CESA Board Chair Network
Purpose
The CESA Board Chair Network exists to strengthen the governance and long-term health of Christian schools by equipping and connecting board chairs. This network provides a trusted space for board leaders to share best practices, learn from one another, and grow in their effectiveness as stewards of their school’s mission.
This network is designed to:
- Foster peer-to-peer learning among board chairs and vice chairs.
- Provide practical guidance on key governance challenges facing Christian schools.
- Strengthen board-chair and head-of-school relationships.
- Encourage alignment with governance best practices while honoring each school’s unique context.
- Cultivate a confidential and trusted community for support and wisdom-sharing.
Structure
Everything we do at TLA is designed to help your child thrive. The result? Our middle school graduates are confident, responsible individuals who are ready for high school.
Participants
Board Chairs from CESA member schools.
One additional participant per school (Vice Chair or designated successor.
Hosted by Joe Gaynor, Mt. Pisgah Board Chair and a CESA team member.
Meeting Cadence
Quarterly virtual meetings (4 per year).
Initial launch: November (following October
Symposium).
Meeting Format (60 Minutes)
Opening and framing (5 minutes).
Featured topic with guest speaker or experienced board chair (30–40 minutes).
Facilitated Q&A and discussion (15–20 minutes)
Content Approach
Focus on practical governance issues and real-world application.
Blend of expert insight and peer discussion.
Emphasis on shared learning rather than
prescriptive solutions.
CESA role along with Joe Gaynor
Curate topics and speakers.
Facilitate conversations and maintain focus.
Provide alignment with governance standards and best practices.
Ensure a trusted, confidential environment.
Rules of Engagement
Confidentiality
Specific school situations, names, and sensitive details shared in calls should remain confidential.
Participants should generalize scenarios when possible to protect individuals and institutions
Scope of Discussion
Conversations will focus on governance, not operational management.
The group is not a venue for resolving active disputes or crises in real time.
Legal, personnel, or highly sensitive matters should not be discussed in detail.
Application of Ideas
Shared practices are not one-size-fits-all solutions.
Each participant is responsible for discerning what is appropriate for their own board and school.
Posture of Participation
Come prepared to listen, learn, and contribute.
Share experiences and insights, not directives or mandates.
Respect that each school operates within it sown context and constraints.
Respect and Trust
Engage with humility and professionalism.
Allow space for diverse perspectives and experiences.
Assume good intent and maintain a spirit of encouragement.
CESA Facilitation
CESA and Joe will guide discussions to maintain focus, appropriateness, and value.
CESA and Joe may redirect conversations thatmove outside agreed boundaries.
Proposed Annual Topic Arc
Theme: The Board Chair and Head of School Relationship
- Establishing trust and communication rhythms.
- Clarifying roles and avoiding overreach.
- Navigating tension while preserving unity.
Theme: Board Effectiveness and Evaluation
- Conducting meaningful board and chair evaluations.
- Building accountability without undermining trust.
- Using evaluations to drive improvement.
Theme: Succession Planning and Leadership Transitions
- Preparing for head-of-school transitions.
- Chair succession and continuity planning.
- Avoiding instability during leadership changes.
Theme: Board Structure and Committee Effectiveness
- Designing committees that serve the mission.
- Avoiding mission creep and over-functioning committees.
- Simplifying structures for greater impact.
Optional Future Topics (as the network evolves)
- Crisis governance and decision-making.
- Board culture and spiritual leadership.
- Strategic planning and board alignment.
- Fundraising and board engagement.
- Governance pitfalls and common mistakes.
Questions?
Contact Tawanna Rusk at trusk@cesaschools.org to be added to the Zoom calls. Joe Gaynor, Board Chair at Mt. Pisgah, will facilitate the calls, and Jim Marsh, CESA Director of Reviews, will provide insights as well.