GAVEL Training - Associated School Boards of South Dakota
Home > BOARD DEVELOPMENT > GAVEL Training
GAVEL Board Learning Opportunities
The Governance Academy of Visionary Education Leadership (GAVEL) is an ASBSD Board Development initiative that offers multi-level learning opportunities designed to prepare school boards to effectively govern and provide the leadership necessary to improve student achievement.
 GAVEL I: BUILDING A FOUNDATION
GAVEL I is based on three essential aspects of school board work, and their accompanying outcomes, that give school board members a solid foundation to govern effectively at the local level. ASBSD schedules GAVEL I training events throughout the state each year. In addition, each training can be presented as a whole-board in-service or to a group of school boards.

FOUNDATION I: SCHOOL BOARD GOVERNANCE
This five-hour workshop helps board members better understand their unique role in public education and public service. Board members will be introduced to education law, policy making, board-superintendent relationships, the difference between governance and management, collective bargaining and board meeting procedures.

Learning outcomes:
  • Board members understand their place as governing bodies in our American form of government.
  • Board members understand the board’s legal responsibilities and the policy development process.
  • Board members understand meeting protocols and procedures.
  • Board members understand how to support human resource systems and their role in negotiations, hiring and terminations.
  • Board members understand the importance of operating as a governance leadership team.
Training dates, times and locations:

FOUNDATION II: FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY
This three-hour workshop offers insight into school finance concepts, district budgets and internal control. Board members will also learn about the state aid formula, the various school funds and tax levies, the value of a stakeholder’s report and the importance of developing and adopting budgets based upon district goals.

Learning outcomes:
  • Board members understand basic school finance concepts.
  • Board members understand how the state’s school finance formula works.
  • Board members understand the funds authorized by South Dakota law.
  • Board members understand budget preparation and school revenues.
  • Board members understand the components of internal financial control.
Training dates, times and locations:
FOUNDATION III: STRATEGIC PLANNING
This three-hour professional workshop details the board’s leadership role in improving student achievement. Board members will focus on importance of using their vision and mission to establish a strategic plan, set goals and use data to drive decision-making. The overall focus is on improving student achievement.

Learning outcomes: 
  • Board members understand the importance of the district level vision, mission, beliefs and goals.
  • Board members have a basic understanding of data-driven decision making.
  • Board members understand the value of accountability in tracking student achievement.
  • Board members understand the importance of creating a board learning community and being an advocate for students.
  • Board members understand the importance of developing a continuous improvement plan.
Training dates, times and locations:
 GAVEL II: LEADERSHIP FOR STUDENT LEARNING
This in-depth training focuses more specifically on how boards can initiate and implement changes that improve student achievement. Using ASBSD’s Leadership for Student Learning text as a guide, school districts will work through exercises specific to your district, enabling boards and superintendents to rally around improving student achievement.

Learning outcomes: 
  • Board members will have a basic understanding of current research on the board’s role in improving student achievement.
  • Board members will understand how to set clear expectations for improved student achievement.
  • Board members will explore options of creating conditions within their district to improve student achievement.
  • Board members will identify methods of holding the system accountable for improvement.
  • Board members will learn how to gain the public’s support.
Training dates, times and locations:

GAVEL II is only presented upon request to a whole-board or small group of boards. The training can be delivered in a single five-hour setting or in a series of one or two-hour meetings.
  • Contact ASBSD Leadership Development Director Julie Ertz to schedule GAVEL II in your district.
Sioux Falls Web Design