Mutiny on Board: Competition Through Silence

Type: Article
Topics: Board Relations, School Administrator Magazine

February 01, 2026

BOARD-SAVVY SUPERINTENDENT

Many superintendents have experienced one or more school board members carrying an agenda divergent from the school district’s mission and the overall well-being of the organization.

These may start as interjections into meetings as innocent comments with the hope their alternate path will gain momentum, usurping the leadership’s authority. Gaining momentum in this instance would be the recruitment of other board members to create a majority for their countering position.

What happens, though, when the dissenting member cannot gain the necessary vocal support but instead is met with silence? This becomes muted mutiny in board governance.

This Content is Exclusive to Members

Âܲ·AVÊÓÆµMember? Login to Access the Full Resource

Not a Member? Join Now | Learn More About Membership

E. Scott England

Former superintendent, assistant professor of education leadership

University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, Md.

Advertisement

Advertisement


Advertisement

Advertisement