’s voice or influence. Instead, it is a structure that allows each person in the organization to understand to whom they report. When it is muddied, it creates confusion and miscommunication and leads to dysfunction and morale issues. Board members should understand that they need to stay in their proverbial helicopter and see the big picture. Boards willing to “stay in their lane” experience better longevity and continuity among their staff and administration. At a time when employees at all levels are hard to come by, that is a critical need.
Trust Is Key
A genuinely effective board cannot function without a high level of trust. Trust is the basis for open, transparent, and collaborative communication. I am not advocating for blind trust but rather the willingness to get to know colleagues better personally and professionally. If each team member is consistently responsible for confidentiality, has a high level of respect and professionalism, and is willing to listen to each other, trust will grow over time. It takes time to develop and unfortunately is easily broken. That often leads to an inability to function as a team and leads directly to issues within the corporation and community. The next phase of the NBMA will take a deeper look at public access and the Open Door Law, policy oversight, and school funding and budgets.
###
Steve Horton
ISBA Director of Board Services
shorton@isba-ind.org