George Harrison penned the sage line in his song, Any Road, “If you don’t know where you are goin’, any road will take you there.” What is true for individuals is equally true for boards.
An effective board of trustees is crucial for the success and longevity of an independent school. To stay on the right road, regular self-evaluation is key. This involves setting annual goals and measuring progress against them, giving your journey purpose and direction.
The self-evaluation process should focus on three key areas: the achievement of goals, the board’s functioning as a cohesive team, and the performance of individual trustees.
First, assessing how well the board is achieving its set goals helps determine if the board is steering the school in the right direction. This evaluation is fundamental as it aligns the board’s efforts with the school’s mission and strategic objectives. It also highlights areas where the board may need to adjust its approach or increase efforts to meet these goals.
Secondly, analyzing how well the board operates as a team is critical. Effective collaboration and communication among board members are essential for robust decision-making and governance. Evaluating the board’s teamwork involves looking at dynamics such as mutual respect, constructive conflict resolution, and active participation. A well-functioning board not only meets its goals more efficiently, but also fosters a positive and productive atmosphere.
Equally important is the evaluation of individual board members. This process ensures that each member is contributing effectively and fulfilling their responsibilities. Individual evaluations can highlight strengths and areas for development, ensuring that all members are equipped to support the board’s work. This individual accountability helps maintain high standards of governance and commitment.
Surveying each board member (including the head of school) is a good way to begin the evaluation process, which should be overseen by the committee of trustees. The findings should be presented at the board’s annual meeting, providing a comprehensive overview of performance and areas for improvement. This timing allows the board to reflect on the past year and make necessary adjustments for the upcoming year.
Regular self-evaluation, setting annual goals, and assessing both collective and individual performance are essential practices for independent school boards. These processes ensure that the board remains effective, aligned with the school’s mission, and continuously improving its governance practices.
The SAIS Governance Health Check measures how well the board executes on its commitment to best practices in independent school governance within the five domains of board governance.
Want to learn more? Join us for the next installment of our Trustee Education Series, February 4, 5:00-6:00 PM Eastern as we discuss the legal landscape and hot topics.