1. Is Your Board Ready for Innovative Ideas?
2018 AESA Conference
Colorado Springs CO

2. Presented by:
Valentina Viletto, Esq. – Director of Community and Government Relations
Stan H. Wisler – Chief Financial Officer

3. What is Montgomery County Intermediate Unit?

4. Montgomery County Intermediate Unit
Suburbs of Philadelphia
22 School Districts
150+ Private and Charter Schools
$150 Million Budget
500+ Employees
9 Offices
Who We Are?

5. Agenda Part 1: Why? Part 2: Board Relationships Part 3: ESA Readiness
Part 4: Is Your Project Worthy of Pursuit?
Part 5: Presentation Preparation
Part 6: Board Presentation
Part 7: Stories
Summary/Questions/Comments
Agenda

6. Part 1: WHY?
Always start with why!

7. WHY? Why am I here (at this session)?
Why does my Board need to be “readied”?
Why does my ESA need to be innovative?
Critical Questions

8. Entrepreneurial
Used to describe someone who makes money by starting their own business, especially when this involves seeing a new opportunity and taking risks
Definition

9. Entrepreneurial Avoiding Risk Ignoring Risk Assessing Risk
Puddle Example –
Don’t assume it’s too deep
Don’t assume it can be crossed
Don’t just take someone else’s word for it
Risk & Opportunity

10. Areas of Risk
Cash Flow
Growth
Political
Legal
Staffing/Infrastructure

11. Risk Assessment Ask Yourself: “What’s the Worst That Can Happen?”
Solicit Input from Multiple Sources – Importance of Networking
Develop a Business Plan
Engage in Financial Forecasting

12. Part 2: Good Board Relationships
The Basics

13. Board Relationships Education is Key Building Trust
Understanding an ESA
Accepting/Understanding Role of a Board Member
Understanding budget in a “business” environment vs. school district budgeting
Building Trust
Critical Nature of Trust
Key Strategies
Transparency
The Basics

14. The Role of the Board/Board Members
Educating the Board
Supportive
Big Picture
Mission/Vision
Micromanagement – NOT!!
The Role of the Board/Board Members

15. Educating the Board Quasi-business Expenditures Revenue streams
Stakeholders
Educating the Board
What is an ESA?

16. Part 3: Is Your ESA Ready?

17. Part 3: Is Your ESA Ready? Are Staff On Board?
Creating a Culture of Innovation
Do You Have the Resources?
Processes and Structures – Budgeting, etc.
Part 3: Is Your ESA Ready?

18. Is Your ESA Ready? Getting current staff on board
Hiring the right people
Qualifications
Qualities
Process
Developing the team
Staff

19. Ref: Drive by Daniel Pink
Create a sense of purpose
Discover and develop the skills of individuals
Team diversity – stronger together
Rewards and recognition (motivation)
Ref: Drive by Daniel Pink
Developing the Team
For Innovation

20. Five Dysfunctions of a Team
Absence of Trust
Fear of Conflict
Lack of Commitment
Avoidance of Accountability
Inattention to Results
Book by Patrick Lencioni

21. Part 4: Is Your Innovative Idea Worthy of Pursuit?

22. Success Factors Feasibility Study
Project Planning (thorough but efficient)
Quality Assurance Checks
Responsible Parties – assign a project manager/lead person

23. Goal: Proceed, Revise, or Abandon
Feasibility Study
Evaluate Market Demand
Assess the Competition
Determine Saturation Level of Product/Service
Determine expected “shelf life”
Calculate the development costs
Identify the selling price
Gauge the ROI
Goal: Proceed, Revise, or Abandon

24. Part 4: Is Your Innovative Idea Worthy of Pursuit?
Consistent Review Template
Awareness of Competition
Anticipation of Future Needs
Shark Tank Approach
Determinations

25. The Shark Tank Approach
10 Things to Do When Presenting Your Idea
Clearly, succinctly explain your business idea
Know the numbers
Know your audience
Prepare for all potential questions
Be Honest
Explain your growth plan
Point out your weaknesses
Explain why you are uniquely qualified to offer the service
Be confident
Be Appreciative of the Opportunity
The Shark Tank Approach
Adapted from Business Insider’s tips for presenting to the Shark Tank

26. Part 5: Preparing for the Board Presentation

27. Part 5: Preparing for the Board Presentation
Tied to Mission/Vision
Review by Staff – Various Backgrounds and Levels
Anticipate Questions

28. Part 6: Presenting Ideas to the Board

29. Part 6: Presenting Ideas to the Board
Start with the recommendation
Provide back up detail
Clear and concise
Transparent – acknowledge risks
Frank and honest
Review Period/Evaluation Plan
Follow up

30. Part 7: Sample Stories

31. Part 7 Healthcare Consortium Transportation Consortium
The Anderson School
Early Learning Initiatives
Workforce Investment
Story Time

32. Questions/Comments

33. Valentina Viletto, Esq.
Phone:
Stan H. Wisler
Montgomery County Intermediate Unit
2 West Lafayette Street
Norristown, PA
Contact Information