CASB Connections

What keeps a school board functioning at a high level—especially when conversations get tough? It comes down to board norms. This episode breaks down how shared expectations shape behavior, strengthen relationships, and keep the work moving forward. If your board has ever struggled with focus, conflict, or consistency, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. Music (guitar open inst mix) pro...

Learn the ins and outs of public comment during school board meetings, as well as what constitutes public comment when it comes to social media use by school board members. Rachel Amspoker, CASB Staff Attorney, and Sonja McKenzie, Cherry Creek School District Chief Counsel, share the details involved in public comment and best practices that you will want to hear and put into practice.

Is the policy review process somewhat confusing? CASB's Policy Specialists, Kristina Gutierrez and Holly Burg, break it down into steps so you know how to organize your board meeting agenda, who should have input into policy updates, and depending on your board policy BG, how many meetings you are required to have in order to adopt policy and/or policy updates. 

If you're a new board member you may be a bit overwhelmed with the policy coding system. This podcast shares the why and the what to the system so you can become familiar with your board policies in no time. Make sure to access CASB's top 20 policies board members should know, which is available on our website at www.casb.org.

Susana Cordova is Colorado's newest Commissioner of Education and she brings of wealth of education knowledge with her to this position. Susana is not new to Colorado or education. Get to know her and her hopes and dreams for the education system in our state that benefits all students regardless of where they live.

Peter Sheahan, well known leadership consultant and speaker, is joining CASB for their 83rd Annual Convention on Friday, December 8, 2023 to speak on AI, K12 education, and student mental health. Hear what Peter has in mind for his keynote address and why you should attend.

Join CASB's Communications Specialist, Bryce Reedy, and CASB Board of Directors Member and Englewood School District Board Member, Caty Husbands, as Caty leads you through the steps in creating your legislative platform. This isn't a quick process, but Caty will get you started on the very necessary path of grounding your district in their legislative priorities at the state and federal level. 9 S...

Does your district have an updated communications plan in place? Learn how to create a plan or update your current plan regardless of your district's size. We cover the basics starting with knowing your "Why" and moving on to the "What" and "How". We also dive into crisis communication plans. At CASB, we've got you covered with best practices and this practice focuses on your district's communicat...

Join Tracie Rainey, Executive Director at the Colorado School Finance Project, Matt Cook, CASB's Director of Public Policy & Advocacy, Leslie Bogar, CASB's Director of Professional Learning, and Bryce Reedy, CASB's Communications Specialist, as they dive into Proposition HH and everything that goes along with it. Below you will find the resources discussed in the podcast. "Use our calculator to de...

Join CASB's Communication Specialist Bryce Reedy and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's Steve McCannon as they discuss the Electric School Bus Grant Program. Steve dives into the requirements for districts, how the grant process works, its potential advantages for reducing pollution, and much more. Colorado Electric School Bus Grant Program Home Page Clean Fleet Vehicle & Techn...

Join Leslie Bogar, CASB's Director of Professional Learning, Lindley McCrary, CASB's President-Elect, and Brian Ewert, Littleton Public Schools Superintendent, as they discuss rural advocacy from the larger school district dias.

Board Governance. What is it and how many models of school board governance exist? Join Director of Public Policy & Advocacy, Matt Cook, and Policy Specialist Kristina Gutierrez as they dive into all thinks policy governance.

The school board president is responsible for setting the tone and demeanor of the board and so much more. If you are new to this role or have future aspects of running for school board president, the insights and wisdom shared in this podcast are worth listening to. You'll gain insights from Tammie Delaney, Hayden School District school board president, and Karin Reynolds, former school board pre...

Including student voice in the work of the school board takes planning but most of all, it takes students that have an interest in and passion for influencing decision makers in their district. Hear how the Durango 9-R School District implemented student engagement in the work of their board and the effects it has had on the students serving on the board, as well as the district as a whole. Music:...

How do you engage student voice in the work of your board? Hear from three Colorado high school students that have worked hard to share their ideas, as well as work alongside board members and their state education department. You'll pick up insights into how your board can actively engage students in the work of the district and much more. Music: Breathe in the Static by Kirk Pearson

Want more information on the Why, What, and How of the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA)? Find out why CORA requests are a good thing, as well as best practices to follow when you do receive a request. Music: Soothe by Bodytonic

There are multiple areas new board members should be oriented to in the onboarding process. These include orientation to the board, orientation to board member responsibilities and those of the superintendent, and orientation to the district. This podcast focuses on orientation to the board and the district and the documents and protocols necessary to help your new members get up to speed.

Are you a new board member? Do you understand the difference between your role and your board responsibilities? When it comes to the role and responsibilities of the board it is imperative that board members understand what this means to them both individually and collectively. Effective boards know their lane of operation and do their best to stay in that lane. In this podcast you'll learn more a...

Part 2 in this series focuses on sharing the district's vision, mission, and strategic plan process. A shared vision is imperative for a well-functioning board governance team. A vision action plan is necessary in order to move the district forward with the goal of improved student achievement for all students. A vision without a plan is not actionable. Get new board members on the same page by sh...

Do you have an onboarding plan for your new board members? There's still time to get one in place and this series of Onboarding podcasts will help you get there. Effective boards onboard new members well so they can get to work as a united team. Hear an overview of 11 steps you can begin to discuss with your board members in order to create a great onboarding plan. Music: Gaena by Azalai

The Tell Your Story Campaign has been created so that school districts can share relevant first-hand knowledge with their community members in regard to the importance of public education, how the district has and is using the federal stimulus funds, and more.  East Grand School District Superintendent, Frank Reeves, shares his district's story and why it is important for all districts to share th...

School board members are elected to govern their school district and many times this is much harder than it sounds. It boils down to the role and responsibilities of a school board member and if they choose to follow them or not. Two board presidents share their wisdom and insights gained from years of experience with boards that have stayed within the guardrails, as well as those that have driven...

The Colorado Youth Congress is a program engaging students across the state in two focused priorities all the while building necessary skills for success after graduation. Learn about the program from three students that have been impacted by their involvement in the organization, as well as influenced the organization's DNA. Music: Downside Up

If you're unfamiliar with how the Colorado legislative session works, don't know quite how a bill becomes a law, need a refresher on some of the terms used during the process, and are unaware of a few of our Colorado state symbols, this podcast will help.  Music: Gaena by Azalai