Words of Wisdom for New Board Members
Compiled by Theresa Kelly GegenEvery other year, boards of education across the state welcome new members, and IASB and the Illinois School Board Journal present information for new board members. It’s become a tradition to ask current board members to offer some words of wisdom to the newbies.
This year, 15 school board members answered the call — and two questions — about the role of the school board member. We thank them all for their time and willingness to help out. Be it mentoring, networking, sharing, or chatting, a hallmark of school board members in Illinois is their genuine willingness to help each other out.
Everyone was new once, so we asked: What’s the one thing you wish you had known before you started your school board service?
“Every single new board member felt inadequate and unprepared before their first few meetings. It’s a long process to become comfortable with the system.” — Chip Braker
“School board service isn’t just about attending meetings and making decisions; it is about listening to students, teachers, community members, and often navigating many differing opinions. Understanding the importance of communication, patience, compromise, and building trust are the keys to a successful tenure.” — Pam Capes
“Your reason in becoming a school board member will have little bearing of the duties of a board member. Your important voice is one of seven.” — Laurie Christophersen
“Teachers in your district are passionate about sharing what’s happening in their classrooms. Keep the dialogue with them open, ask questions, and share their stories with your fellow board members and administration team.” — Jason Farrell
“I wish I knew developing relationships with fellow board members could be very challenging, as different personalities and hidden agendas can impact the effectiveness of the board and the success of the district.” — Synathia Harris
“Superintendents have more duties than I imagined. An understanding of that role would have been good to know prior to being part of a group that directs their priorities.” — Norman Johnson
“I didn’t realize when I first started on my board how important the role is and how much influence we really have, not just in our own school district but in the community. For years I had been a part of committees and commissions in my village where we dealt with one small topic that in the end would be made official by those higher up such as a mayor or trustees. Being a board member I found out what we decide as a board is just as important as what those officials do. We vote on policies and procedures that affect students, teachers, and staff while sometimes dealing with difficult matters, such we did during the pandemic and probably will be dealing with during this new federal administration. It can be a very hard and time-consuming job at times, but I’ve found it to be mostly very rewarding.” — Shawn Killackey
“The complexities of the roles, the community, the school board, and the superintendent. It would have helped me navigate through the difficult times in the beginning of my service. Over the years, the training helped me and gave me the understanding that I needed.” — Dora King
“Soon after we became board members, we learned to differentiate between the “what” and the “how.” The “what” is decided by the board. The “how” is implemented by the staff and administration. Board members should avoid getting into the weeds of daily management.” — Renee Klass
“The school board has three jobs. Maintain a balanced budget, hire and fire the superintendent, and policy. Beyond that the work of the school board is to trust your leadership, create a partnership with your superintendent, and celebrate the hard work of your students and staff. Stay off the dance floor (meaning day-to-day operations) and remain in the balcony.” — Kim Miller
“Serving on the school board requires continuous learning and a commitment to read in depth about a diverse set of topics that cover the operation as well as the educational services needed by students. It isn’t a one meeting a month commitment, but a continuous commitment to achieving greatness as a team with educators and volunteers working collaboratively. It is important to know that your voice matters.” — Joanne Osmond
“Acronyms are used heavily in this business, so much so, that I don’t think veteran board members even realize it. It takes time to get comfortable with this.” — Diana Bird
“I wish I understood how important it was to be part of one voice when dealing with community members. It does not mean that your individual thoughts are not important. However, talking with the community and respecting my fellow members needs to be a balance and at times it can be difficult.” — Odie Pahl
“I wish I had known that I would be in that role for over 20 years. You get a great sense of responsibility, accountability, and accomplishment for doing what is best for students, teachers, and your community. The COVID pandemic pushed everybody to the limits but made us stronger in the end. I applaud every school board member, ever, and appreciate their commitment and service to their community.” — Nick Sartoris
“The one thing I wish I’d known before starting on the school board was how challenging it would be to balance all the competing perspectives and opinions that come at you from every direction. You walk in, thinking you understand what needs to happen. Still, you’re suddenly caught between what parents want, what teachers need, what administrators are pushing for, what taxpayers will accept, and most importantly, what’s best for the kids. I realized that making a real difference means seeing the bigger picture and working with others — even when we don’t always agree. Accepting that you can’t make everyone happy was probably the toughest lesson. The learning curve is steep, too — school finance, curriculum standards, facility management — and there is so much to understand that isn’t obvious from the outside. I also wish I’d known how important it is to build relationships with fellow board members early on. Developing those relationships takes time and trust, especially with people who might see education issues differently than you do.” — Lourdes Chapa
Every year our respondents are generous with their time and wisdom. One theme is evident no matter what the timing is, or who the respondents are. The true role of a school board member sometimes surprises people when they encounter the work for the first time, either as a community member or a new board member. It’s important to understand the difference between governance (setting policy and vision) and management (administration and day-to-day operations). The board of education is responsible for setting goals and making high-level decisions while the superintendent and staff handle day-to-day operations. We asked: What is your top advice for new board members?
“Take time to settle into your board role. Schools operate by policy and most decisions are based on how a policy impacts your individual district. Become familiar with your board policies and you will be able to answer the question; “Do we have a policy?” — Laurie Christophersen
“The information you will get is overwhelming and takes time to digest and get up to speed.” — Diana Bird
“Don’t feel you have to be perfectly informed on every topic in order to be an effective board member. That’s an impossibility. It is perfectly ok during your first few board meetings to 1. Vote your gut and/or 2. Abstain.” — Chip Braker
“Take your time. Abstaining from voting is ok. It takes about a year to really get a feel for how the local school board works.” — Pam Capes
“Remember that you represent the entire district, not just one neighborhood, school, or special interest group. Your decisions should benefit all students across the district. When facing pressure from vocal stakeholders with specific agendas, it’s important to listen to their concerns and consider how your decisions might impact them while keeping the broader district’s needs in mind. Remember why you sought this position — to improve educational outcomes for students. When you fully understand your role and responsibilities, you can help create positive change for all students in your district.” — Lourdes Chapa
“Don’t make promises to fix problems with members of the community. Board members help connect shareholders with proper administration officials who can help them with any issues. Setting an unrealistic expectation that you can solve their problems leads to conflict quickly with community members.” — Jason Farrell
“Please serve with integrity by prioritizing students, collaborating as a team, staying transparent, continuously learning, and actively engaging with the community. Being an effective leader can help you to be a successful board member.” — Synathia Harris
“Please take all available training for school board members so you can learn the relationship between the superintendent and the school board members. Schedule time with your superintendent to get to know them and build trust. Embrace respect and trust for your fellow board members. Keep your personal feeling in check as you start your school board work. Remember that you represent your community as you keep the needs of the school district your number one priority.” — Dora King
“This is a marathon, not a sprint. It may be two or more years before you see all of the recurring items that your board will be addressing. Engage in conversations early on and ask clarifying questions. The sooner you know the “why,” understanding the “how” will become easier.” — Norman Johnson
“When I was first elected to my board of education eight years ago, I remember I was told by my Board President that it would take my entire first year on the board to get my footing and to know what was expected of me. He said that during that first year I would learn what I can and cannot do as a board member and he was correct. During my first year I learned how board meetings are run using Robert’s Rules of Order, making motions, seconding the motions, limiting conversation to among the board while not falling into debates with the public; I learned of things like the Open Meetings Act where no more than two board members can converge on district business outside an official meeting, being it in person, on the phone or even online; I also learned that the board determines the “what” on running a district but the superintendent takes care of the “how” with the “balcony and dance floor” analogy. Many newly elected board members have an idea what they can do, but it’s that first year that they find out what their responsibilities really are.” — Shawn Killackey
“While there may be discussion and a difference of opinion among board members, once a decision is made, speak with one voice. The board president should speak on behalf of the board so that the message is clear and the same to the community. Also, when making a decision, ask yourself if the decision is best for kids. That is the guiding principle.” — Renee Klass
“Spend your first year listening to seasoned board members, asking questions to your leadership, and taking as many sessions as you can at the conference. Your first year should be all about learning and understanding. If you don’t know, ask. Knowledge is power.” — Kim Miller
“Approach your service with an open mind and willingness to learn and grow. Having a growth mindset is essential to always serving with the understanding that what our students need now, and in the future, always comes first. Focusing on students’ needs and not our own agenda enables us to provide value to the process and the outcomes.” — Joanne Osmond
“Make sure you build relationships with fellow board members. Learn who they are and why they are on the board. There is a climate that may be long standing and it is important to acclimate and build trust. Ask questions, ask a lot of questions. Be ready to collaborate.” — Odie Pahl
“Know your “why” on running for office and as a board member. Stick to your “why” but not to the point of disrupting the process of being a board member. Remember, an effective board member listens most and offers advice on what the issue is. The biggest part of being a school board member is listening and understanding/learning on the issues that you vote on. The more you are informed on the issues, the more informed decision you will make. You’re a school board member, not for the money but, to make a change and ensure all the opportunities are available to benefit all students as they leave your school. I truly believe that being a school board member is the purest form of democracy.” — Nick Sartoris
Theresa Kelly Gegen is Editor of the Illinois School Board Journal. Thanks to the school board members who responded to our questions with their wisdom. More information is available at www.iasb.com/newmember.
Make Policy a Priority
New board members are encouraged to become familiar with the district’s current board policies and learn about how policy is determined and managed in the district. IASB offers a full range of services and tools designed to meet the unique policy needs of your school board, starting with PRESS — Policy Reference Education Subscription Service.
PRESS is the IASB policy and procedure information and updating service. This subscription service has two components: the Policy Reference Manual, an encyclopedia of sample policies and procedures, legally referenced and footnoted; and periodic update issues.
PRESS is an essential tool for keeping your board policy and administrative procedures manuals up-to-date. Both the Policy Reference Manual and the periodic update issues are available to subscribers online.
IASB Policy Services to districts include Policy Manual Customization, the PRESS Plus full-maintenance policy update service, School Board Policies Online, the Administrative Procedures Project, and Administrative Procedures Online.
Learning more starts with your board’s policy manual and from there explore more at www.iasb.com/policy.
Mandated Training for New Board Members
Illinois law mandates that all school board members complete training requirements as part of their board service.
Open Meetings Act (OMA) — Learn the law as it applies to school board meetings and members. Per 105 ILCS 120/1.05, every newly elected or appointed school board member must complete this training within 90 days of taking the oath of office.
Professional Development Leadership Training (PDLT) and Performance Evaluation Reform Act (PERA) Training for School Board Members — Review education and labor law, financial oversight and accountability, trauma-informed practices, and fiduciary responsibilities, plus PERA evaluations for school board members who will participate in a vote on a dismissal based upon the Optional Alternative Evaluation Dismissal Process. Student outcomes content is included for new board members in 2025. Per 105 ILCS 5/10-16a, every new school board member elected or appointed must complete this training within the first year of the first term.
IASB offers the mandated OMA and PDLT/PERA courses, bundled with a recommended Basics of Governance training, in a New Board Member Training Bundle (Online). Learn about the bundle and the range of both fee and free offerings, and discover the first year “Roadmap to Success” at www.iasb.com/newmember.