Board meetings are an essential place for making decisions and collaboration between important stakeholders. They can be an important catalyst for the growth of an organization, but only if they’re executed effectively. Board members are often busy with schedules and a lot of responsibility. It is important that they attend each meeting prepared.
The agenda for a board’s meeting can include strategic updates meetings, committee reports and presentations and initiatives, special topics, new business, and nominating members to the board. There is also a time of public comment that parents who are unhappy with their school or with other individuals can speak to the board.
Managing the agenda for a board meeting involves the planning of the order of things and supplying attendees with the appropriate materials in advance. It is important to have the right supplies and equipment available. Flipcharts, whiteboards and videoconferencing or Teleconferencing systems are all board meetings essential. It is also crucial that the boardroom is well-lit, comfortable, and free of distractions and with beverages and food available.
A board meeting should also include a discussion about the next steps, and ensure that all decisions have been documented and communicated to the appropriate parties as quickly as possible after the meeting. A digital board management tool like Range can make all the difference. It is able to facilitate the production of minutes and other items that are then published and distributed to all attendees before they leave the boardroom, or as PDF documents for later distribution.
