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What happens when public board leaders speak candidly about their biggest challenges — and the tools that help them lead better? You get insights that matter.
Our newest infographic, “Why board development matters: A guide for government and school boards,” is built from real conversations with leaders in the field. They shared the hurdles they face, the breakthroughs they’ve had with training, and the strategies they rely on to make development more accessible and impactful.
We asked public board leaders to tell us about their key challenges, the benefits that they have seen of investing in training and what strategies they use to make board development more accessible and impactful.
Board development is the process of equipping board members with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their roles effectively through formal training and learning opportunities. This is often a requirement in many states and municipalities.
“Prioritize training and development for board members. You cannot expect them to just know what their role is.” — Chandu Vemuri, Executive Assistant for Board and Superintendent Leadership, Sun Prairie Area Schools, Wisconsin
Board development is crucial for the continuous improvement of the organization. Despite this, 75% of public boards conduct training only as needed, while 25% schedule it annually at board retreats.
Investing in board development pays dividends for public boards. Well-trained members bring informed perspectives and thoughtful decision-making to the table, contributing to better governance and stronger outcomes. Here are some benefits:
“Board development is essential. If the board expects the organization to have a continuous improvement mindset, so must the board.” — Steve Schroeder, Board Member, Sun Prairie Area School District, Wisconsin
We asked leaders what their top challenges are when it comes to board training and development, these are the top obstacles cited.
Many board members juggle demanding schedules, making it difficult to attend training sessions or workshops.
Some members may feel they already have the experience necessary and resist the idea of further learning.
Getting access to comprehensive, relevant training materials can sometimes be hard, leaving members underprepared for the complexities of their roles.
Many organizations struggle to allocate resources for professional training, particularly for ongoing development.
To make board development both practical and impactful, consider the following strategies:
1. Adopt everboarding. This approach acknowledges that learning is ongoing and not confined to onboarding. Start with comprehensive initial training, but continue development throughout a member’s tenure. Tailor sessions to address emerging issues, new laws or evolving community needs.
2. Flexible scheduling. Offer training options that fit members’ schedules. This could include virtual modules that can be completed independently or group sessions scheduled at mutually convenient times.
Greg Doverspike, Superintendent at Mosinee School District in Wisconsin, suggests, “Find a time when [board members] all can attend to hear the same message and have a trainer deliver the message that you want them to hear.”
3. Focus on key topics. Training should be tailored to the needs of public boards, with topics such as applicable laws, governance best practices, strategic planning and community relations.
4. Use available resources. Public boards often access training through state or membership associations, in-house programs or third-party providers.
Tip: Storing training resources on board management software can save time and budget, allowing future board members to benefit without additional costs.
Effective public board training should cover:
“Public-facing boards should have a clear mandate, with well-prepared members knowledgeable about the topics they will be dealing with. Processes should be outlined, ensuring members are well informed and that there is transparency and public inclusion.” — Gwen Dombroski, Manager of Legislative Services/Clerk, County of Renfrew, Ontario
You can also download the infographic in pdf format here.
A well-trained board can be the difference your district needs. Here are more resources to learn how to upskill your board:
Diligent Community, part of the Diligent One Platform, is a robust digital solution that ensures that board members have access to the information they need, anytime, anywhere. It also helps boards remain compliant with laws and regulations, while improving engagement and alignment. Talk to one of our governance specialists today to find out how we can help your public board.
