CONTROVERSY IN THE COMMUNITY

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Ten Things a School Board Can Do to Help Stay the Course

By Paula O’Loughlin, Director of Partnerships and Professional Learning at Equity Alliance MN

Paula O’Loughlin Boundary changes. Distance learning. Equity initiatives. School closings. Budget cuts. There is no shortage of critical decisions that school boards need to make. Even without the emotional and physical toll of a global pandemic, many decisions that come before the board quickly become a lightning rod by striking deep division and mistrust within a community; and social media has made it easier than ever to build like-minded coalitions of community members who possess the will, the skill, and often the financial resources it requires to wage a well-orchestrated, sustained attack on the work that school boards need to do for their students. So how does a school board effectively recognize and listen to the voices of its most vehemently opposed constituents, while also staying the course so it may accomplish its goals of improving the learning conditions for each and every student? It most certainly requires a host of varying characteristics, including courage, tenacity, and an unrelenting focus on students in order for board members to stand strong and united in the midst of fierce opposition – no matter how small the cadre of voices may be. Here are 10 things a school board can do to help themselves stay the course:

1. Identify common ground.

No matter how contentious an issue, and regardless of how diametrically opposed opinions may be, there is almost always a shared value, belief, interest, or goal that everyone can agree upon. Invest the time to connect with people in a way that enables you to build empathy, increase understanding, and recognize one another’s humanity. I believe it is much more difficult for someone to vilify you once they realize you are a fellow human being who shares the same hopes and fears they do.

2. Understand and validate any fear that may exist.

It is only human nature for people to react with strong emotion when they feel that they, or someone they care about, is at risk of losing something that is valuable and holds significance in their lives. Whether boundaries are being redrawn, a high school elective is being eliminated, or the school start times are changing, the fear of change and the fear of the unknown is real and deserves to be validated. Do your best to unearth whatever fear

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may exist, name it, and recognize it. Though the outcome may not be what the person wanted, being heard and understood goes a long way.

3. Don’t take it personally.

When considering running for school board, you may have been told you better develop a thick skin. Well, sticks and stones may break your bones, but words are immensely powerful and absolutely can hurt you. Do your best to remember that for some people, the school board is an all-too-convenient target for misplaced anger and that sometimes it’s much easier for people to project their frustrations onto you than it is to face whatever may really be going on. While the decisions elected officials make are certainly fair game for scrutiny, remember that any personal attacks often reveal much more about the person saying them than anything else.

4. Don’t make it personal.

As tempting as it might be to give someone a piece of your mind, remember that you can never take your words or your actions back. Even if what you say or do isn’t being recorded (at least not to your knowledge), remember that you are held to a higher standard. Before saying or doing something you may later regret, first ask yourself, “If our students were here, would they be proud to have me as their school board member?” Whatever satisfaction you think you might feel by metaphorically knocking someone off their pedestal, remember it is an honor to serve as a school board member and as such, you have a responsibility to act honorably.

5. Establish and enforce healthy boundaries.

Yes, you may happen to be a public servant, but by no means does that role ever require you to tolerate abusive, toxic, or threatening behavior of any kind. To quote Maya Angelou, “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.” During my tenure on my local school board, there was a community member who repeatedly demanded that I meet with them. Over the course of two years, this person sent me dozens of emails, spoke at almost every public comment portion of our school board meetings, specifically addressing me, and demanding to know when I would meet with them. Suffice it to say, it did not feel safe for me to meet with them, even in a public setting and even with other people present. Sometimes boundaries are necessary; enforce them when you need to.

6. Once a decision has been made, speak with one voice.

A divided school board can lead to a divided community. In the wake of a contentious vote, a community has little chance to heal and move forward if even one board member continues to publicly speak against the final decision of the board. Though no individual board member holds any real power, the community may remain divided so long as it is perceived that a board member is using their positional power and public platform to champion and endorse the dissenting point of view.

7. Mind the data and know the facts.

It is not hyperbole to say that the decisions school boards make have the potential to shape the trajectory of a child’s life. Too much is at stake and it is your responsibility to be as fully informed as possible. Take the time to do your due diligence by asking the tough and necessary questions, even if – especially if – some people are dismissive of the data because it doesn’t support their position. Keep student impact at the center of every question. Ask questions that focus on improving the learning conditions and increasing

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outcomes for all students. Having a deep understanding of the complexities of the issue at hand won’t necessarily mean less opposition from members of the community, but it will hopefully demonstrate your commitment to making studentfocused, data informed decisions.

8. Support your superintendent in both word and in deed.

Do what it takes to develop, earn, and maintain trust between you and your superintendent. Be honest, be clear, and work diligently as a board to create the conditions for your superintendent to succeed. Communicate, communicate, communicate. When your superintendent is supported by the board and you all are pulling in the same direction, your students will be the beneficiaries. Asking tough questions, having a difference of opinion, and ensuring accountability are all constructive behaviors; going for a “gotcha” moment, undermining their leadership, and overstepping your governance role are all destructive behaviors.

9. Keep the ego in check.

It’s easy to understand how board members may become smitten by the sudden influx of attention, preferential treatment, and whatever other benefits may accompany their newly elected role. Many parents, teachers, and community members alike often show a certain deference to their school board members and some school board members are actively courted by those in the community who possess a high degree of social influence or political capital. Be cautious of those who want to use your “status” to advance their own agenda and be sure to surround yourself with trusted confidants who will help keep you grounded when you need it the most.

10. Remain unapologetic in your advocacy for all students.

The pressure you will receive from a myriad of stakeholder groups can be intense and unsettling. Remember why you ran. Recognize the tremendous honor and privilege you have to serve our young people. Remain steadfast in your belief that all students deserve an excellent education where they are seen, heard, and understood for exactly who they are. Stay focused on your district’s goals and support your fellow board members. Most of all, call upon your courage to prioritize the needs of your students over the comfort of yourself or other adults. You are the leaders our children are counting on.

Paula O’Loughlin is the Director of Partnerships and Professional Learning for Equity Alliance MN and is teaching Listen2Lead: A Journey to Equity Consciousness - Board Governance Through an Equity Lens. You can contact Paula at poloughlin@ea-mn.org to learn more or comment on this article.

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