No Surprises Strengthens Board Relations

Type: Article
Topics: Board Relations, School Administrator Magazine

August 01, 2026

BOARD-SAVVY SUPERINTENDENT

Early in my tenure as superintendent, a trusted mentor gave me advice that has stayed with me: Invest in relationships before you need them.

Over time, three practices have proven especially powerful in strengthening my relationship with school board members: consistent one-on-one meetings, school visits and phone calls.

In a profession defined by complexity, with academic expectations, community pressures and political dynamics, these simple disciplines can prevent the most avoidable leadership problem: board members being caught off guard.

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Author

Donald Robertson

Superintendent

Virginia Beach, Va.

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