School boards must focus on students [opinion]

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The office of a school board member has long been that of a public official; however, it is clear that a shift has happened over the past several years.

What used to be a title defined by public service has grown to resemble that of a political pundit, often resulting in unrest and distrust within the board and the community it serves. A Google search of the term "school board" will turn up pages of s detailing unbecoming conduct, infighting, agendas and prioritizing the interests of adults over what is best for the students.

Regardless of where you stand on the issues, I believe that we can agree on two things: school board members have a responsibility to model the qualities we wish to see within our students, and the student must always come first.

Recently, I have worked with our school board on a book study of A.J. Crabill's "Great on Their Behalf," which focuses on creating effective school boards and shifting from adult-focused to student-focused boards.

Born out of this book study was the decision to establish our first "Portrait of a School Board Member," a framework of behaviors that guide their interactions and decisions. The framework is built on four key principles: Team of Ten Committed, Student-Focused, Priority and Data-Driven, and Community-Centered, each accompanied by statements outlining how the board will uphold these principles.

Similar to how the district maintains expectations for students, staff, and administrators through the Portrait of a Learner, Educator, and Leader, these principles ensure that the board remains focused on decisions that lead to better student outcomes.

This framework, and all others, seek to support the ultimate goal of producing college, career, and future-ready students, as outlined in the "Portrait of a Graduate."

It is important to note that this shift does not mean that strategic, adult decision-making takes a back seat. In actuality, it promotes a more strategic governance approach. Data-driven decision-making is a hallmark of these boards, and a variety of data is used to identify gaps and make informed decisions.

For example, annual budget decisions, such as hiring additional teachers or introducing new programs, are based on data that justifies these investments to support student achievement. As a result, we see a board that is not only fiscally and socially responsible but also maintains alignment to its core purpose: ensuring every student receives a high-quality education.

Shifting to a student-focused board also does not call for casting community members to the wayside; rather, community engagement plays a vital role in the success of these boards. These boards remain accessible, gathering input from stakeholders to ensure decisions reflect the entire district's values, not just a microcosm. This fosters a shared responsibility for student success and strengthens the support system that students need for their development.

By prioritizing student outcomes, engaging the community, and relying on data, a board can create an environment where students can thrive. Isn't that the goal of the school board?

Dr. Lisa Hess is superintendent of the Gov. Mifflin School District based in Shillington, Berks County.