School Board Leadership for Student Achievement

The study is a follow-on study to the Dissatisfaction Theory research. The research question is whether there is a relationship between board member and superintendent turnover and student achievement. A secondary research question is whether the size of the district is a factor in the effects of turnover on student achievement. Additional research questions address the effect of turnover on policy and on the system. The reasons for board members and superintendents leaving were categorized as either “political” or “apolitical”.

The longitudinal analysis of board and superintendent turnover over a period of 8 years in Washington State used the state’s criterion-referenced test to gauge changes in student achievement. [Conference presentation - Summary]

In this chapter we explore the relationship of the board of education and district superintendent in an era of reform and eroding public confidence. [Abstract]

While previous research provides insight into the link between factors like public opinion and local spending, it does not tell us much about the electoral mechanism itself or how it may influence the makeup and behavior of school boards. [Abstract]

The question of whether elected dysfunctional large urban school district boards should be replaced or substantially restructured is a serious policy question impacting the lives of million of students. [Abstract]

This chapter offers a review of the few studies offering empirical evidence showing a link between school boards and student performance. Findings include a connection between student test scores and politically motivated school board turnover particularly in smaller districts. [Abstract]