What if the biggest factor in student success wasn’t test scores, funding, or curriculum—but the school board itself? Research shows that when boards lead with clarity, vision, and collaboration, entire districts thrive. Strong boards don’t just govern; they shape the culture, priorities, and progress that drive better student outcomes. This should make every board member rejoice: what you do really matters! But it also gives every board member pause: what you do really matters!
One of the most compelling studies on this topic is the Lighthouse Project, a decade-long research initiative that explored how school board governance impacts school improvement and student learning. As newly sworn board members start to fully engage in their roles, now is the perfect time for both new and experienced board members to consider how your board can maximize its impact.
What makes a Board Effective?
The Lighthouse Project identified five key functions of highly effective school boards:
Setting clear and high expectations
Holding the system accountable to the expectations
Creating conditions for success
Building collective will
Learning together as a board team
The Lighthouse research indicates that when boards embrace these five functions, they move beyond routine oversight and become true catalysts for improvement. The board’s leadership ripples through the entire district, ultimately shaping a stronger, more successful learning environment for students.
The Power of a Positive Board-Administrator Dynamic
One of the study’s biggest takeaways is that the relationship between the board and the superintendent directly affects student success. In high-achieving districts, board members don’t attempt to micromanage, but they don’t just rubber-stamp decisions either. Instead, they engage in thoughtful, strategic leadership.
Likewise, superintendents in these districts don’t view the board as a necessary evil, but as a critical partner in shaping the district’s future. When this relationship is built on trust and shared purpose, district leaders can focus on systemic improvements that drive real results. This isn’t just an idealistic hope – it’s backed by data. Strong board leadership leads to stronger schools.
Want to Strengthen Your Board?
The time and effort that it takes to focus on strengthening your board’s key skills is worth the investment. There are many resources available to boards that are ready to take the next step. One of those options is to access some of KSB’s resources. We offer both onsite board training with an attorney and online training through our app. We will also be rolling out a tool this spring to help boards evaluate their strengths and weaknesses in critical skill areas, which will help you know where to focus your self-improvement.
For now, the most important thing to remember is this: SCHOOL BOARDS MATTER! But we at KSB have known that all along. <3
If you want to talk board training (onsite training with a KSB attorney or online modules through our App) or have any questions, please call us at (402) 804-8000 or email ksb@ksbschoollaw.com.