School Board LeaderShop is a series of workshops and other opportunities for school board learning and networking.

School Board LeaderShop programs provide:

• the knowledge, skills and resources that school board members need in order to grow both personally and in their ability to provide sound school district leadership, and
• a coherent path to higher levels of competency and performance for school boards that promises results for a modest investment of time and money.

The purpose of School Board LeaderShop programs is to help school boards speak effectively for their communities in setting expectations for their schools; make sure that their schools achieve the best possible results in meeting those expectations; and ensure that public resources are used effectively and efficiently to achieve those results.

School Board LeaderShop is designed for both the veteran board member looking for district improvement and the new board member anxious to understand basic roles and responsibilities. The veteran and the rookie are afforded the same opportunities, but without the veteran having to sit through the basics a second time.

School Board LeaderShop programs are in two categories:

• "core" programs directly relate to principles of effective school district governance. Topics include basics of school governance, law and finance; the role of boards in democracy; detecting a compelling vision; targeted student learning; monitoring district performance; board-superintendent relationships; and effective meetings.
• "elective" programs focus on additional board and board member skills that promote effective school district leadership. Elective topics include issue-related programs (e.g., collective bargaining, meeting management, parliamentary procedure) and interpersonal/skill development programs (e.g., communication skills, Myers-Briggs Personality Inventory).

Programs in both categories will be offered at regular intervals in four-year cycles coinciding with the typical four-year term of office. However, some programs will be offered more often to accommodate board member turnover and the biennial election cycle.

Workshop sites are rotated throughout the state to make the cost and travel as economical and as convenient as possible. All "core" programs can be presented locally for one to six neighboring school boards to even further reduce travel time and costs. Remember, too, that professional development is a legitimate board expense. Costs vary by workshop and discounts are available.

Completion of specific core and elective programs also earn members credit toward IASB's School Board LeaderShop Academy.

For the latest offerings, visit IASB's Web site (www.iasb.com). All programs are listed in the online calendar of events and many offer online registration. Information about School Board LeaderShop events is also mailed periodically to districts.

For more information about School Board LeaderShop, download this brochure, or contact your Field Services director or the IASB Board Development office at ext. 1103.

Two-Year Board Development Calendar

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