EPLC Suggests Ways to Strengthen the Work of School Boards
(Harrisburg) The Education Policy and Leadership Center recently released a new
report that recommends ways to improve the effectiveness of school boards and
increase the number of citizens who are motivated and prepared to serve on boards.
"Strengthening the Work of School Boards in Pennsylvania" makes
recommendations for how state policymakers, school boards and superintendents,
and voters and community leaders can achieve these goals.
The report calls for changes in Pennsylvania laws to more clearly define the
respective roles of school boards and superintendents. The report also
recommends mandatory orientation for new board members, mandatory professional
development for all school directors, and a change to six-year terms for school
board members. It also outlines recruitment strategies to develop a cadre of
citizens prepared to run for and serve as effective board members.
A model Code of Conduct and model Governance-Management Compact are included for
consideration by school boards.
A 20 member Study Group and two focus groups helped EPLC to identify key
governance issues and to develop its recommendations. The Center also conducted
a survey of superintendents and school board members to gather a broader
cross-section of views on appropriate superintendent and school board roles.
In addition to developing draft legislation to support its recommendations, EPLC
will present the report at forums across the state, beginning with the April 15
Pennsylvania Education Policy Forum in Pittsburgh.
Strengthening the Work of School Boards in Pennsylvania is available
online at www.eplc.org/reports.html. Additional information about K-12
Governance is available on EPLC's Education Policy Information Clearinghouse at
www.eplc.org/clearinghouse_governance.html.
