District Board Retreats

Board retreats are a way of bonding board members and improving their ability to work together. Retreats also provide time for in depth study of district concerns.

• A Friday evening to Sunday evening retreat seems to be the longest block of time that board members can allot to this task
• An annual retreat in May or early June is preferred by most districts that have a spring Annual meeting.
• Retreats are more efficient if board members live together for the duration and are isolated from outside influences and activities.
• The retreat may involve:
1. getting acquainted
2. review and evaluation of past year
3. brain storming for program priorities for the coming year
4. selecting program
5. developing a budget
6. setting goals
7. assessing leadership styles
8. deciding committee liaisons
9. making assignments based on individual interests of board members
10. setting the calendar