Yesterday I read a message that the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) sent out to members about the board’s role in a crisis. As a former school board member, many of the points resonated with me and are worth sharing in these uncertain times.
When a district, ESD or community college is dealing with a crisis, the public looks to leadership teams to provide a unified message.
That has never been more true than with the national emergency around the COVID-19 pandemic.
The rapidly changing situation is causing uncertainty among staff, students, parents and the general public.
The leadership of the school board and superintendent/president is critical and requires a cohesive approach based on best practices.
Many school board members may feel unsure about how they can best serve their students and communities.
I want to share the following key points from TASB that are relevant to all of us:
Let your superintendent lead! It is the superintendent’s job to manage the district and most decisions that need to made are theirs to make.
Relying on the chain of command as a best practice is as important as ever. Allow your superintendent or other designated spokesperson to continue to be the district’s voice and face.
Make sure your district maintains a unified public message.
Promote messages that are:
Factual
Clear, calm and reassuring
Supported by your full leadership team
Stay in regular contact with your superintendent, and call emergency board meetings only when the meeting is necessary for your district’s welfare.
Stay connected with your community. They are looking for calm and capable leadership.
These are unprecedented times that call for unprecedented leadership. Together we will work through this.
Our staff is here to help, and we are constantly updating education-related news via social media and providing answers to frequently asked questions.
Thank you for all you are doing for your students and your community.
