Standards for Effective School Governance

To promote student growth and achievement, an effective school board…

1. Advocates for a thorough and efficient system of public education by:

• Promoting public education as a keystone of democracy.
• Engaging and promoting community support by seeking input, building support networks and generating action.
• Allocating resources in a manner designed to facilitate student achievement consistent with school district goals and plans.
• Maintaining legislative awareness and communicating with members of local, state and federal legislative bodies.
• Ensuring strong management of the school system by hiring, setting goals with and evaluating the superintendent.
• Employing qualified staff to meet student and program needs.

2. Models responsible governance and leadership by:

• Staying current with changing needs and requirements by reviewing educational literature, attending professional development opportunities prior to board service and continuously during board service, and preparing to make informed decisions.
• Interacting with school officials in other districts and using resources provided by organizations and agencies committed to effective governance and management of public schools.
• Leading with respect and taking full responsibility for board activity and behavior.
• Adopting and acting in accordance with the Code of Conduct for Members of Pennsylvania School Boards.
• Engaging all community stakeholders.
• Complying with board policy and all applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations.
• Operating as a collective board in making decisions.
• Participating in annual board retreats.

These standards were adopted by the Lower Dauphin Board of School Directors on May 15, 2006 in Resolution #2006-04