New board members will weigh in on financial and policy decisions that can affect student and staff outcomes for years to come within the first six months after election. How can trustees be effective, equitable and accountable in new roles with little to no training before joining the board?
CSBA has assembled a training bundle that provides the essential skills and knowledge required for effective school board governance, incorporating feedback and insights from thousands of California school board members:
New board members can enroll in these four trainings at a special reduced rate when purchased together through CSBA’s New Board Member Training Bundle.
Every new board member deserves a thorough, well-organized orientation program that is considerate of the influential role they will play in determining important student and staff outcomes.
With this responsibility in mind, CSBA created a robust eight-hour orientation that every new board member should attend. Along with numerous practical insights, this program will introduce new board members to the four pillars of effective board governance:
- Unity of purpose
- Understanding roles and responsibilities
- Norms and positive governance culture
- Supportive structures
Investing in new board member training is one of the best ways to prepare new board members for their roles and responsibilities. Trained board members are more engaged, better informed and are more likely to rise to leadership positions. CSBA is committed to supporting every new school board member as they begin their journey.
Upcoming courses »
Each board member needs to understand their role and responsibility in maintaining transparency and public trust, as defined by the Brown Act.
This three- to four-hour training will help new board members understand key concepts in accountability, such as:
- Open meeting laws
- Meeting procedures
- Public participation
Upcoming courses »
California school board members sometimes face conflicts of interest. This mandatory two-hour ethics training is required for local agency officials, as stipulated by AB 2158.
Board members will receive a certificate upon course completion. Key concepts covered include:
- Bribery, conflict-of-interest, and campaign contribution law
- Claiming perquisites of office (“perks”)
- Government transparency laws
- Fair process
Upcoming courses »
Managing school finances and financial planning is daunting for even the most seasoned financial professionals. This two-hour course will help new board members understand and navigate budgets, grants, various funding sources and legal financial requirements.
CSBA’s experts will introduce new board members to numerous financial topics, including:
- Understanding district budget priorities
- Financial accountability across funding sources
- Strategic resource allocation
Courses coming soon