ISBA offers many services such as new board member training and customized workshops for your district's specific needs.  Below are some of the training modules that we offer. 

 

 

This module covers the basics about board governance.  Participants are given an introduction to the ISBA, the role of the trustee, the role of the superintendent and how they work together as a leadership team.  Policy, being the primary focus of the school board is addressed.  Trustee standards and what makes for an effective board and board meetings are discussed.  All of this is presented in a fun and interactive format including opportunities to see Trustee Andy in action. (Free every third year to member boards; $500 plus trainer expenses in years 2 or 3. )

This module emphasizes the important role the school board plays in student achievement.  The module contains information about building a culture of success in the district, about how important team leadership is for student achievement, and some basic information on data.  The findings of the Iowa Lighthouse study provide insight into the role of the school board for student achievement and those findings are discussed. ($500 plus trainer expenses.)

No matter if you have been on the board for a few months or a few years, this is an excellent primer on Idaho education law for any school board member.  In this topic, you will become familiar with a board's rights and responsibilities in conducting orderly open meetings, executive sessions and how trustees should handle patron input.  In addition, learn how the district should handle requests from the public or the press for information about your district.  Explore property rights and the extent of basic due process.  Finally, discover how to align your district’s policies and practices to ensure that should religion be presented, it is done so properly. ($500 plus trainer expenses.)

Keep your school district safe and out of court by identifying common pitfalls and liabilities in district hiring and termination practices.  In this module, learn how state law, your district’s policies and collective bargaining affect or could potentially affect the contracts your district enters into with its employees.  Stay out of lawsuits and stay in-the-know on “at-will” employment, grievance procedures, probation, just cause, due process, and more!  ($500 plus trainer expenses.)

In this module trustees will learn sources of funding, formulas used to allocate funding, items that can drive or drain a budget, budget law and ethics. ($500 plus trainer expenses.)

This module is designed for boards that engage in bargaining contracts with employees, even if the process is meet and confer.  A big picture is provided along with some absolutes regarding bargaining.  Idaho Code addressing bargaining is included, along with examples of both union and board common misbehavior in bargaining.  A brief explanation of bargaining tactics is included, and the question if your district is faced with a strike, then what, is addressed. ($500 plus trainers expenses.)

With adequate preparation, ISBA will customize training to suit your particular needs.  The content will be developed in consultation with the board chairman and superintendent. ($500 plus trainer(s) expenses.)

In an effort to assist school districts provide ongoing board training options, the ISBA has developed the Ten-Minute Training Modules.  These modules are a great option for Boards to receive training at each of its meetings.  They are quick, informative, and very useful.

 

To download the Ten-Minute Trainers, visit this webpage:  ISBA Ten-Minute Trainers.