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.
14episodes
Episodes
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Governance at the Local Level: The Untapped Power of School Boards
Jul 30, 202500:34:22Tap 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 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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What to Consider: Electing Your School Board President
Jun 24, 202500:12:20Tap to summarizeWith reorganization meetings just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about electing your board president. In this episode of President’s Gavel, Mark highlights what leadership skills matter most at the board table and shares five characteristics of a successful president. Host: Mark Snyder, Senior Leadership Development Manager Resources / Show Notes: • To learn more about NYSSBA’s Board Officers’ Forum, contact mark.snyder@nyssba.org. • 2025 Board Officers Academy (live virtual and annual pre-convention events): http://bit.ly/3G9ZNZg • Superintendent and Board Self-Evaluation Tools: bit.ly/3OiBBlV • SuperEval: bit.ly/3N2vDo9 • To learn more about SuperEval contact Bob Hartz at 1-844-312-EVAL (3825). • *Stock media provided by Jeppe Reil/Pond5
Transcribe →Onboarding to Build Successful School Boards (re-release)
May 21, 202500:12:20Tap to summarizeSchool board elections just happened. Is your board prepared to onboard new members? An effective onboarding process benefits new members by helping them acclimate quickly while avoiding common pitfalls that can strain relations. Through a proactive plan, boards can support their new members while building trust, collaboration and unity on the governance team. This enables them to focus better on advancing positive student outcomes without unnecessary distractions. Host: Jamie McPherson, Deputy Director of Leadership Development, NYSSBA Guest: Mark Snyder, Senior Leadership Development Manager, NYSSBA Resources: NYSSBA’s FAQ: Onboarding New Board Members Guide: bit.ly/43uFmNT Onboarding Checklist: bit.ly/499Z4j1 NYSSBA’s Onboarding New School Board Members microlearning course. Register here: https://nyssba.my.site.com/s/lt-event?id=a1R1Q00000LoTRrUAN#/Overview On Board article - Developing an effective onboarding process: bit.ly/3xhTvlj On Board article - The importance of welcoming new school board members: bit.ly/3IPwd94 NYSSBA’s FAQ: Onboarding New Board Members Guide: bit.ly/43uFmNT Onboarding Checklist: bit.ly/499Z4j1 Need help developing your board operations handbook? Request a Custom Board Retreat here: bit.ly/30NAX7l For more information about NYSSBA’s Custom Board Retreats contact ellen.kramek@nyssba.org. Stock media provided by www.pond5.com
Transcribe →The New Ex Officio Student Board Member
Apr 29, 202500:35:45Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we discuss the ex officio student board member. While about one-third of New York school boards already include student representatives, new legislation mandates that all public-school districts and BOCES include a student member on their school board. Meeting this goal takes more than just a seat at the table – it requires good faith, mutual respect and a genuine partnership. That’s what we’re here to explore in this episode: how to fully embrace the ex officio student board member role in ways that empower students, strengthen board decisions and enrich the experience for everyone through deeper civic engagement and inclusive leadership. Host: Darci D’Ercole, Chief Governance and Leadership Development Officer, NYSSBA Guests: David Lilleck, Superintendent, Orchard Park Central School District Luke Lippitt, Ex Officio Student Board Member, Orchard Park Central School District and Northeast Vice President of the National Student Board Member Association Zachary Patterson, Chair of the Board of Advisors, National Student Board Member Association Resources: NYSSBA’s Ex Officio Student Board Member Implementation Resources webpage: https://www.nyssba.org/main/ex-officio-student-board-member-implementation-resources/ National Student Board Member Association: https://www.nsbma.net/ 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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