School Board: Masters in Governance

About a year ago, I started thinking seriously about running for the school board. As I eased in, it became clear that I had an enormous amount to learn. While I had served on for-profit and non-profit boards for 20 years, being an elected official on a school board was a whole new thing. New regulations, new standards, incredibly complex budgeting processes.. I started my learning even as a candidate by touring the district: meeting each of the principals and getting to know their campuses. I read books and educational studies to learn what works and doesn’t. I heard from parents. I also met with our superintendent, each of the other trustees, our head of educational services, and our chief business officer.

But my formal education really started with CSBA. I went to their Annual Education Conference and dove into their Masters In Governance trainings. Today I completed my MiG! I’m still a “newbie” board member with so much to learn, and there’s so much yet to be done for the children of this district, but I feel like I’ve completed the first step on this journey towards positively impacting the lives of our 6,000+ students.

I’m very grateful for the patient support of my family and coworkers who allowed me the time to lean into this new role, and to my fellow trustees and the district staff who have been welcoming, collegial, and consummately professional.