Billy Arcement - SearchingforSuccess.com

Billy Arcement, MEd.
Professional Speaker

Dare To Be Different

By Billy Arcement

During the two years I served as state president of the Louisiana School Boards Association, I adopted the theme Dare To Be Different. Never in the history of education has the need to be different been more important. As perspective school board members, it is essential that the old image of a political candidate be shed and the new image of a 21st century leader becomes the norm.

To help each of you cope with the challenges facing schools districts in the next century, please allow me to share with you characteristics that school board members must possess. These ideas are the culmination of studying effective boardmenship skills for over fifteen years and the synthesis of a lifetime of study on what it takes to be an effective leader.

Good luck as you move forward in your campaign and never forget that your entire initiative must be for the betterment of opportunities for children under your charge. It’s an awesome responsibility that cannot be taken lightly.

The ideas are presented in a checklist format for easy reference. Please take time to review the five areas identified and think about how you might rate your skills at this moment. For those of you that win, keep the list as a reminder of the benchmarks that you should continuously strive to attain.

I. Meeting Dynamics: Board members should demonstrate the ability to conduct themselves in a professional manner at public meetings.

Good organizational skills Results oriented Understands dynamics of effective meetings Has no conflict of interest Diligent in carrying out decisions of board Open minded on all issues brought before board Can maintain focus amid criticism and controversy	Prepares for meetings in advance Knows when and how to compromise Does not cater to special interest groups Has no “personal agenda” to satisfy Does not “play” to the audience. Knows Robert’s Rules of Order Has ability and willingness to support long- range plans of the district

II. Community Relations: Board members should be able to communicate and relate to voters they represent in a manner that will demonstrate community values and issues.

Can articulate reason for seeking office
Possess good business sense
Willingness to be visible at school and community activities
Can state positions effectively and politely
High degree of knowledge of community needs and interest in public education

Speaks well in public

Has a system-wide mentality

Has a keen interest in public education

Discloses ties with system on a personal or contractual nature

Keeps public informed on board issues

III. Understands & supports system-wide issues. Board members cannot do an effective job with a “district” mentality. Members must possess a “big picture” view.

Puts Children first in the decision process.
Encourages parental and citizen involvement
Understands budgets, school finance mechanisms
Supports system-wide cost effective operations
Encourages innovation and excellence
Familiar with operation of district

Commits to maximum development of every student

Promotes school/community cooperation

Understands legal issues facing district

Supports proper building maintenance

Supports enhancement of student needs in all schools

Can offer ideas and plans to strengthen district

IV. Board/Staff Dynamics: Board members must demonstrate strong managerial

abilities.

Not in the business of hiring friends/relatives
Expects high quality performance from teachers
Communicates directly & clearly to superintendent
Will evaluate superintendent yearly to objectives and accomplishments
Understands board members are not administrators.
They develop district policies
Understands that he/she has no power outside of the official board meetings

Expects high quality work from administration

Expects high quality work from support personnel

Support hiring most qualified candidate every time

Believes in continuous professional development of self and the entire board

Will channel complaints through the proper channels and not personally decide what should be done.

Deals fairly with all school employees regardless of their political support or position

IV. Team Building Skills: Board members must be able to work and relate to members of the board and school district staff.

Will abide by the board’s code of ethics
Will be a consensus builder
Understands leadership skills
Is trustworthy
Provides praise when warranted
Strives to understand position of other members
Won’t “blind-side” board members with surprises

Displays high degree of personal integrity

Your word is your bond

Is not looking for all the glory

Is not a “deal maker”

Can work well with others

Doesn’t undermine board decisions

Never cuts down another member

Billy Arcement is a highly respected and recognized expert on personal and organizational success techniques. His messages are timely, inspirational, humorous, and filled with refreshing warmth and sincerity audiences have come to appreciate. Always the teacher, Billy has dedicated his life to helping others reach their potential. He knows how to instill a sense of action and purpose.

He is the author of Searching for Success as well as numerous nationally published articles. To get his free electronic newsletter, News from the Swamp, call 888-376-7374, email your request to barcement@eatel.net or visit our web site at www.searchingforsuccess.com.

The Results Group
36570 Swamp Road South
Prairieville, LA 70769
(225) 677-9426 or
toll free (888) 376-7374
barcement@eatel.net