In most schools, the only reference to the duties and powers of the Board President occurs in bylaws. But the true responsibilities of this individual are much more complex than those described in a typical Board President statement.
The President shall preside at all Board meetings and shall appoint all committees that are not otherwise appointed by the Board. The President shall see that all orders and resolutions of the Board committees are carried into effect. The President shall also have general supervision and direction of the officers and shall see that their duties and those assigned to other members are properly performed.
The President of a private-independent school Board might best be described as filling a service role. There is some power, to be sure, but it is unlike that wielded by presidents of other organizations or by Presidents or Board Chairs of corporations. The power of the Board President is developed largely through influence, respect, and committee appointments.
A better understanding may be achieved by noting some major responsibilities. List these under five basic headings.
Board Leader
- Conducts meetings of the Board and selected committees
- Functions as disciplinarian and constant evaluator of Trustee performance
- Arbitrates intra-Board and Board-Head conflicts
- Sets the pace for commitment when it comes time for members to donate funds
Board Organizer (working with the School Head)
- Plans meetings and sets agenda priorities
- Establishes committees and appoints Chairs
- Participates in Board calendar planning
- Identifies potential presidential candidates and ensures they are involved in Board activities that contribute to their training
Head’s Advisor
- Regards the School Head as a social equal and the institution’s long-term leader and top professional
- Remains informed of school happenings and functions as a consultant, when appropriate
- Keeps alert to the needs of the Head, particularly those requiring nurturing, Board support, and official recognition
Provider of Perspective
- Assures that the strategic plan and corresponding strategic financial plan are implemented and maintained
- Adopts a “bottom-line” orientation, leaving details to Board committees and the school administration
- Keeps constantly aware of the important separation between governance and management
- Monitors Board activity by attending important subcommittee meetings as an ex officio member
- Makes time available to attend conferences and keeps abreast of the private-school-Trustee scene
Highest-Level Spokesperson
- Maintains relatively high visibility among constituents by attending formal and informal school functions
- Steps in as a fundraiser with major prospects, as needed
- Speaks and writes “for the Board.” (Te Head speaks and writes “for the school”)
- Assists in recruiting outstanding people for the Board for school projects
Of course, this is not a complete or comprehensive list of Board President duties. The list will differ from school to school. Consider your school’s mission, its strategic planning and strategic financial planning goals, and then determine the true responsibilities for your Board President.
The future success of your school depends significantly on the strength of this leadership. Rarely is there a fine school without an outstanding Board. And rarely is there an outstanding Board without an effective President.
Additional ISM resources:
The Source for Trustees Vol. 16 No. 6 The ‘Marriage’ of the Board President and School Head
The Source for Trustees Vol. 14 No. 6 The New Board President and the Head-Elect: A Working Relationship
Additional ISM resources for ISM members:
I&P Vol. 43 No. 7 The New Board President
I&P Vol. 41 No. 16 Essential Expectations of the Board President
