Kentucky School Advocate
December 2024
By Kerri Schelling
KSBA Executive Director
Election Day has come and gone, and next month, newly elected school board members and reelected incumbents will assume (or resume) their roles. All 857 local board members, though each of them unique, are united by a shared dedication to the students and communities they serve.
Whenever a school board welcomes new members, a new team dynamic emerges, naturally requiring a period of adjustment and orientation with one another. As you prepare for the year ahead, reflect not only on the kind of board member you want to be but also the kind of board team you want to be. If you’re a seasoned veteran, consider how your experience can support your new colleagues as they bring in new ideas and perspectives. If you’re newly elected, consider how your contributions can best help the team reach its collective vision. Every board member, regardless of your tenure, should also think about the values and behaviors you want to be remembered for.
Among the many traits worth aspiring to, one stands out: civility.
Incivility has been on the rise in recent years, with significant consequences. Across news outlets and social media, divisive rhetoric among elected leaders often overshadows constructive conversation about meaningful policy. While individual board members are not solely responsible for changing this trend, they can choose not to contribute to it and, instead, set a good example. Even a single act of incivility can disproportionately shape negative perceptions people have of you. In the context of public education, the stakes are even higher. The words, tone and body language used in board discussions can influence public trust in the board as a governing body and, ultimately, in the school district itself.
In the book “The Governance Core,” Davis Campbell and Michael Fullan emphasize, “Governance is one of the few areas where participants have the option to choose how they will act without the overt pressure of external variables.”
Civility, then, is a choice - an intentional commitment to respectful discourse that enables boards to align with their “unity of purpose.”
Keep in mind that civility isn’t the absence of disagreement. It’s a conscious effort to maintain a level of respect, courtesy and grace despite disagreement or conflict. In a practical sense, civility is key to effectiveness as a board:
• Facilitates open communication: Civility encourages respectful dialogue, enabling board members to exchange ideas, listen actively and understand diverse perspectives without fear of personal attacks. This reduces misunderstandings and ensures discussions stay focused on solutions.
• Builds trust and relationships: When members act with civility, they build trust with peers, staff and their community. Trust accelerates decision-making as members are more likely to support shared goals and work.
• Reduces conflict and distractions: Civil behavior minimizes conflicts and personal grievances, allowing members to concentrate on their responsibilities instead of interpersonal disputes. This decreases stress and leads to more efficient use of time during meetings.
• Encourages constructive problem-solving: Civility ensures that discussions remain professional and issue-focused rather than personal. This approach promotes innovative solutions and well-considered decisions, especially when addressing complex challenges.
• Sets a positive tone for the district: A civil board sets a positive example for school staff, students and the community, promoting a culture of respect and professionalism throughout the district. This ripple effect improves morale and operational efficiency.
• Enhances community support: When board members demonstrate civility, constituents perceive them as competent and approachable leaders. This increases community engagement, support, and trust in the board’s decisions.
Civility transforms the boardroom into a space where diverse perspectives coexist and collective decisions are made in the best interest of students and communities. Yes, disagreement is inevitable, but civility ensures that these moments contribute to progress rather than division.
I wish each of you very Happy Holidays and a new year full of goodwill, peace, joy – and civility!