REFLECTIVE JOURNAL ASSIGNMENT 3 1
Reflective Journal – Superintendent/Board Relationships Assignment
Lashonda Smith- McNeal
School of Education, Liberty University
This week’s reflective journal assignment is one that hit home for me, as I have watched
our current school board search for over two years to find a strong leader as our district's
superintendent. I have seen the school board be unprofessional and handle personal concerns
publicly and undermine the decisions of the superintendent. I have cringed watching the board
meetings and made note of how I would address personal concerns, especially if I felt the board
was micromanaging my decisions. First, I believe it begins with sharing the mission and vision
that I have for the school district, to be student-centered, reminding the board members,
REFLECTIVE JOURNAL ASSIGNMENT 3 2
members of the community, parents, staff, and additional stakeholders that we are all there for
the students. This should be done in the first step of building meaningful business relationships
based on Drolet and Pires (2023): “An important first step for the superintendent is to make it a
priority to develop collaborative and positive relationships that support engaging in sincere and
honest conversations with school board members.” Additionally, meaningful work is unlikely to
occur without the superintendent establishing strong relationships with administrators,
teachers, parents, and students (Drolet & Pires, 2023).
It would be advantageous, as a superintendent, to meet frequently and in a variety of
ways to meet the needs of all the members of the school board, which is why the most
important concept I learned while reading Chapter 3 focuses on communication and specifically
that with the board chair. Drolet and Pires (2023) suggest that meeting frequently and routinely
with the school board chair is more important than meeting with individual school board
members since the school board chair holds specific responsibilities to represent the entire
board. This relationship and open professional communication can be pertinent to my success
as a superintendent, as Drolet and Piret (2023) suggest this is the most important connection
since the chair of the school board is responsible for directing and optimizing communications
with the board, similar to the superintendent's role in managing communications with district
leaders and all personnel within the school district. It would be smart on my behalf to always
have a ram in the bush when it comes down to the deciding vote of various matters concerning
the school district and its staff and students.
To achieve common goals and meet the needs of the students and staff in my district,
Swaner, & Wolfe, (2021), suggest that through relationships and shared experiences, we
strengthen one another to grow in the crucible of challenge. I agree that a humanizing approach
rather than looking at the position of leadership is best when fostering positive relationships
with the members of the school board. Johnson and Patterson (2019) explained that the
superintendent must establish a positive relationship with the school board, and maintaining
REFLECTIVE JOURNAL ASSIGNMENT 3 3
that relationship is essential for the completion and accomplishment of work. To accomplish the
level of communication that is needed to foster positive relationships, I would employ an open-
door policy, have standing scheduled weekly meetings with each member of the board
individually, have weekly newsletters of progress made as well as next steps and implement
virtual meetings as needed before sitting down at the weekly board meeting. Misconceptions
and disagreements can be addressed individually and privately before a public fallout happens.
The overarching theme I advocate is a leadership model centered on establishing clear
expectations from the outset (Johnson and Patterson, 2019). The Holy Bible has several
examples of relationships and conflict resolution. Matthew 18:15-17 points out how we should
resolve conflict and seek reconciliation, since none of us are perfect and we all fall short. I would
rather do my best to live in peace and harmony with others as Romans 12:16, paying special
attention to verses 17-18 that read, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is
right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with
everyone”. This can be challenging
to do, but if we as believers stand firm on faith, knowledge, and wisdom of the Holy Bible, which
guides us, so many schools, school boards, and leaders can have a great interpersonal
relationship regardless of disagreements; sometimes the resolve is just being at peace, to agree
to disagree but do what’s best for the good of the people you serve.
REFLECTIVE JOURNAL ASSIGNMENT 3 4
References
Drolet, R., & Pires, A. (2023). From Surviving to Thriving. Rowman & Littlefield Publishing
Group. https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/9781475868906
Holy Bible, New International Version. (2017). YouVersion Bible.
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/heb.11.6
Swaner, L. E., & Wolfe, A. (2021). Flourishing together: A Christian vision for students, educators,
and schools. William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.
Johnson, R., Patterson, J. (2019) Trust at the Top - Enhancing the Relationship Between Head of
the School and Board Chair. [video]
Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)
