In accordance with our MISSION, FSBA’s Leadership Services Department offers high quality training and programs that help School Boards maximize their leadership and governance while maintaining a focus on student achievement. Each having served on a Florida school board, our leadership development consultants are uniquely qualified to lead board members in the quest for maximum effectiveness.
The Leadership Services Program is uniquely designed to serve the leadership developmental needs of both individual board members and the school board as a whole. The individual board member can take advantage of the Certified Board Member Program. It is comprised of several training sessions designed to address the five governance roles of a school board member. The specific focus is primarily on skill development in the areas of Advocacy and Leadership and to broaden his or her knowledge of education issues and the technical aspects of the school board member role. Each training is specifically designed for board members and addresses the topics from a policy leader’s perspective.
The three (3) required training components (FORUMS) combine with the three (3) curricular area components to ensure a board member obtains a well-rounded and thorough understanding of his or her policy-making job responsibilities. A minimum of 96 points (1 point = 1 hour of training) are required to receive the CBM distinction. Certified Board Members must earn 15 points each calendar year after they receive their award to renew their CBM status. To ensure the most relevant training and updated records, CBM forms must be submitted no later than January 31st to be considered for the distinction, and the same due date applies for the completion of the 15 point renewal requirement for current CBM.
The Emerging Leader is a new addition to our Certified Board Member Program. The requirements to become an Emerging Leader must be met within the first year in office. Newly elected school board members who attend Parts 1 and 2 of the New School Board Member Academy, two (2) of the three (3) required forums, Advocacy Training, and earn a total of 48 points will qualify for the “Emerging leader Award”.
Participation in the Emerging Leader and Certified Board Member Program is voluntary but highly recommended.
Governance team training is offered for the School Board and Superintendent.
The Master Board Program is designed to strengthen the leadership team’s ability to work effectively, efficiently, and collectively as a governance body while maintaining a focus on student achievement and factors contributing to the success of schools. Opportunities are provided for the team to discuss and improve or enhance those important interpersonal issues which are essential to team functioning. This leadership curriculum is designed to offer meaningful learning sessions concentrating on student achievement through the five components forming the foundation of an educational governance team.
These components are:
1) creating a VISION;
2) developing POLICY
3) establishing an ACCOUNTABILITY system;
4) engaging in COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
5) fostering a good working RELATIONSHIP
The program features a skills-based curriculum which requires twenty (20) hours of training. Eight (8) hours are prescribed curriculum at a Master Board Forum; the remaining twelve (12) hours, completed in three (3) onsite sessions of four (4) hours each.
Some of the skills, knowledge, processes, and concepts that are addressed in the leadership curriculum include:
- Consensus Building
- Communication
- Establishing Trust
- Conflict Resolution
- Communication Styles
- Team Development
- Roles and Responsibilities
- Listening Skills
- Systems Thinking
- District Culture
- Problem Solving
- Supporting Student Achievement
- Perspective-Taking
- Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
All school district leadership teams are encouraged to participate.