Podcast
NYSSBA's President's Gavel Podcast
Hosted by NYSSBA's President's Gavel Podcast · EN
NYSSBA's President's Gavel -- the podcast providing insight into being a leader on the board.
13episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
What I Wish I Knew About School Board Service
4d ago00:21:21Tap to summarizeHost: Ann Laszewski, Leadership Development Manager, NYSSBA Guest: Mark Snyder, Senior Leadership Development Manager, NYSSBA Episode Description: In this episode of the President's Gavel, we’re talking about something almost every board member thinks at some point: “I wish I had known that when I first started.” We’ll share a few of those lessons—so you can lead with more confidence and maybe help the next new member avoid a few surprises along the way. We’ll talk about early challenges, a few unexpected realities and the kinds of insights that really only come with time—offering guidance to help you and the next generation of board members lead with more confidence and clarity. Resources: NYSSBA’s New Member Handbook: https://bit.ly/43EwshE NYSSBA’s Onboard New Members Guide: https://bit.ly/3RzCI7M NYSSBA’s Effective School Board Meetings FAQ: https://bit.ly/4vmR3Tq NYSSBA’s Executive Session FAQ: https://bit.ly/4uFDizi NYSSBA’s Public Comment Session FAQ: https://bit.ly/4fWi7o1 NYSSBA’s Social Media FAQ: https://bit.ly/4uFDwq8 On Board article: Congratulations on your election! Now what: https://www.nyssba.org/clientuploads/nyssba_pdf/presidents-gavel-podcast/06022026/congratulations-on-your-election-now-what-06022026.pdf On Board article: How to maximize your impact in your first year on the board: https://www.nyssba.org/clientuploads/nyssba_pdf/presidents-gavel-podcast/06022026/how-to-maximize-your-impact-in-your-first-year-on-the-board-06022026.pdf On Board article: Some things that I wish I had known during my first year on the board: https://www.nyssba.org/clientuploads/nyssba_pdf/presidents-gavel-podcast/06022026/some-things-that-i-wish-i-had-known-during-my-first-year-on-the-board-06022026.pdf Schedule your Custom Board Retreat today! Contact Ellen Kramek at 518-783-3753 or via email at ellen.kramek@nyssba.org. Have a question about today’s topic? NYSSBA Leadership Development Trainers are here to help! Send you your questions to ld@nyssba.org. Stock media provided by www.pond5.com
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Navigating the Gray Area of Governance
Apr 2800:35:06Tap to summarizeThe line between meaningful oversight and overstepping into operations isn’t always clear—and it’s in that gray area where even well-intentioned board members can get off track. School board members step into their roles wanting to help, but good intentions don’t always translate into good governance. In this episode, we explore that gray area through real-world scenarios, highlighting common pitfalls that can lead members astray and practical strategies to stay grounded in their role, work effectively with their superintendent and build positive relationships. Host: Jamie McPherson, Deputy Director of Leadership Development, NYSSBA Guests: Darci D’Ercole, Chief Governance and Leadership Development Officer, NYSSBA Mark Snyder, Senior Leadership Development Manager, NYSSBA Resources: Schedule your Custom Board Retreat today! Contact Ellen Kramek at 518-7833753 or via email at ellen.kramek@nyssba.org. Have a question about today’s topic? NYSSBA Leadership Development Trainers are here to help! Send you your questions to ld@nyssba.org. Stock media provided by www.pond5.com
Transcribe →A Seat at the Table: The Role of the Ex Officio Student Board Member
Apr 200:16:37Tap to summarizeWhat does it look like when a student has a real seat at the table? In this episode, we hear how one ex officio student board member turned curiosity about his district into meaningful advocacy by shaping decisions, strengthening connections and proving that the student voice can truly make an impact. Host: Darci D’Ercole, Chief Governance and Leadership Development Officer, NYSSBA Guest: Matthew (Matt) Wohlstadter, Ex Officio Student Member and Peer Leader at Chappaqua Central School District Resources: Ex Officio Student Board Member Implementation Resources: https://bit.ly/4m5a35I Schedule your Custom Board Retreat today! Contact Ellen Kramek at 518-7833753 or via email at ellen.kramek@nyssba.org. Have a question about today’s topic? NYSSBA Leadership Development Trainers are here to help! Send you your questions to ld@nyssba.org. Stock media provided by www.pond5.com
Transcribe →Tips for a Successful Budget Vote
Feb 2400:24:22Tap to summarizeAcross the state, boards of education are working hard to help ensure their budgets are fiscally responsible to taxpayers while staying firmly rooted in their district’s priorities. It’s within this balancing act that boards are tasked with the responsibility of ensuring the budget reflects the community’s core values and aligns its limited resources to optimizing student success and long-term stability. In this episode, we dive into what school boards need to know about state aid categories, identify some of the biggest challenges we’re facing and provide practical strategies you can bring back to your board table to help ensure a successful budget vote. Host: Mark Snyder, Leadership Development Senior Manager, NYSSBA Guest: Brian Freeman, Assistant Superintendent for Business, Webster CSD Resources: On Board articles: • Budgeting is more than an annual process: https://bit.ly/4tTNQed • How to have a successful budget season: https://bit.ly/3OArPks • The board's role in budget development: https://bit.ly/475vltm NYSSBA’s Advocacy Overview: https://www.nyssba.org/advocacy-legislation/overview/ Questions about advocacy? Contact NYSSBA staff members: Brian Fessler, Chief Advocacy Officer or Caroline Bobick, Deputy Director of Governmental and External Relations Have a question about today’s topic? NYSSBA Leadership Development Trainers are here to help! Send you your questions to ld@nyssba.org. Stock media provided by www.pond5.com
Transcribe →Federal Advocacy: Widespread change and many unknowns
Jan 2600:14:23Tap to summarizeThis month on the President’s Gavel, we’re diving into topics that are sure to pique the interest of our listeners: Updates on the U.S. Department of Education Federal funding The potential for another government shutdown How education funding is at the center of many debates Tune in now to stay ahead of the curve. Host: Mark Snyder, Senior Leadership Development Manager, NYSSBA Guest: Caroline Bobick, Deputy Director of Governmental and External Relations, NYSSBA Resources: For more information contact Caroline Bobick, Deputy Director of Governmental and External Relations at caroline.bobick@nyssba.org. Memo in support of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act: https://bit.ly/4jVwkBC NYSSBA’s federal priorities memos: https://bit.ly/49Sdzuf February 1-3, 2026 – NSBA National Advocacy Institute: We invite you to join us in Washington, DC for the National School Boards Association’s (NSBA) Annual Advocacy Institute. The event is focused on advocacy skills and federal priorities along with a Hill Day. Several members of the Governmental Relations Department will be on hand attending sessions, and we will be scheduling meetings with members of the New York Delegation. To join us, you can find details here: https://www.nsba.org/events/advocacy-equity-institute. Stock media provided by www.pond5.com
Transcribe →The Big Board Questions: What’s on Every School Board Member’s Mind?
Dec 1600:34:09Tap to summarizeIn your role as a school board member, have you ever wondered - are we even asking the right questions? You are not alone! On today’s episode of the President’s Gavel, Leadership Development trainers Jamie McPherson and Ann Lazewski will answer some common but very important questions school board members often ask, like: Are we aligned with our district’s mission and vision? How can we foster strong, transparent, community relationships that allow room for all voices to be heard while still providing clear information and addressing misinformation? How do we ensure all students are being served? It’s not just about access, it’s about impact. Stay with us as we answer these questions and more! Host: Ann Laszewski, Leadership Development Manager, NYSSBA Guest: Jamie McPherson, Deputy Director of Leadership Development, NYSSBA Resources: Have a question about a topic not covered on today’s show? Send your questions to NYSSBA’s Leadership Development Team at ld@nyssba.org. Ready to dig deeper on topic covered on today’s show? Schedule a Custom Board Retreat today! Contact Ellen Kramek at 518-7833753 or via email at ellen.kramek@nyssba.org. NYSSBA’s Board Self-Evaluation: https://bit.ly/3MS175Q SuperEval’s Board Self-Evaluation: https://bit.ly/4pHxBP2 For questions contact Zac Adams, NYSSBA’s Business Development and Member Relations Manager at 518.783.3726 or via email at zac.adams@nyssba.org Stock media provided by www.pond5.com
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Transforming Vision into Reality – Building a Road Map to Success
Oct 2800:29:09Tap to summarizeIn today’s conversation, we’ll explore how strategic planning can serve as a catalyst for growth and improvement. We’ll look at how it engages diverse stakeholders, fosters transparency and helps school boards make more informed, aligned decisions. We’ll also discuss how setting clear priorities and long-term goals can strengthen governance and drive impactful, system-wide change. Whether your district is just beginning the planning process or looking to revisit and refresh its goals, this episode offers valuable insights on how to turn vision into reality—and build a strong foundation for a successful future. Host: Ann Laszewski, Leadership Development Manager, NYSSBA Guests: Dr. Lance Lohman, Superintendent, Longwood Central School District Victoria Molloy, Board President, Longwood Central School District Need help with your district’s strategic plan? Schedule your Custom Board Retreat today! For more information contact ellen.kramek@nyssba.org. Have a question or a topic idea? We want to hear from you! Email us at ld@nyssba.org. Stock media provided by www.pond5.com
Transcribe →Empowering Critical Thinking Through Media Literacy
Sep 2900:19:10Tap to summarizeThis month on The President’s Gavel, we’re revisiting a popular session from this year's Leadership in Education Event: “Critical Thinking Through Media Literacy.” In this episode, you'll learn about media literacy and why understanding it is crucial for anyone involved in educating students today. Our guests will share why it is more important than ever to help children think critically about what they see and hear via the media they consume. We'll also discuss how we can empower students to thrive in today's media landscape. Host: Ann Laszewski, Leadership Development Manager, NYSSBA Guests: Dr. Michael J. Doughty, Assistant Superintendent, Northeastern Regional Information Center, Capital Region BOCES Katherine Hammill, Director, Mid-Hudson Regional Information Center, Ulster BOCES
Transcribe →Setting the Agenda (re-release)
Aug 2500:24:14Tap to summarizeAgendas are the roadmap for board meeting. They help the board president keep discussions focused and on track, while clearly outlining the topics to be addressed and the actions to be taken. In this episode of the President’s Gavel Jamie, Mark and Darci answer commonly asked questions and discuss best practices for setting the agenda. Host: Jamie McPherson, Deputy Director of Leadership Development, NYSSBA Guests: Darci D’Ercole, Chief Governance and Leadership Development Officer, NYSSBA Mark Snyder, Senior Leadership Development Manager, NYSSBA Standard Order of Business: bit.ly/3FmOSqx Consent Agenda: bit.ly/3hcAzgw Sample Board Activity-Presentation Calendar: bit.ly/3VOoNYL *Stock media provided by www.pond5.com.
Transcribe →Governance at the Local Level: The Untapped Power of School Boards
Jul 3000:34:21Tap to summarizeSchool boards may seem local and low-profile, but they’re at the heart of today’s biggest battles over education, governance and democracy. In this episode, we discuss why school boards matter more than ever—and how they can help rebuild trust, strengthen schools and model civil discourse in a divided time. Host: Darci D’Ercole Chief Governance and Leadership Development Officer, NYSSBA Guest: Scott Levy Adjunct Professor, Harvard Graduate School of Education Author, Why School Boards Matter: Reclaiming the Heart of Education and Democracy Byram Hills Central School District Board of Education Member Former President, Westchester Putnam School Boards Association Why School Boards Matter: Reclaiming the Heart of Education and Democracy https://www.amazon.com/Why-School-Boards-Matter-Reclaiming/dp/0262552728 Have a question or a topic idea? We want to hear from you! Email us at ld@nyssba.org. Stock media provided by www.pond5.com
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