Principles for Governance and Leadership

Pennsylvania school boards are committed to providing every student the opportunity to grow and achieve. Our actions, as elected and appointed board members, ultimately have both short and long-term impact in the classroom. Therefore, we pledge that we will…

Lead Responsibly

  • Prepare for, attend, and actively participate in board meetings
  • Work together with civility and cooperation, respecting that individuals hold differing opinions and ideas
  • Participate in professional development, training, and board retreats
  • Collaborate with the Superintendent, acknowledging their role as the 10th member of the board and commissioned officer of the Commonwealth

Act Ethically

  • Never use the position for improper benefit to self or others
  • Avoid actual or perceived conflicts of interest
  • Recognize school directors do not possess any authority outside of the collective board
  • Accept that when a board has made a decision, it is time to move forward collectively and constructively

Plan Thoughtfully

  • Implement a collaborative strategic planning process
  • Set annual goals that are aligned with comprehensive plans, recognizing the need to adapt as situations change
  • Develop a comprehensive financial plan and master facilities plan that anticipates short and long-term needs
  • Allocate resources to effectively impact student success

Evaluate Continuously

  • Make data-informed decisions
  • Evaluate the superintendent annually
  • Conduct a board self-assessment on a recurring basis
  • Focus on student growth and achievement
  • Review effectiveness of all comprehensive and strategic plans

Communicate Clearly

  • Promote open, honest, and respectful dialogue among the board, staff, and community
  • Acknowledge and listen to varied input from all stakeholders
  • Promote transparency while protecting necessary confidential matters
  • Set expectations and guidelines for individual board member communication

Advocate Earnestly

  • Promote public education as a keystone of our Commonwealth
  • Engage the community by seeking input, building support networks, and generating action
  • Champion public education by engaging local, state, and federal officials

Govern Effectively

  • Establish and adhere to rules and procedures for board operations
  • Develop, adopt, revise, and review policy routinely
  • Align board decisions to policy ensuring compliance with the PA School Code and other local, state, and federal laws
  • Remain focused on the role of governance, effectively delegating management tasks to the administration
Updated and Approved by the PSBA Governing Board October 30, 2022

Download the Principles for Governance and Leadership

Adopt the Principles for Governance and Leadership

Boards adopt the Principles for Governance and Leadership as a board policy or by approving a resolution or motion at an open board meeting. Please review your board policy manual to determine if an existing policy on principles or standards of conduct exists and consider updating that policy with the Principles for Governance and Leadership or reviewing and reaffirming a current policy reflecting the principles.

Once a school entity has adopted or reaffirmed the Principles for Governance and Leadership, the school board secretary should notify PSBA using the form below. Upon notification and verification, PSBA will send the school entity a poster suitable for signing, framing and displaying in a prominent location in the boardroom or school.

Click here for a sample board resolution

Click here to view the list of school entities that have adopted the principles

Adoption Form: Principles