The San Francisco Board of Education took a significant step towards enhancing its governance during a recent workshop focused on self-evaluation. This marks a historic moment, as it is the first time in over a decade that the board has engaged in a self-assessment process during a public meeting.

Superintendent AJ Crabill led the session, emphasizing the importance of accountability and reflection among board members. The workshop aimed to foster a culture of student outcomes-focused governance, allowing members to identify areas for improvement in their decision-making processes.

The board utilized a self-evaluation tool developed by the Council of Great City Schools, which enabled members to assess their individual contributions and share insights collectively. The results of these assessments were made available to all board members, promoting transparency and collaborative growth.

In addition to the self-evaluation, the board conducted a time analysis to evaluate how effectively they are spending their meeting time on student outcomes. Last year, the board committed to dedicating half of their meeting time to this focus. However, they acknowledged challenges in meeting this goal due to the need for establishing interim objectives and strategies.

As the board moves forward, they will continue to monitor progress and refine their strategies to ensure that student outcomes remain at the forefront of their governance efforts. This proactive approach signals a commitment to improving educational outcomes for the students of San Francisco, setting a precedent for future governance practices.