NEW SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER EXPERIENCE
Help shape the agenda
Being elected to a school board marks the beginning of a collaboration with statewide leaders to improve opportunities for Delaware’s students.
The First State Educate New School Board Member Experience is designed to help newly elected school members begin their service with confidence by providing practical knowledge, meaningful connections, and ongoing support throughout their first year in office.
The experience marks the beginning of a year-long learning journey. We celebrate your election, recognize the importance of public service, and welcome you into Delaware's education community.
Participants will hear directly from Delaware education leaders, experienced board members, and community partners about the impact of school board leadership and the important role school board members play in improving student outcomes.
HELP SHAPE THE AGENDA
No one understands the questions and concerns of newly elected school board members better than those who have just taken office. Rather than assuming what new school board members need, we want you to share your questions, interests, and learning goals. Your feedback will help shape future learning opportunities, expert presentations, webinars, and practical resources developed throughout the year.
WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT
Through the New School Board Member Experience, you will:
Start your service with greater confidence and a clearer understanding of what effective board leadership requires
Build relationships with other new board members who are facing many of the same questions and challenges
Connect with experienced leaders and trusted experts who can provide guidance throughout your first year
Gain practical resources and ongoing support as new issues arise and your responsibilities become more complex
Help shape future learning opportunities around the questions and challenges that matter most to you
BUILD RELATIONSHIPS ACROSS DELAWARE
School board service can often feel isolated, particularly during the first year. FSE’s New School Board Member Experience creates opportunities for members from districts and charter schools across Delaware to meet one another, exchange ideas, and begin building professional relationships that can continue throughout their board service.
LEARNING DOESN’T END AFTER ORIENTATION
Orientation is the starting point; not the destination. Throughout the year, participants will have opportunities to continue learning through quarterly support sessions, expert webinars, practical governance resources, office hours, and peer conversations focused on the issues school board members face as they gain experience. Participants will also have opportunities to contribute to future learning by serving as mentors, participating on advisory groups, sharing promising practices, and helping strengthen school board governance across Delaware.
WHY THIS MATTERS
School board members are expected to make important decisions almost immediately after taking office. While required orientation provides an important introduction to legal and statutory responsibilities, effective governance develops through experience, continued learning, access to trusted resources, and relationships with fellow board members.
The First State Educate New School Board Member Experience is designed to complement required training by providing an ongoing network of learning and support that helps board members grow in confidence and effectiveness throughout their first year of service.