School board service requires more than attending meetings and voting on issues. It requires a clear understanding of governance, leadership and the laws that guide public education. To help board members build that foundation, KASB hosted its Foundations of Boardsmanship training series across the state.

More than 800 individual Kansas board members participated in our Foundations of Boardsmanships trainings. Of those, 444 attended regional sessions hosted across the state, and 46 school districts hosted trainings locally for their own board members.

Designed for both new and experienced board members, the series provided practical guidance on the fundamentals of effective board service.

Each training covered topics such as the roles and responsibilities of school boards, the difference between governance and management, superintendent hiring and evaluation and the legal framework that guides school board decisions. Our KASB Legal Team also provided guidance on important topics including open meetings, open records and executive session requirements, helping board members better understand their responsibilities under Kansas law.

Another highlight was the opportunity for board members to engage directly with other education leaders, creating space for conversation about real challenges districts face and how boards can respond effectively. Board members from across Kansas connected with peers, exchanged ideas and learned from one another.

Participants consistently described the sessions as a valuable learning experience. New board members appreciated the clear overview of board governance, while experienced members noted the training served as a helpful refresher on key responsibilities and best practices.

Overall, Foundations of Boardsmanship training reinforces a key principle of effective governance: when board members clearly understand their role and work together as a leadership team, they are better equipped to make decisions that keep students at the center.

Through KASB’s John W. Koepke (JWK) Foundation, funded by donations from Kansas Board Solutions (KBS), we were able to offer these workshops free to all Kansas school board members. Their support made it possible to provide high-quality training while keeping leadership development accessible to every board member across the state.

Board members interested in continuing their learning can explore upcoming KASB events on our website. Districts can also learn more about our leadership services, which offer support in areas such as superintendent searches, strategic planning and leadership development.

To schedule any leadership services in your district, please contact Linsey Evans, Leadership & Advocacy Coordinator, at levans@kasb.org.