During its meeting on Monday, the Carroll Community School District’s (CCSD) Board of Education joined the Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB) for a board development workshop focusing on developing a governance mindset. The facilitator, Lou Ann Gvist, says governance is often misunderstood, underappreciated, and challenging to define. Gvist says the board is to “steer” the organization’s direction through goals and the mission statement, establishing the structure by creating and enforcing policies, and taking accountability and responsibility for students and financial resources. The first exercise was a legacy question, asking what the members want the public and staff to say about them in two years. Board member Jill Johnston read the answers provided by the team.
The next focus was on the roles and responsibilities of the board and maintaining that governance mindset. Gvist says the roles are to focuses on strategy and long-term planning and has a “balcony view” or looks at the bigger picture of any decisions needing to be made. Gvist asked the members what the impact is when the board and superintendent have clarity around those expectations. Answers included maintaining efficiency, developing trust, and having transparency and communication skills. Superintendent Dr. Casey Berlau shared his views, agreeing with the board on their answers.
The board reflected on the key takeaways from the work session, mentioning that it’s a good refresher course that focuses on where improvements can be made, allows board members to talk and find their common ground, remembering their “why,” building understanding and continuing their relationships and communication. During the next meeting with IASB, the Board of Education will develop new long-term district goals for the next three to five years.
