Innovative Governance? Operational Implications From the First National School Board Survey

• In Event: The Future of School Districts and the Superintendency: Issues of Governance, Restructuring, Induction, and Technology

Abstract

This study provides focused analysis of data from the first comprehensive national survey of school board members conducted in the United States and addresses several points of interest including board member demographics, who influences board decision-making, board values and beliefs about the purpose of schooling, the way board members approach decision-making, gender effects on board leadership, board internal conflict, and board political stability. The study informs the theoretical debate between traditional elected board governance and integrated governance theories, like mayoral takeover. The study findings support the need to improve the effectiveness of school boards, but also for continuing elected school board governance; given the over-riding importance of maintaining liberty in the local exercise of democracy through local control over schooling.

Authors

• Thomas L. Alsbury, Seattle Pacific University

• Meredith L. Mountford, Florida Atlantic University

• Mary L. Delagardelle, Iowa School Boards Foundation