FISD Board Member Training: Richard A. Beaver

I do not believe that most people have a full appreciation of just how much there is to learn once you are first elected to a school board. As a new board member, acquiring knowledge must be a priority in order to be effective.

Fortunately, the Texas Association of School Boards offers a huge amount of training for Board Members. They have defined a curriculum, referred to as TASB Level One. I am pleased to say that I have completed the Level One curriculum. TASB is currently defining the Level Two Curriculum which I am sure will be very helpful in my continuing education.

What is TASB ISD?

TASB ISD (Institute for School Trustee Development) is a series of "meat and potatoes" training sessions designed as a recommended course of study for board members. Trustees can use this curriculum as a road map for their continuing education knowing they will receive a comprehensive foundation in the basics that trustees need to know to be productive right away.

TASB ISD’s Level One workshops are in-depth, interactive, practical, and include valuable information trustees can share with their entire team. See TASB ISD Level One Curriculum for descriptions.

My personal training history since joining the Frisco ISD School Boards follows;

2007/2008 Training

• Advancing Safe & Secure Environments for Teaching & Learning
• Cost-Effective School Design: Getting the Very Best for the Most Economical
• Second General Session: Point-Counterpoint
• Student Prayers and religious Expression
• Who Wants to Be a School Board Expert?
• Legislative Update
• Team Building (The Board and Administration attend this together)

2006/2007 Training

• Special Session Legislative Update 2005 - 2006
• Team Building (The Board and Administration attend this together)
• Board Operating Procedures
• Public Information Act
• Open Meetings Act
• The Boards Role in Hiring and Firing School Employees
• Avoiding Individual and Official Liability for Board Members and Administrators
• Finding Your Purpose - Bertice Berry
• From Desktop to iPod: How to Communicate with a Mobile Audience
• Internet Safety and Responsibility: Protecting our Kids Online
• The State of Public Schools in Texas - Dr. Shirley Neeley

2005/2006 Training

• Legislative Update 2005 - 2006
• Public Participation In (and Out) of Board Meetings
• Student and Family Rights in School
• The Changing Face of America: Working together for the Future
• West Orange-Cove Case: The Supreme Court Decision
• Team Operating Procedures

2004/2005 Training

• Ethics for School Trustees
• The Ten Commandments of Closed Meetings
• Board Presidents' Duties They Never Tell You About
• Distinguished Lecture - Dr. Shirley Neeley - Texas Education Agency
• Team Building (The Board and Administration attend this together)

2003/2004 Training

• TASB ISD Level One: Teamwork Basics
• TASB ISD Level One: School Law Basics
• TASB ISD Level One: District Governance Basics
• Legislative Orientation: 2003-2004
• Team Building (The Board and Administration attend this together)

2002/2003 Training

• Effective District Response to the TAAS - A New Look at Exemplary District Practices
• Texas Public School Funding in 2002 and Beyond
• Recruiting and Retaining Quality Teachers in Texas Schools
• Orientation to Texas Education Code
• TASB ISD Level One: Boardsmanship Basics
• TASB ISD Level One: District Planning and Accountability Basics
• TASB ISD Level One: School Budget and Finance Basics
• Legislative Orientation: 2002-2003
• Board Development -- Meeting Management
• Team Building (The Board and Administration attend this together)