FILE: BBBB
NEW SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER ORIENTATION
The Orleans Parish School Board is committed to providing new School Board members with a structured onboarding process. Guided by experienced School Board members, School Board counsel, and the Superintendent, the onboarding process shall provide new School Board members with the necessary tools to fully understand the School Board’s functions, policies, procedures, contracts, budget, committee structure, meeting cadence, district goals, and compliance requirements mandated by the state. The onboarding process is designed to equip School Board members with the knowledge, skills, and relationships needed to govern effectively in alignment with district goals and state-mandated compliance requirements.
NEW SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER ONBOARDING PLAN
School Board leadership, in collaboration with the Superintendent and School Board counsel, will develop a comprehensive onboarding plan for newly elected or appointed board members. This plan will be presented for approval at the first School Board meeting following the installation of new members. If the School Board does not approve the proposed plan, the most recently approved onboarding plan will remain in effect and will be utilized. Once approved, the implementation of the onboarding plan will commence within thirty (30) days. The plan will outline clear and measurable objectives, detailing the knowledge, skills, and experiences that new School Board members should acquire during the orientation process. This ensures all School Board members are equipped with the tools and understanding necessary to fulfill their responsibilities effectively. The finalized plan will also be made publicly accessible to promote transparency and accountability.
Key Components of the Onboarding Plan
Training on Core Responsibilities: The onboarding plan will focus on building competencies in, but not limited to, the following: budget and financial oversight; district academic programs and performance metrics; district facility planning; district policy development and legal compliance; superintendent selection and oversight; district governance frameworks and operations; district data including enrollment and academic; Robert’s Rules of Order; Louisiana Open Meetings Law; Louisiana Public Records Law; community engagement; and charter authorization and accountability.
Core Learning Experiences: The onboarding plan shall provide new School Board members with the opportunity to engage in the following activities to build their knowledge, skills and relationships:
Governance Retreat: Comprehensive training on the School Board’s core responsibilities, as outlined above, including, but not limited to, governance operations and frameworks, financial oversight, Board goals and the strategic priorities of the district.
Engagement with District Leadership: Direct, structured interactions with the Superintendent, cabinet leaders, and other members of the School Board to gain insights into district operations and strategic priorities. During this engagement, clarity shall be provided on leadership roles, departmental functions, and critical interrelationships, ensuring new members understand how the School Board and administration collaborate for district success.
Mentorship Program: Within thirty (30) days of being sworn in, each new School Board member will be paired with a seasoned mentor—either current or former School Board member with at least twenty-four (24) months of service—by the School Board President. Mentors will offer personalized guidance throughout the first six (6) months, helping new members navigate governance practices, align with district priorities, and build the confidence and relationships needed for impactful participation in School Board decisions.
Annual Evaluation of Onboarding Process:As the culminating step of the onboarding plan, an evaluation survey for new School Board members will be administered and completed twelve (12) months into their board service. This survey will assess the overall onboarding experience, highlight strengths, and identify areas for improvement. The results will be reviewed by School Board leadership, the Superintendent, and School Board counsel to refine the onboarding plan and process for future members.
Onboarding Plan Timeline: The onboarding plan will include specific timeframes, as needed, for each core responsibility and learning experience, ensuring that activities are sequenced efficiently and progress is monitored. This structured timeline ensures that new Board members develop the knowledge, skills, and relationships required for timely integration and meaningful contributions to governance practices and district priorities.
New Board Member Onboarding Responsibilities
In addition to the onboarding plan, new Board members will be provided with the following for their review:
Foundational Documents:
State Constitution sections related to the authority of school boards.
Current School Board policy manual as well as the district’s strategic plan, mission, and vision.
The current Superintendent’s contract, previous evaluations, and current performance goals.
The current district goals, the Charter School Accountability Framework (CSAF), Systemwide Needs Program (SWNP), and the five-year portfolio plan.
Historical Context:
Minutes from the previous six (6) months of School Board d meetings and video recordings of three (3) recent meetings.
Relevant news articles about the School Board from the previous six (6) months to understand public sentiment and recent developments.
Engage with Stakeholders and Community:
A schedule of 30-minute individual meetings with each School Board member to build relationships and understand their focus areas.
Contact information for all schools in new member’s district and assistance scheduling school visits, if desired.
ONGOING DEVELOPMENT
All School Board members will be provided with information on external professional development programs that align with the District’s core responsibilities and strategic priorities. School Board members are also encouraged to seek out opportunities to grow in their areas of interest. District staff shall provide assistance with registration and logistical planning, as well as budget availability.
Revised: December 12, 2024
Ref: Board minutes, 12-12-24
Orleans Parish School Board