NYSSBA's President's Gavel Podcast

All school board members want what is best for their students and communities. However, there are times when passion can lead a board member to take action that reaches beyond their authority. Join us as we discuss real world examples of how board members’ best intentions lead to overstepping their roles and the implications of their actions. Is it Oversight or Overstepping? Think you know the ans...

When new members are elected to a school board, it often takes some time for them to feel comfortable in their new positions. In many districts, school board elections are highly contentious, which can often lead to conflict on the board and make this transition even more uncomfortable. Join NYSSBA's Leadership Development team as they discuss how board members can ease this process and ensure the...

Many board members, district staff, parents and students are anticipating returning to the classroom. This transition to full-time, in-person learning will impact each student differently. In this episode we discuss the mental health and wellness of students, the challenges they faced during the past year, and strategies to support students, staff, and families through their upcoming transition. W...

As the calls for educational equity grow louder, school board members are often challenged with work that will lead the district down new paths with new goals and initiatives. Frequently, as boards take up this work, questions such as "How do we begin?" or "What is our role?" arise. Join us as we hear about one school district’s journey toward equity and the successful outcomes they are seeing as...

School board members have a legal responsibility to evaluate their superintendent on an annual basis, but for many board members the process can seem like a daunting endeavor. In this episode, NYSSBA's Leadership Development team answers commonly asked questions that will help your team effectively evaluate the performance of your superintendent. Resources NYSSBA’s Superintendent Evaluation instru...

The proposed state budget calls for an increase in aid for school districts, but relies heavily on one-time stimulus funds. In addition, the budget is based on the assumption of yet to be approved federal funding. This uncertainty, combined with the long term ramifications of the current financial crisis, has resulted in significant challenges for school districts in developing their budgets. Scho...

This bonus track is an outtake from our upcoming episode Financial Challenges Ahead: What you need to know and ask during budget development scheduled to drop February 23rd.  The commentary ties into last month’s podcast regarding school board advocacy and the need for members to become actively involved. Especially now, during these stressful times when school districts are facing so much uncerta...

2021 is now upon us and nine months after the initial CARES Act was signed into law, a second relief package recently passed leaving many to argue it’s not enough.  The pandemic and resulting financial crisis has taken its toll on public education and has left many school districts struggling to meet the new demands and needs for their students.  Join host Jamie McPherson, Deputy Director of Leade...

While there has been no shortage of challenges this year, school districts and boards of education have surmounted difficult odds. The good news is we’ve prevailed, not perfectly, not always gracefully, but we’ve seen more success stories than we’ve seen failures.  In this episode of The President’s Gavel we're speaking with Jay Worona, Deputy Executive Director and General Counsel, NYSSBA, and re...

With so much attention focused on this year’s election, it would not be surprising to wonder how politics might impact your school board. In this episode, our Leadership Development team discusses 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.

NYSSBA’s Convention is going virtual and we are excited for our members to be a part of this new experience! Host Darci D’Ercole is joined by Barry Entwistle, Director of Member Relations, for a inside look at how this year's virtual Convention will inspire you to take your professional development to the next level. From keynote speakers, to multiple educational sessions, to a Convention finale l...

The reopening of schools has been accompanied by anxiety, frustration, and concerns regarding the health, safety, and academic progression of students. When stakes are high and issues are emotionally charged it’s imperative that board members communicate effectively to create clarity, provide positive reassurance, and to preserve trust among the community. Join Darci D’Ercole, Director of Leadersh...

When students return to school this fall, they will be entering an educational environment that is very different than the one they left in March. Undoubtedly, some of these changes will prove unpopular with some parents and community members. Effectively communicating these changes to all stakeholders, and remaining calm under pressure, are the keys to ensuring that new requirements and expectati...

When members of the board are not working cohesively, stress and conflict can compromise their ability to govern effectively. Join us as we discuss the importance of a unified board and offer strategies for maintaining a collaborative culture. Host Darci D’Ercole, Director of Leadership Development, NYSSBA Guests Jamie McPherson, Deputy of Leadership Development, NYSSBA Mark Snyder, Leadership Dev...

All school board members want what is best for their students and communities. However, there are times when passion can lead a board member to take action that reaches beyond their authority. Join us as we discuss real world examples of how board members’ best intentions have lead to overstepping their role, and the implications of their actions.

As the COVID-19 pandemic shuts down school buildings across the state, NYSSBA’s Leadership Development professionals speak with Anne Savage, BOE president for the Albany City Schools, to address many of the questions and concerns impacting your governance team.  Listen as the team reviews the role of the board during a crisis and shares how some boards are handling the new challenges caused by the...

In this month’s podcast, NYSSBA’s Leadership Development team discusses the positives and negatives of social media. Listen as we identify how social media can benefit a school board, best practices, and how inappropriate use can cause a breakdown in trust on the board.

Governing is not an easy task. Hear from Tim Kremer as we explore how to help new board members become part of the team and possess the right attributes to be a good board member while building a successful relationship with the superintendent. For more information about the Blueprint, please contact NYSSBA's Leadership Development department at 1-800-342-3360.

Many of us are challenged with difficult board members and their  behaviors. Learn from a longstanding experienced board member, with over 10 years of experience as a board president, how you can help minimize destructive behavior and turn a difficult board member into an exemplary board member. Guest Kathy Dillon, longstanding board member of the Churchville-Chili BOE and President of the Monroe...

The superintendent’s evaluation is one of the most important responsibilities of the board of education. A poor process can stall and stymie the superintendent, but an effective evaluation process can support your superintendent and propel the district forward exponentially to realize real progress.  Tune into this episode and gain insight from a board president and superintendent as they discuss...

Darci D'Ercole, NYSSBA's Director of Leadership Development, sits down with four new school board presidents to discuss their experiences so far. Guests Northport-East Northport UFSD BOE President: David Badanes Roosevelt UFSD BOE President: Charlena Croutch Uniondale UFSD BOE President: Charmise Desire Mattituck-Cutchogue UFSD BOE President: Barbara Wheaton

Hear advice on leading through relationship building, why these skills and good governance practices will help you be a more influential leader, especially if you didn’t get a unanimous vote for the officer position you hold. Your ability to lead may lie in your ability to positively influence others to join together. Communication is your fundamental tool. Resources Leading Leaders by Jeswald Sal...