Tactics, Techniques, Procedures for Effective School Board Presentations
By Dr. Susan Larson, USAREC, ESS, Minneapolis Battalion
Many company commanders find themselves having to make a presentation for a school board meeting to address school access, ASVAB or other issues. The board of education – also known as the board of trustees or the school committee -the local or district school board is usually an elected council that helps determine education in a district, city, county or region.
They provide a lay voice and perspective on local education and governance. This body typically appoints the superintendent, the CEO of a district, and may also make determinations on budget, policy, disciplinary and staffing issues.
School boards are made up of established, often prominent, citizens with a deep commitment to education and their communities. A thoughtful and well-timed presentation can help you not only advance your specific position or challenge, but also create valuable educational and community centers of influence (COIs) that can assist you with your mission.
While each school board is unique in its makeup, rules and expectations, here are some tips that will help you prepare for a successful presentation:
- Do your homework prior to the visit. Find out the basic rules – how you are allowed to address the school board (SB) – public comment versus agenda item, for how long and the process for getting on their schedule.
- If you can, do a basic recon on where the meetings are held and identify where you would stand for your presentation, where the various board members sit and if and where your presentation will be projected or broadcast. Seeing yourself 9 ft tall on a giant screen can throw even the most seasoned speaker if she or he is not expecting it!
- Learn who’s who on the school board, how long the individuals have served and any potential points of common interest. Often, basic biographical information is on the school district’s website.
- Identify potential allies and COIs and contact them prior to the meeting. This will help you take the temperature of the SB and avoid potential pitfalls, political
conflicts and other hazards. Having an identified ally is a huge benefit – she or he can follow up informally with other board members and keep you informed of relevant developments, etc.
- Try and schedule your visit when there are not too many or extremely contentious items on the agenda. You will not have the full attention of the major stakeholders if there are critical, time-sensitive issues and decisions for the district, and you may find yourself waiting only to be rescheduled if, the SB runs out of
time.
- Limit yourself to one topic or request per meeting. If you’re addressing the SB during the public comment time, you will typically have 3-5 minutes to make your pitch.
- Engage your education service specialist (ESS) to assist with your presentation. She or he can typically help you hone your talking points and tailor your pitch to the specific school board audience.
- Be sure to rehearse your presentation and time yourself to ensure that you can make a convincing argument in the time allocated.
- Have an engagement plan for following up with SB members, staff or parents after the meeting and touch base with your team within 48 hours of the meeting.
By Dr. Susan Larson, USAREC, ESS, Minneapolis Battalion
Many company commanders find themselves having to make a presentation for a school board meeting to address school access, ASVAB or other issues. The board of education – also known as the board of trustees or the school committee -the local or district school board is usually an elected council that helps determine education in a district, city, county or region.
They provide a lay voice and perspective on local education and governance. This body typically appoints the superintendent, the CEO of a district, and may also make determinations on budget, policy, disciplinary and staffing issues.
School boards are made up of established, often prominent, citizens with a deep commitment to education and their communities. A thoughtful and well-timed presentation can help you not only advance your specific position or challenge, but also create valuable educational and community centers of influence (COIs) that can assist you with your mission.
While each school board is unique in its makeup, rules and expectations, here are some tips that will help you prepare for a successful presentation:
- Do your homework prior to the visit. Find out the basic rules – how you are allowed to address the school board (SB) – public comment versus agenda item, for how long and the process for getting on their schedule.
- If you can, do a basic recon on where the meetings are held and identify where you would stand for your presentation, where the various board members sit and if and where your presentation will be projected or broadcast. Seeing yourself 9 ft tall on a giant screen can throw even the most seasoned speaker if she or he is not expecting it!
- Learn who’s who on the school board, how long the individuals have served and any potential points of common interest. Often, basic biographical information is on the school district’s website.
- Identify potential allies and COIs and contact them prior to the meeting. This will help you take the temperature of the SB and avoid potential pitfalls, political
conflicts and other hazards. Having an identified ally is a huge benefit – she or he can follow up informally with other board members and keep you informed of relevant developments, etc.
- Try and schedule your visit when there are not too many or extremely contentious items on the agenda. You will not have the full attention of the major stakeholders if there are critical, time-sensitive issues and decisions for the district, and you may find yourself waiting only to be rescheduled if, the SB runs out of
time.
- Limit yourself to one topic or request per meeting. If you’re addressing the SB during the public comment time, you will typically have 3-5 minutes to make your pitch.
- Engage your education service specialist (ESS) to assist with your presentation. She or he can typically help you hone your talking points and tailor your pitch to the specific school board audience.
- Be sure to rehearse your presentation and time yourself to ensure that you can make a convincing argument in the time allocated.
- Have an engagement plan for following up with SB members, staff or parents after the meeting and touch base with your team within 48 hours of the meeting.