Differentiation in School Governance?

Recent experience with client schools has affirmed my thinking that, while foundational principles of governance are applicable in all contexts, differentiation in applying these principles is required to ensure optimal governance efficiency and effectiveness in each school’s unique context.
What are the principles of governance applicable in every school context?​

• Trusteeship (the Board represents ownership interests, values, etc.).
• Clarity of the roles of governance and management.
• Strategic leadership and direction.
• Board authority only as a body.
• Governance by policy, including policies of impact and control.
• Delegation to and accountability of the Head.
• Monitoring and evaluation of the Head’s performance through assessment of policy compliance.

The range of client schools for which I provide ongoing governance services includes:

• Start-up international school in Costa Rica.
• Emerging international school in rural Nicaragua.
• Mature international school in Hungary.
• Legacy boarding school in India.
• Established bilingual schools in Panama and Honduras.
• System of rapidly growing bilingual schools in Vietnam.

The variables among these schools impacting the application of governance principles include the ownership model, profit or non-profit status, school maturity, national and legal context, and cultural context, among others. My research, observation, and experience have informed my current opinion that no single governance model or template fits all school realities but that a core group of governance principles must and can be applied to all.

Blessings,
David Wells