NYSSBA's President's Gavel Podcast

As artificial intelligence emerges as the next frontier in technology, many are excited about the possibilities that are on the horizon. However, there are just as many questions as much is unknown about artificial intelligence. In this episode, we discuss the implications of AI for school boards and attempt to calm any fears that may exist about the creation of our future robot overlords. Host Ma...

We are becoming a more diverse nation, and it is evident in our k-12 school communities. There are numerous benefits for our students when we consciously pay attention to diversity in schools. However, promoting diversity is more than just encouraging acknowledgement of different ethnic backgrounds. Real diversity initiatives capture the voices from all stakeholders and find the motivational engin...

A recent federal court decision and an informal opinion of counsel from the NYS Education Department reinterpreted the law related to special education eligibility. In this episode, we focus on special education, specifically the rules for determining when a student with a disability has aged out of the eligibility criteria. As we dive into our discussion today, please keep in mind that board memb...

Recommendations from the statewide Safe Schools Task Force on school safety highlight a need to redesign school discipline policies and practices to foster a supportive and developmentally appropriate approach to school discipline in lieu of a more traditional and punitive model. This episode highlights restorative practices, an approach to school discipline that allows students to take responsibi...

No matter how good of a fit a new superintendent may be, onboarding is an important step that supports the successful transition of any new superintendent. There are some things a board can do to help effectively onboard their superintendent. After all, the board wants to maximize the return on the district’s investment in this new education leader and help build a successful future for all studen...

As the calendars turn to July, boards of education will be preparing for their reorganization meetings. For some, these may seem like a formality, but there are very important things happening in these meetings, including newly elected board members officially taking their seats on the board and reciting the oath of office, decisions relating to the organizational structure of the district, such a...

In April of 2022, New York State established a nation-leading commitment to reduce greenhouse gas production by requiring all school buses in operation to be electric by 2035. A fully electric bus fleet will reduce harmful tailpipe emissions and our dependence on fossil fuels, but it comes with significant challenges for school districts. In this episode, we will learn some of the challenges that...

Over the past few years, whether you’ve picked up a newspaper, read one online or tuned in to virtually any news broadcast, no doubt you’ve heard at least one story about social media’s harmful effects on teenagers. This episode will spotlight this topic by highlighting research about teenagers’ own perspectives regarding social media use. Research from media scholars will explain how adults can h...

In Part II of the Agents of Change episode, we focused on the research that supports the benefits of providing equitable access and opportunities for students and the use of student voice in the decision-making process. Thanks to the feedback we’ve received from our listeners, we are happy to provide this follow-up episode. Listen along as Mark turns theory into practice and provides specific acti...

Listen to this episode to learn the answers to the following questions: How can district leaders (school board members and administration) ensure equitable access to programming and opportunities in their district? 1. How can district leaders start the conversation? 2. Why is student voice important in establishing district initiatives? 3. How can district leaders incorporate more student voice in...

School boards have the responsibility to make important decisions on behalf of all students and the community they serve. Diverse perspectives and opposing viewpoints should not hinder or stifle deliberations. Understanding and implementing a consensus decision-making process can benefit your governance team and foster trust with all stakeholders. Join us to discover more about consensus building...

An agenda is the roadmap for a board meeting. The board president uses it to keep meetings focused and moving forward. The agenda identifies various topics that will be discussed and actions that will be taken during the meeting. In this episode of NYSSBA’s President’s Gavel, Jamie, Mark, and Darci answer commonly asked questions and discuss best practices for setting the agenda. Host Jamie McPher...

As we continue to emerge from the pandemic, school boards can now refocus on leading their districts into the future. But how is this done? And 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 ask and answer these questions. Stay with us… Host Mark Snyder, Leadership Development Manager, NYSSBA Guest J...

As schools reopen, and we continue to move toward normal, it’s important for districts to continue to address the gap in student learning that resulted from the pandemic. Initially referred to as “learning loss”, many educators now characterize this disruption as “learning not realized” or “unfinished learning”. Resources Harris Beach PLLC | Attorneys at Law:  www.harrisbeach.com Stock media provi...

As a board member, you may wonder how politics might impact boards of education. In this episode, we discuss why it is critical to keep politically charged issues out of the boardroom and how to ensure that your board maintains unity when so many in our country and communities are divided. This episode was originally released in November 2020. Host Darci D’Ercole, Director of Leadership Developmen...

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, Leadership Development Manager Resources To learn more about NYSSBA’s Board Officers’ Forum contac...

It often takes time for newly elected school board members to feel comfortable in their new positions. This transition can become uncomfortable following a contentious election, which all too often leads to conflict on a board. But there are ways board members can ease this burden and continue functioning at a high level. Host Darci D’Ercole, Director of Leadership Development Guests Jamie McPhers...

Running an effective school board meeting may look slightly different from district to district. But the need to understand how to lead effectively in a polarizing climate is universal. In this episode of the President’s Gavel Darci and Harris Beach attorney, Laura Purcell, are talking Open Meetings Law, video conferencing, public comment sessions, and much more. Stay with us. Host Darci D'Ercole,...

Research has proven the most successful school boards engage in a continuing process of self-evaluation and use the results, to identify opportunities for improvement. In this episode, Mark explains the why a self-evaluation tool is useful and outlines five best practices for ensuring effective outcomes. Host Mark Snyder, Leadership Development Manager Resources Stock media provided by Jeppe Reil/...

School boards have the responsibility to make important decisions on behalf of all students and the community they serve. Diverse perspectives and opposing viewpoints should not hinder or stifle deliberations. Understanding and implementing a consensus decision-making process can benefit your governance team and foster trust with all stakeholders. Join us to discover more about consensus building...

The unofficial start of the budgeting season has begun, and there is a sense of optimism about Governor Hochul’s proposed executive budget as it reflects her pledge to increase funding for school districts.  In this episode, we will explore the board’s role in the budget development process. We will also discuss some of the factors boards should consider when planning for the financial future of t...

In this episode, Darci, Jamie, and Mark discuss the positives and negatives of social media. They identify how social media can benefit a school board and provide best practices tips. They also discuss how inappropriate use of social media can break trust among board members. This episode debuted April 28, 2020. 

As schools reopen their doors to in-person learning, many students are struggling with the transition. Concerns about learning loss are universal. In fact, more than half of public-school teachers report significant learning loss for students both academically and from a social and emotional standpoint.  During NYSSBA’s virtual member event last month, Susanna Loeb, Director at the Annenberg Insti...

For many boards, defining their unity of purpose is still just as relevant as when this episode debuted in July 2020. The 2021 school year is underway and school boards continue to face unique challenges brought forth by the pandemic. These challenges are made more difficult when board members are not working as a cohesive team. A unified board aligns its efforts with the vision, mission and value...

In the current political climate, the likelihood of differences of opinion is fairly common.  This becomes concerning when these differences of opinion hinder good governance. When this happens, it creates tension on a board and can often lead to one board member being singled out or misunderstood. Board members can also find themselves in conflict with a difficult board member.  Learn from a long...