Divisions, Derisions, and Decisions: A Statewide Study of School Board Member Burnout

• In Event: Social Context of District Decision Making

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore P-12 school board member burnout. The researchers requested P-12 school board members complete the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) which addresses three constructs: 1.) personal burnout, 2.) work-related burnout, and 3.) client-related burnout. Client-related burnout was related to three stakeholder groups: students and parents, administrators and teachers, and community and media. Findings indicate school board members experience burnout Personal-Burnout (M=36.91), followed by Work-Related (M=35.34), Client-Related Community/Media (M=32.17), Client-Related Students/Parents (M=29.41), and Client-Related Administrators/Teachers (M=24.93). Of the negative factors associated with burnout, the most common causes were board role and responsibilities and the political/education structure, with female school board members reporting higher burnout scores than male school board members.

Authors

• John C. Gillham, The University of Findlay
  Non-Presenting Author

• Nicole V. Schilling, University of Findlay
  Presenting Author

• Kyle Wagner, The University of Findlay
  Presenting Author

• Taylor N. Pawliski, University of Findlay
  Presenting Author