Effective Board Communication in Schools

For boards of independent schools to govern effectively, they must have access to accurate, timely, and relevant information. This doesn’t occur by accident. Many boards (often during governance reviews or with consultants) frequently raise a concern that the principal is not consistently providing the information they need to make well-informed decisions. As a result, some boards consider alternative ways to stay in touch with the reality of school life.

While boards need to engage with a broader understanding of the school context, including maintaining links with key stakeholders such as parents, alumni, and community groups, the principal must be the primary and most reliable source of insight. However, many principals report that they are often left guessing what the board wants to know, leading them to structure reports based on assumptions rather than defined expectations.

There is a better way

Effective boards in the independent sector are clear about their governance role and begin by establishing policies defining what information they require and how often. While not all boards use policies such as the Carver Policy Governance® model, its principles offer a helpful framework for developing policies that ensure clarity in communication and accountability.

In a similar manner, communication policies should require the principal to inform the board of all significant school developments through timely, accurate, and easy-to-interpret reports. This includes internal updates (e.g., on enrolment trends, staffing, and student wellbeing) and external factors such as changes in educational regulation, emerging trends in the sector, or broader social and economic shifts that could affect the school.

The principal should also be expected to report on operational performance against the school’s strategic goals, compliance with board policy, and any known risks or opportunities. Supporting data should be provided where appropriate to help the board monitor the school’s health and direction.

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