Cultivating Relationships with School Board Members: Why It Matters for Schools

About the Webinar:

This strategic session explored the critical but often underutilized practice of building positive, productive relationships between charter schools and their local school district board members. Shawn Arnold, Jim Horne, and Andy Ziegler provided compelling insights into why these relationships matter and how charter leaders can effectively engage with board members to foster mutual understanding and collaboration. The presenters emphasized that school board members are elected officials with significant influence over charter school authorization, funding, facilities access, and overall operating environment, making relationship-building not just beneficial but essential for long-term success. They explained that many board members have limited knowledge about charter schools and may hold misconceptions shaped by incomplete information or opposition voices, creating opportunities for charter leaders to educate, build trust, and demonstrate their value to the broader community. The session highlighted how proactive engagement can transform potential adversaries into allies and create a more supportive policy environment for charter schools.

Arnold, Horne, and Ziegler offered practical, actionable strategies for cultivating these important relationships, including best practices for initial outreach, maintaining regular communication, inviting board members to campus events, sharing success stories and data, and positioning charter schools as collaborative partners in meeting community educational needs. They discussed the importance of understanding board members’ individual priorities and concerns, respecting political dynamics and protocols, and being transparent about both achievements and challenges. The presenters also addressed common pitfalls to avoid, such as appearing adversarial, only reaching out when problems arise, or neglecting to involve board members in celebrating student successes. Real-world examples illustrated how thoughtful relationship-building has led to improved facilities partnerships, more favorable policy decisions, and stronger community support for charter schools. Attendees left equipped with specific tactics for initiating conversations, maintaining ongoing dialogue, and leveraging these relationships to advance their schools’ missions while contributing positively to the district’s overall educational landscape.