Q: What is the focus of the Excellence in Governance Program?
A: The program develops leadership skills and strengthens a leadership team’s ability to work effectively as a governance team, with the goal of positively impacting student achievement.
Q: For whom is the Excellence in Governance Program designed?
A: The Excellence in Governance Program is designed for each Florida school district’s leadership team, consisting of the school board and superintendent.
Q: Can any leadership team in Florida participate in the Excellence in Governance Program?
A: YES. The program is designed for:
- a leadership team that previously held the Excellence in Governance distinction and needs to reinstate its eligibility for the Excellence in Governance distinction;
- a leadership team that currently holds the Excellence in Governance distinction, but desires to engage in continued professional development activities.
- a leadership team that has never participated in or completed the program;
Q: Are leadership teams required to participate in the Excellence in Governance Program?
A: NO. Program participation is voluntary.
Q: How many hours of training are required in the Excellence in Governance Program?
A: A total of 16 hours of leadership training delivered by an FSBA facilitator is required to complete the Excellence in Governance Program. A team that currently holds the Excellence in Governance distinction and adds only one new governance team member may complete the eight-hour Excellence in Governance Reinstatement Program.
Q: Are there any time constraints for completing the Excellence in Governance Program?
A: YES. A maximum of 12 months is allotted for completing the Excellence in Governance Program.
Q: Who delivers Excellence in Governance training sessions?
A: Current or former Florida school board members who have completed FSBA’s specialized facilitator training deliver the Excellence in Governance training sessions.
Q: How is the leadership team recognized for completing the Excellence in Governance Program?
A: The leadership team receives an Excellence in Governance plaque listing the names of the leadership team members. FSBA also sends a press release to the School Board Chair and support staff for distribution to newspapers serving the community.
Q: Can training in the Excellence in Governance Program be used for points in the Certified Board Member Program?
A: NO. The training cannot be used to satisfy the requirements of two programs; consequently, no Certified Board Member program points can be awarded for Excellence in Governance training.
Q: How does a leadership team become involved in the Excellence in Governance Program?
A: In January following an election year, the FSBA office sends a memorandum inviting leadership teams to apply for the Excellence in Governance Program. The first step is to submit an “Intent to Participate Agreement” to the FSBA office. A majority of the school board members and the superintendent must commit to attending all training sessions, and each participating leadership team member must sign the agreement.
Q: What is the cost of the Excellence in Governance Program?
A: Fees vary by district size. For pricing information, please contact Tina Pinkson, Director of Leadership Services.
Q: How long does a leadership team hold the distinction of Excellence in Governance?
A: The distinction remains in effect as long as the school board members named on the Excellence in Governance plaque continue to serve on the school board.
