NYSSBA's President's Gavel Podcast

Have you ever sat in a board meeting where things just… unraveled?   The agenda starts strong but quickly goes off track. Conversations drift. Tensions rise.  Voices overlap. And by the end of the meeting, you’re left wondering what was accomplished. Now, here’s the important question: Was that a board problem or a leadership problem? In many cases, it comes down to one critical role: the board pr...

In this episode of the President's Gavel, we’re talking about something almost every board member thinks at some point: “I wish I had known that when I first started.” We’ll share a few of those lessons—so you can lead with more confidence and maybe help the next new member avoid a few surprises along the way. We’ll talk about early challenges, a few unexpected realities and the kinds of insights...

The line between meaningful oversight and overstepping into operations isn’t always clear—and it’s in that gray area where even well-intentioned board members can get off track. School board members step into their roles wanting to help, but good intentions don’t always translate into good governance. In this episode, we explore that gray area through real-world scenarios, highlighting common pitf...

What does it look like when a student has a real seat at the table? In this episode, we hear how one ex officio student board member turned curiosity about his district into meaningful advocacy by shaping decisions, strengthening connections and proving that the student voice can truly make an impact. Host Darci D’Ercole, Chief Governance and Leadership Development Officer, NYSSBA Guest Matthew (M...

Across the state, boards of education are working hard to help ensure their budgets are fiscally responsible to taxpayers while staying firmly rooted in their district’s priorities. It’s within this balancing act that boards are tasked with the responsibility of ensuring the budget reflects the community’s core values and aligns its limited resources to optimizing student success and long-term sta...

This month on the President’s Gavel, we’re diving into topics that are sure to pique the interest of our listeners: Updates on the U.S. Department of Education Federal funding The potential for another government shutdown How education funding is at the center of many debates Tune in now to stay ahead of the curve. Host Mark Snyder, Senior Leadership Development Manager, NYSSBA Guest Caroline Bobi...

In your role as a school board member, have you ever wondered - are we even asking the right questions? You are not alone! On today’s episode of the President’s Gavel, Leadership Development trainers Jamie McPherson and Ann Lazewski will answer some common but very important questions school board members often ask, like: Are we aligned with our district’s mission and vision? How can we foster str...

In today’s conversation, we’ll explore how strategic planning can serve as a catalyst for growth and improvement. We’ll look at how it engages diverse stakeholders, fosters transparency and helps school boards make more informed, aligned decisions. We’ll also discuss how setting clear priorities and long-term goals can strengthen governance and drive impactful, system-wide change. Whether your dis...

This month on The President’s Gavel, we’re revisiting a popular session from this year's Leadership in Education Event: “Critical Thinking Through Media Literacy.” In this episode, you'll learn about media literacy and why understanding it is crucial for anyone involved in educating students today. Our guests will share why it is more important than ever to help children think critically about wha...

Agendas are the roadmap for board meeting. They help the board president keep discussions focused and on track, while clearly outlining the topics to be addressed and the actions to be taken. In this episode of the President’s Gavel Jamie, Mark and Darci answer commonly asked questions and discuss best practices for setting the agenda. Host Jamie McPherson, Deputy Director of Leadership Developmen...

School boards may seem local and low-profile, but they’re at the heart of today’s biggest battles over education, governance and democracy. In this episode, we discuss why school boards matter more than ever—and how they can help rebuild trust, strengthen schools and model civil discourse in a divided time. Host Darci D’Ercole Chief Governance and Leadership Development Officer, NYSSBA Guest Scott...

With reorganization meetings just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about electing your board president. In this episode of President’s Gavel, Mark highlights what leadership skills matter most at the board table and shares five characteristics of a successful president. Host Mark Snyder, Senior Leadership Development Manager Resources • Superintendent and Board Self-Evaluation Tools...

School board elections just happened. Is your board prepared to onboard new members? An effective onboarding process benefits new members by helping them acclimate quickly while avoiding common pitfalls that can strain relations. Through a proactive plan, boards can support their new members while building trust, collaboration and unity on the governance team. This enables them to focus better on...

In this episode, we discuss the ex officio student board member. While about one-third of New York school boards already include student representatives, new legislation mandates that all public-school districts and BOCES include a student member on their school board. Meeting this goal takes more than just a seat at the table – it requires good faith, mutual respect and a genuine partnership. Tha...

A growing body of research suggests that smartphones, social media and messaging apps are fueling the adolescent mental health crisis. In response, New York introduced legislation prohibiting the use of personal internet-enabled devices during the school day. Bethlehem Central School District has already implemented a smartphone-free policy. In this episode, we’ll hear their story and learn how bo...

One primary responsibility of school boards is to advocate for all students and their districts. You may be wondering, what does advocacy look like for school boards? What should I be doing? Or how can I get more involved in advocacy efforts? Today we address these questions and provide an overview of the board’s role and responsibilities in advocacy, and we’ll learn how you can help to inform and...

On this episode of the President's Gavel Podcast, it's all about communication. We'll discuss navigating difficult conversations and maintaining a strong relationship with the Margaretville Central School's board president and superintendent. Join your NYSSBA hosts as they lead Board President Doris Warner and Superintendent Michelle Osterhoudt through a conversation about how they effectively wor...

Improvement in student mental health depends on prevention and the use of universal screening. During this episode, we discuss the effective use of the Multi-tiered system of support, which many of us know about, as well as the importance of leadership on making real improvements, what interventions are necessary at the district level to be successful, and how screening, monitoring and evaluation...

In this episode, we’re diving into the role of data in school governance. Whether you’re a new or seasoned board member, asking the right questions when examining data is crucial. It deepens your understanding and supports evidence-based decision-making, ultimately improving outcomes for all students. Discover the essential questions to consider and more in this insightful discussion! Host Ann Las...

What is the role of the board in setting visionary goals that will impact all aspects of the educational program? In this episode, Mark and Jamie answer this question and more. Host Mark Snyder, Senior Leadership Development Manager, NYSSBA Guest Jamie McPherson, Deputy Director of Leadership Development, NYSSBA Resources Custom Board Retreat brochure *Stock media provided by www.pond5.com.

This month our topic is committee charters. What are they? What are their benefits? And how do school boards go about creating them? Host Mark Snyder, Senior Leadership Development Manager, NYSSBA Guest Jamie McPherson, Deputy Director of Leadership Development, NYSSBA Resources Board Committee Charter Overview and Templates On Board article (August 2023): How to write a committee charter Stock me...

Many of our listeners understand that as an individual board member, board presidents do not have any more additional rights or authority than any other board member, but they do have many more responsibilities. Board presidents have numerous responsibilities that are not limited to what is seen at board meetings. Learn more about why the board president must perform before, during and after the m...

Smart phones have changed the way we communicate and receive information, but having access to this technology has created challenges and distractions for students. The allure of social media notifications, text messages and endless digital entertainment options often proves too potent for students to resist, leading to diminished focus, disrupted learning environments and a decline in academic pe...

School board elections are right around the corner. Is your board prepared? An effective onboarding process benefits new members by helping them acclimate quickly while avoiding common pitfalls that can strain relations. Through a proactive plan, boards can support their new members while building trust, collaboration and unity on the governance team. This enables them to focus better on advancing...

As spring approaches, school boards are inundated with budget meetings, budget updates and budgetary data. In this episode, our goal is to provide the knowledge and tools necessary to ensure boards are well-equipped to fulfill their fiduciary duties and present a responsible and impactful budget to their communities. Host Mark Snyder, Senior Leadership Development Manager, NYSSBA Guest Brian Freem...