An able administrator can run a school, even a great school, without a great board for a period. In fact, many times this happens for a short season of time. However, schools with long, enduring legacies and standards of excellence are not built on the personality of single individuals but on the collective wisdom of a body of leaders in a community over long periods of time. It is important to recognize the importance of board oversight and its impact on the success of the school. To build an uncommon Christian school, there is a need for a comprehensive strategy to strengthen this vital aspect of governance in your school. 

There are two major models for board governance: the Operational Board where the Board of Directors are involved in the day-to-day work of the school, and a Policy Governance Board where the Board has one employee, the school head, and governs by developing policies to be implemented by the school’s head. It is the head’s responsibility to run the school according to policies and goals set by the Board. The mature uncommon Chrisitan school should always be using the policy form of board governance as it demonstrates sustainability. In our opinion, Operational Board governance is only appropriate in a “start-up” or “turn around” environment. 

The most well-known model for policy governance is the Carver Model: This model, also known as Policy Governance, was developed by John Carver. It emphasizes a clear distinction between the board’s role in setting policies and the management’s role in implementing those policies. It includes principles like the board’s focus on the organization’s ends (desired outcomes) and delegation of authority to the Head of School. 

Some other focuses that a policy board can employ are:  

1. Team-Based Focus: In team-based governance, the emphasis is on collaboration and teamwork among board members. This model encourages collective decision-making and shared leadership responsibilities. It fosters a culture where all board members actively contribute to discussions and decisions. 
2.  Stewardship Focus: Stewardship governance emphasizes the board’s role as stewards of the school’s mission and resources. It involves a strong focus on accountability, ethical conduct, and the responsible use of the school’s assets. Board members act as fiduciaries, ensuring the school’s well-being for current and future stakeholders. 
3. Catalytic Focus: The catalytic governance model views the board as a catalyst for change and innovation. Board members focus on creating conditions that enable the organization to thrive and adapt to emerging challenges. This approach often involves strategic thinking, networking, and a proactive stance toward opportunities and risks. 
4. Transformational Focus: Transformational governance emphasizes the board’s role in leading the school through significant changes. This model involves strategic foresight, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous improvement. The board actively seeks opportunities to transform the school to better achieve its mission. 
5. Associative Focus: Associative governance involves a collaborative approach where the board works closely with external stakeholders, such as the church, partnerships, or families. The goal is to ensure that the organization’s decisions and actions align with the broader interests of its constituents. 

It’s important to note that a school may adopt elements from multiple focus models based on the specific circumstances and goals of the school at various moments in its history. Schools that are in need large-scale change may require a more Transformational focus or Associative focus model or elements of both, for example, as they evolve and mature into an uncommon Christian school. 

After establishing the appropriate model and focus, schools need to consider the various forms of board oversight necessary.  Board oversight can take various forms, and boards often employ different types or methods of board oversight to effectively fulfill responsibilities through subcommittees of the Board. Here are some common types or methods of board oversight: 

1. Strategic Oversight: Providing guidance on the organization’s long-term strategy and ensuring alignment with its mission, vision, and values. Participating in strategic planning sessions, reviewing, and approving strategic initiatives. 
2. Financial Oversight: Reviewing and approving the organization’s financial statements, budgets, and financial policies.  This is done through regular financial reports, audits, and discussions with the finance committee. 
3. Risk Oversight: Identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks that could impact the organization.  This is done through regular risk assessments, discussions with risk management committees, and monitoring risk indicators. 
4. Compliance Oversight: Ensuring the organization complies with relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards. This is done through regular compliance reports, legal reviews, and discussions with the compliance committee. 
5. Performance Oversight: Evaluating the performance of the Head of School.  This is done through performance reviews, goal-setting sessions, and discussions with the leadership. 
6. Audit Oversight: Ensuring the integrity of financial reporting and overseeing the external audit process.  This is done through regular audit committee meetings, review of audit reports, and discussions with auditors. 
7. Technology Oversight: Monitoring the school’s use of technology and ensuring it aligns with strategic goals and best practices. This is done through regular technology updates, discussions with the technology committee, and technology reviews. 
8. Governance Oversight: Reviewing and enhancing the effectiveness of the board’s own structure, policies, and processes. This is done through governance committee meetings, board self-assessments, and periodic reviews of governance documents. 
9. Stakeholder Oversight: Engaging with and considering the perspectives of key stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students, parents, alumni, and the community. This is done through stakeholder surveys, town hall meetings, and designated stakeholder engagement committees. 

The specific methods and types of oversight a board employs vary based on the school’s size, structure, and specific needs. Many boards use a combination of these to comprehensively fulfill oversight responsibilities.