However, an undisciplined approach to board recruitment can create more than skill gaps—it can lead to unengaged or problematic board members. When the committee on trustees and the head of school fail to partner closely and follow best practices in recruitment, the consequences can undermine the school.

Problem board members are not always disruptive. More often, the issues are subtle: a lack of support for the head of school, inappropriate involvement in daily operations, missed fundraising opportunities, or a lack of engagement that weakens board leadership.

Left unresolved, these challenges can be costly—consuming time, damaging reputation, hindering fundraising, and affecting board retention and recruitment.

Effective boards address these issues directly. Key strategies include the Board Chair taking responsibility, meeting privately with the trustee, using board retreats to reinforce best practices, relying on bylaws such as term limits when necessary, and implementing strong board orientation programs to prevent problems before they begin.

Strong boards are built intentionally—and when they are, schools thrive.