Rene S. Townsend – författare

If board meetings are something you simply "get through" so you can get on with your "real" work, this book is a must. As superintendent, and with the support of this realistic, detailed, and entertaining book, you can now turn board meetings into productive, results-getting events that help you focus on teaching, learning, and achieving your district′s goals.The authors, having chaired over 1,000 board meetings amongthem, discuss:Creating role clarity and building the superintendent-based team to increase effectiveness and support positive working relationships Developing general operating procedures that work Carrying out effective board meetings Critical aspects of the meeting itself, as well as tips on conducting closed sessions Post-meeting follow-up and how these activities affect and influence the culture of the district Superintendents, board members, leadership staff, and community members will find this guide invaluable for creating effective and meaningful board meetings.

"The authors fill a gap in the literature by providing a practical, experience-based look at how superintendents should approach the most important relationship in their professional lives. Working effectively with school boards is what it is all about, and this book shows you how." -Paul D. Houston, Executive Director, American Association of School Administrators "This book provides practical insights and useful ideas to help district leaders who are serious about keeping the educational interest of children first among their priorities." -Pedro A. Noguera, Professor, New York University "Clearly lays out the important role the superintendent has in leading the district in partnership with the board of education. This book is well worth the time of every current and aspiring superintendent and school board member!" -Anne Bryant, Executive Director, National School Boards Association "This book is a useful tool in building district governance teams. The authors' collective wisdom provides valuable insight for superintendents and school board members." -Luan B. Rivera, President, California State Boards Association "A wonderful, clear, and jargon-free primer on how to be a successful superintendent. This book is must reading for superintendents and a real plus for school boards." -Dede Alpert, Former California State Senator, Former Member, California State Assembly "An outstanding fieldbook for those interested in down-to-earth strategies for navigating the complexities of providing leadership in school districts." -General Davie, Jr., Retired Superintendent of Schools

Foster a strong superintendent-school board relationship centered on quality teaching and learning! Effective Superintendent-School Board Practices helps current and future superintendents and school board members develop an effective governance team that prioritizes quality teaching and learning. Designed for practicing and aspiring superintendents and school board members, this exceptional book relates the everyday experiences and challenges faced by this important district team. Combining 84 years of service as superintendents in urban, rural, and suburban school districts, the authors offer:

Real-life vignettes that highlight problems, successes, key points, and useful practices Indispensable information on building relationships, creating a team, managing conflict, and staying focused on the mission and priorities of the district Reflective practice questions and self-assessments throughout

This rich resource offers knowledge, skills, and strategies to teach and inspire current and future leaders, based on the experiences of practitioners who have learned what works and what doesn't, leaving valuable time to focus on student achievement.

"I do not believe I have ever seen a guide that is so practical and current. I particularly liked the advice on communications, celebrations, board relationships, and community involvement. Those are the kinds of interpersonal gestures and activities that go beyond just following a checklist and are critical to the success of new and experienced superintendents."—Brenda S. Dietrich, SuperintendentAuburn-Washburn School District, Topeka, KS

A practical planning tool with concrete tasks and tips for new or experienced superintendents!

Written by seven outstanding superintendents, this reflective calendar and planning journal helps superintendents address day-to-day concerns while keeping student achievement in perspective throughout the year. The authors give administrators a structured, goal-oriented look at the work ahead and highlight opportunities for organizational leadership.

Practical and hands-on, this planner takes superintendents from July through June and provides checklists, activities, and templates to foster responsibility, efficiency, and effectiveness. The authors present issues for reflection and action that include:

Maintaining effective communication Monitoring program, curriculum, and achievement objectives Building relationships within the educational community Developing the budget Coaching and mentoring Planning ahead, establishing new goals, and facing unexpected events and challenges

The Superintendent's Planner offers beginning and veteran district leaders a fresh perspective and invaluable support for an increasingly complex and demanding role.