The Governance Core 2.0
School Boards, Superintendents, and Schools Working Together
- Davis Campbell - University of California (UC)-Davis, USA, DCAssociares
- Michael Fullan - Michael Fullan Enterprises Inc., Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, Canada
- Babs Kavanaugh
Essential strategies for school trustees and superintendents.
Addressing the urgent challenges of school leadership in our divided, post-pandemic landscape, The Governance Core 2.0 is an essential guide for school trustees and superintendents dedicated to making a meaningful difference in their districts. Davis Campbell, Michael Fullan, and Babs Kavanaugh provide useful tools and techniques to improve local governance culture, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between board members, district leaders, and school staff to support the success and wellbeing of every student.
This thoroughly updated edition is now structured around three pillars–Governance Mindset, Governance Culture, and Governance Infrastructure–providing a comprehensive framework that addresses the core principles and responsibilities of effective school governance. Additional features include:
- Practical strategies for fostering collaboration, onboarding new trustees, and leading transformative change in a school district
- New real-world examples of effective board governance
- A board planning calendar and self-evaluation tools
- A new “Suggestions for Implementation” section to support the application of lessons from the book
Offering guidance on developing a shared moral imperative and systems thinking and establishing clear norms and protocols, this book is a necessary resource for both new and experienced trustees, superintendents, and district leaders.
In this important book, Campbell, Fullan, and Kavanaugh have filled a cavernous gap in the educational leadership. The
authors send the strong message that accountability is a two-way street. Providing explicit, practical, and applicable strategies, this book is a gift to the world of education and should be studied not only by board members, but also by legislators, city councilors, county commissions, and others who influence the funding and policies of schools.
The Governance Core 2.0 is a must-read with much needed examples and suggestions for improvement that address the challenges of heightened polarization across communities. Campbell, Fullan, and Kavanaugh are at the forefront of new developments in governance that help focus and
strengthen how we run schools. This book provides hope for humanity.
The Governance Core 2.0 offers much needed learning for trustees and boards as we work together to build optimal conditions for student achievement. Campbell, Fullan, and Kavanaugh provide guidance for locally elected boards to strengthen relationships between school boards and
superintendents while examining the critical balance between governance and operations.
This ground-breaking book calls on governing board members and superintendents to seize the moral and policy
high ground, develop a governance mindset, and commit to a focus on continuous improvement. It is filled with real world examples that illuminate important principles needed for effective governance.
Like an oasis in the desert, The Governance Core 2.0 is lifesaving for school board trustees, especially those without prior experience as elected officials. Campbell, Fullan, and Kavanaugh provide a true north that is reassuring and inspiring, helping board members learn about effective governance and how to coalesce and flourish together.
As a new superintendent I found this book to be incredibly valuable as our governance team navigated the creation of new district goals and a shared vision for our community.
The authors provide useful tools and techniques to improve local governance culture. One of my favorite themes is that
the power of governance rests with the board itself working as a coherent team. It is an easy-to-read guide for new trustees and a useful reminder to seasoned board members and superintendents.
Governance matters. This book is a must-read for districts trying to make a difference for all students. Students are best
served when board members, district leaders, and school staff work together for the betterment of every student. Campbell, Fullan, and Kavanaugh outline the key considerations that district leaders and board members should employ to support students’ success.
