Navigating When Hard Issues Threaten Governance

BOARD-SAVVY SUPERINTENDENT

Tough issues are ubiquitous. As superintendents, you’re either dealing with one now, are recovering from one or suspect one is looming on the horizon.

Let me define tough: a school board member arrested for child abuse; a board that argues publicly, split along ideological political lines; a community that believes pornography is lurking in the primary book selection of your school libraries and says so frequently at public meetings; a rogue board member who refuses to work with you or the board.

All of these situations threaten the school board’s ability to provide effective school system governance. Actions quickly become more about power and influence and less about seeing students succeed. How do you navigate these often public and contentious issues?