Effective Committees Governing Board Online Training Module

Why Delegate? Focus on governance and oversight Distribute workload Provide others with an opportunity to become involved Develop new leadership (potential board members) Establish trust among stakeholders Foster communication Increase board visibility and outreach

Committee Structure Establish in the bylaws or board policy Write policies for formation and operation Include standing and ad hoc committees Achieve the right balance Consider structure within the committee Written committee description Written goals and expectations An effective chairperson Additional officers vary based on task

Standing Committees Permanent Established in the bylaws or board policy Examples: Accountability Group Finance Fund development (grant writing, corporate partnerships, etc.) Other value-based committees

Ad Hoc Committees Provision for establishment in the bylaws or board policy Created for a specific purpose Limited responsibility Disband when task is completed Examples Elections Administrator search Facilities or capital construction

An Effective Chair Leadership skills Communication skills Organization skills Relevant experience Synchronicity with the board Additional time commitment

Written Committee Description Purpose of the committee Composition of the committee Reporting expectations Selection of members Duties of the officers and individual members

Goals and Expectations Provide written goals and expectations Set reporting expectation upfront Monitor using benchmarks Establish deadlines Strategic Plans Document committee goals Assign responsibility Communicate expectations Authority Accountability

Parent Teacher Organizations Should not be a subcommittee of the board May or may not have a separate non-profit designation Have separate officers, bylaws, and goals Work with the administration May report to the board when relevant

Communication Reporting requirements Oversight and supervision Chairperson duties Meeting minutes Recommendations

Committee Membership No more than two board members Size depends on task (should be manageable) Match skills, interests, and knowledge Use written agreements Establish community seats or positions

Evaluating Committee Performance Establish benchmarks Monitor goals Meeting minutes and written reports Include committee performance on the annual parent survey Provide an opportunity for two-way communication Support continuous improvement

Summary Delegate Provide for the formation and operation Establish an appropriate structure Document goals and expectations Communicate clearly and openly Written reports and recommendations Evaluate for effectiveness