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Board hears CESA 6 coaching proposal aimed at improving governance and teamwork
Summary
A CESA 6 official offered a three‑session coaching package for the school board, outlining a baseline assessment, use of the Baldrige Criteria and in‑person sessions to help elected members align strategy and leadership practices.
The Waunakee Community School District board discussed the possibility of hiring an external coach from Cooperative Educational Service Agency 6 (CESA 6) after board members read the same leadership book and asked what formal coaching might look like. Ted, identifying himself as an executive director at CESA 6, offered a proposal of three 90‑minute, in‑person coaching sessions spaced quarterly to build a "culture of excellence" and a common governance language. "I use the Baldrige Criteria of Excellence for governance as my base," Ted said, describing the framework he would bring to the board. Nut graf: Board members said they wanted to unify members with different levels of experience and backgrounds; the proposal presented a limited, low‑time commitment pilot that several board members said they supported in principle and asked administrators to schedule. Body: Ted summarized his experience as a long‑time educator and elected official and said his work with boards uses a mix of governance standards and practical tools to accelerate collaboration between newly elected and veteran members. "What I would do with you all is when we get together, the very first time is we just come to a baseline and create a language so that we have a culture of excellence amongst ourselves," he said. Board members then asked about logistics. Ted proposed spacing the three sessions quarterly, starting in the second quarter and preparing for a summer leadership retreat. Several board members said the price and time commitment seemed reasonable. "I don't think we can go wrong doing it," one board member said when discussing bringing experience and newer members together, and another highlighted the value of an external 10% formal learning input compared with on‑the‑job experience. The board asked staff to coordinate scheduling with the CESA 6 representative and to return dates and cost details. Ending: The board did not vote on contracting the coach but instructed staff to follow up on scheduling and pricing and to present a recommendation back to the full board.
