During elections, trustee candidates often have particular issues that they talk about and want to see action on should they get elected. Keep in mind, however, that in a non-partisan environment like the school board, you can never assume that your view is shared by the majority. In fact,
with a 9 member board, it takes 5 votes to make anything happen. The upside of the non-partisan environment is that the vote is never pre-determined. On any number of issues the votes can be 9-0 in favour, 9-0 against, or anything in between. So expect that you will be on the winning side of some votes and on the losing side of others. When you're on the losing side of a vote, it's best to accept the result and move on. Maintaining a respectful attitude towards your colleagues, even when you have disagreements, will go a long way to maximizing your overall success at the Board table. Keep it mind that trustees are seldom swayed by the passion of your speeches at a board meeting. You'll get more support for your ideas if you take the time to have conversations with your colleagues in advance of a meeting and listen to any concerns they have or suggestions they offer in order to be able to bring something forward that will ultimately have majority support.
As an individual trustee you may have considerable influence, but no power. Power to act comes from the majority will of the collective Board. So,
remember: 1-4 votes=failure, 5+ votes=action.
You are wise man, Gerry Gibeault. Good for you for supporting the aspiring candidates with advice and perspective. You seem to advocate for an improved governance model, an item advanced in Inspiring Education survey. I look forward to reading more.
ReplyDeleteVery true!
ReplyDeleteWhen I was President of the Students' Union at the University of Alberta, a wise mentor told me to "Drink a 100 cups of tea." What he meant was, before each vote or initiative, always make sure to take the time to sit down with each of the individuals involved, the other voting board or council members, and take the time to listen to their concerns and take their suggestions.
Even when a motion may not be supported in its entirety, there are often opportunities to make amendments or include other member suggestions. It's about finding balance and knowing when to compromise.
Michael Janz
Public School Trustee Candidate Ward F
Sage advice, Gerry. Thank you for creating this blog during the period of the campaign. Your remarks are being noted and heeded.
ReplyDeleteQuestion. If your fellow trustees are seldom swayed by speeches at a board meeting, why do we continue to make them? How can we have the great debates in public that we would all love to have as trustees, if the result has been quietly worked out behind the scenes?
ReplyDeleteKudos to you Gerry for doing this series. I am really enjoying it. Sparking great thoughts and hopefully great debate.
A functioning board is one where the result cannot be predicted ahead of time as to which trustees will vote with whom. If a board continually has the same people voting with each other, then the issues are not being debated but alliances have been predetermined. As a trustee do not get involved in this.
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