National School Board Survey (NSBS)

Our board requires instructional leaders to present an evaluation of the literacy/reading curriculum for our primary grades.

Our board provides leadership for the financial plan of the district.

Our board requires instructional leaders to present an evaluation of the math curriculum.

Our board members evaluate policies about hiring of staff.

Our board has a policy that defines the purpose of education.

Our board requires administration to compare curriculum programs with those of other districts.

Our board matches district-wide policies with the mission and objectives of the district.

Our board allows for community participation.

Our board has training and educational programs to promote its own growth and development.

Our board uses an assessment of student needs to verify that the curriculum is aligned to these needs.

Our board has formal reports about student achievement.

Our board focuses on its role in policy making.

Our board provides policy to develop the district’s mission statement.

Our board is attentive to the ethnic and multicultural needs of the school district.

Our board provides sufficient funds for staff to receive appropriate staff development.

Our board president advises trustees on their responsibilities as board members.

Our board uses demographic trends in its planning.

Our board has respectful communications with the superintendent.

In public session, our board members exhibit respect for each other.

Our board reviews the financial impact of state aid projections.

Our board has a process to gather information from a variety of sources.

Our board considers current research during the process of decision making.

Our board routinely asks questions at the monthly meeting on the treasurer’s report, which includes the investment report and cash reconciliation report.

Our board committee assignments are based upon the expertise of board members.

I have participated in board discussions about the effectiveness of our performance.

Our board creates policies to achieve district goals.

Our board ensures that current technology equipment is accessible to students.

Our board has a structured method for analyzing data in the process of making decisions.

Our board assesses progress toward its goals.

Our board conducts an orientation program for new members.

Our board has designed a method to solicit community input.

Our board works together for a common purpose.

Our board has created policy to guide negotiations with bargaining units.

Our board matches revenues against planned expenditures on a monthly basis.

When a new member joins the board, we make sure someone serves as a mentor to help the person learn the ropes.

Our board considers the financial impact on all community groups in the development of its financial multiyear plan.

I can recall an occasion when the board acknowledged its responsibility for making an imprudent decision.

Our board routinely asks for justification at the monthly meeting when a transfer of appropriations between codes is requested.

Our board reviews fund balance projections at least twice a year to anticipate modifications in the current year’s spending plan.

Our board compares the cost of instructional school-wide programs with regional standards for future improvements.

Most people on the board learn about their roles and responsibilities through explicit discussion and training.

Our board works together with respect and trust.

Our board uses individual skills to help each other.

Our board provides leadership by requesting data concerning issues facing the school district.

Our board makes a real effort to understand each other’s perspectives.

Our board reviews alternative financing plans for capital projects in order to project costs and select the best option.

Our board acts according to shared beliefs.

Our board examines the annual budget to determine the impact on educational programs.

Our board recognizes our interdependence and enjoys working together.

Our board reviews census and enrollment projections to forecast future budgetary needs.

Our board requires an analysis of those students who fail to meet curriculum standards.

Our board identifies that current curriculum guides are aligned with state standards.

Our board annually conducts hearings on our students’ academic performance.

Our board requires administrators to evaluate the impact of staff development activities on teaching.

Our board funds a variety of electives for students on the high school level.

Our board funds a science research program for high school students.

Our board funds music programs in all of our schools.

Our board funds art programs in all of our schools.

Our board financially supports the students wishing to take advanced placement courses.

Our board requires assessments of the use of technology in the classroom.

Our board requires a review of teacher surveys regarding their satisfaction with the district’s technology for instruction.

Our board requires administration to participate in cooperative bidding programs to reduce costs.

Our board requests an analysis of ongoing costs of proposed projects before committing taxpayer dollars to any project.

Our board supports competitive salaries to recruit highly qualified teachers.

Our board endorses a low student teacher ratio in the classroom to promote learning.

I have participated in discussions with new members of this board about the roles and responsibilities of membership.

I have received helpful feedback on my performance as a member of this board.

This board has conducted an explicit examination of our roles and responsibilities.

I have participated in board discussions about what we should do differently as a result of a mistake the board made.

Our board cooperates with each other to achieve the board’s vision.

Our board assumes good faith in its members.

Our board enjoys working as a team.

Our board uses constructive criticism to help each other.