NYSSBA's President's Gavel Podcast

NYSSBA's President's Gavel Podcast

NYSSBA's President's Gavel -- the podcast providing insight into being a leader on the board.

  1. What I Wish I Knew About School Board Service

    3d ago

    What I Wish I Knew About School Board Service

    Host: Ann Laszewski, Leadership Development Manager, NYSSBA Guest: Mark Snyder, Senior Leadership Development Manager, NYSSBA Episode Description: In this episode of the President's Gavel, we’re talking about something almost every board member thinks at some point: “I wish I had known that when I first started.” We’ll share a few of those lessons—so you can lead with more confidence and maybe help the next new member avoid a few surprises along the way. We’ll talk about early challenges, a few unexpected realities and the kinds of insights that really only come with time—offering guidance to help you and the next generation of board members lead with more confidence and clarity. Resources: NYSSBA’s New Member Handbook: https://bit.ly/43EwshE NYSSBA’s Onboard New Members Guide: https://bit.ly/3RzCI7M NYSSBA’s Effective School Board Meetings FAQ: https://bit.ly/4vmR3Tq NYSSBA’s Executive Session FAQ: https://bit.ly/4uFDizi NYSSBA’s Public Comment Session FAQ: https://bit.ly/4fWi7o1 NYSSBA’s Social Media FAQ: https://bit.ly/4uFDwq8 On Board article: Congratulations on your election! Now what: https://www.nyssba.org/clientuploads/nyssba_pdf/presidents-gavel-podcast/06022026/congratulations-on-your-election-now-what-06022026.pdf On Board article: How to maximize your impact in your first year on the board: https://www.nyssba.org/clientuploads/nyssba_pdf/presidents-gavel-podcast/06022026/how-to-maximize-your-impact-in-your-first-year-on-the-board-06022026.pdf On Board article: Some things that I wish I had known during my first year on the board: https://www.nyssba.org/clientuploads/nyssba_pdf/presidents-gavel-podcast/06022026/some-things-that-i-wish-i-had-known-during-my-first-year-on-the-board-06022026.pdf Schedule your Custom Board Retreat today! Contact Ellen Kramek at 518-783-3753 or via email at ellen.kramek@nyssba.org. Have a question about today’s topic? NYSSBA Leadership Development Trainers are here to help! Send you your questions to ld@nyssba.org. Stock media provided by www.pond5.com

    21 min
  2. Navigating the Gray Area of Governance

    Apr 28

    Navigating the Gray Area of Governance

    The line between meaningful oversight and overstepping into operations isn’t always clear—and it’s in that gray area where even well-intentioned board members can get off track. School board members step into their roles wanting to help, but good intentions don’t always translate into good governance. In this episode, we explore that gray area through real-world scenarios, highlighting common pitfalls that can lead members astray and practical strategies to stay grounded in their role, work effectively with their superintendent and build positive relationships. Host: Jamie McPherson, Deputy Director of Leadership Development, NYSSBA Guests: Darci D’Ercole, Chief Governance and Leadership Development Officer, NYSSBA Mark Snyder, Senior Leadership Development Manager, NYSSBA Resources: Schedule your Custom Board Retreat today! Contact Ellen Kramek at 518-7833753 or via email at ellen.kramek@nyssba.org. Have a question about today’s topic? NYSSBA Leadership Development Trainers are here to help! Send you your questions to ld@nyssba.org. Stock media provided by www.pond5.com

    35 min
  3. A Seat at the Table: The Role of the Ex Officio Student Board Member

    Apr 2

    A Seat at the Table: The Role of the Ex Officio Student Board Member

    What does it look like when a student has a real seat at the table? In this episode, we hear how one ex officio student board member turned curiosity about his district into meaningful advocacy by shaping decisions, strengthening connections and proving that the student voice can truly make an impact. Host: Darci D’Ercole, Chief Governance and Leadership Development Officer, NYSSBA Guest: Matthew (Matt) Wohlstadter, Ex Officio Student Member and Peer Leader at Chappaqua Central School District Resources: Ex Officio Student Board Member Implementation Resources: https://bit.ly/4m5a35I Schedule your Custom Board Retreat today! Contact Ellen Kramek at 518-7833753 or via email at ellen.kramek@nyssba.org. Have a question about today’s topic? NYSSBA Leadership Development Trainers are here to help! Send you your questions to ld@nyssba.org. Stock media provided by www.pond5.com

    17 min
  4. Tips for a Successful Budget Vote

    Feb 24

    Tips for a Successful Budget Vote

    Across the state, boards of education are working hard to help ensure their budgets are fiscally responsible to taxpayers while staying firmly rooted in their district’s priorities. It’s within this balancing act that boards are tasked with the responsibility of ensuring the budget reflects the community’s core values and aligns its limited resources to optimizing student success and long-term stability. In this episode, we dive into what school boards need to know about state aid categories, identify some of the biggest challenges we’re facing and provide practical strategies you can bring back to your board table to help ensure a successful budget vote. Host: Mark Snyder, Leadership Development Senior Manager, NYSSBA Guest: Brian Freeman, Assistant Superintendent for Business, Webster CSD Resources: On Board articles: • Budgeting is more than an annual process: https://bit.ly/4tTNQed • How to have a successful budget season: https://bit.ly/3OArPks • The board's role in budget development: https://bit.ly/475vltm NYSSBA’s Advocacy Overview: https://www.nyssba.org/advocacy-legislation/overview/ Questions about advocacy? Contact NYSSBA staff members: Brian Fessler, Chief Advocacy Officer or Caroline Bobick, Deputy Director of Governmental and External Relations Have a question about today’s topic? NYSSBA Leadership Development Trainers are here to help! Send you your questions to ld@nyssba.org. Stock media provided by www.pond5.com

    24 min
  5. Federal Advocacy: Widespread change and many unknowns

    Jan 26

    Federal Advocacy: Widespread change and many unknowns

    This month on the President’s Gavel, we’re diving into topics that are sure to pique the interest of our listeners: Updates on the U.S. Department of Education Federal funding The potential for another government shutdown How education funding is at the center of many debates Tune in now to stay ahead of the curve. Host: Mark Snyder, Senior Leadership Development Manager, NYSSBA Guest: Caroline Bobick, Deputy Director of Governmental and External Relations, NYSSBA Resources: For more information contact Caroline Bobick, Deputy Director of Governmental and External Relations at caroline.bobick@nyssba.org. Memo in support of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act: https://bit.ly/4jVwkBC NYSSBA’s federal priorities memos: https://bit.ly/49Sdzuf February 1-3, 2026 – NSBA National Advocacy Institute: We invite you to join us in Washington, DC for the National School Boards Association’s (NSBA) Annual Advocacy Institute. The event is focused on advocacy skills and federal priorities along with a Hill Day. Several members of the Governmental Relations Department will be on hand attending sessions, and we will be scheduling meetings with members of the New York Delegation. To join us, you can find details here: https://www.nsba.org/events/advocacy-equity-institute. Stock media provided by www.pond5.com

    14 min
  6. The Big Board Questions: What’s on Every School Board Member’s Mind?

    12/16/2025

    The Big Board Questions: What’s on Every School Board Member’s Mind?

    In your role as a school board member, have you ever wondered - are we even asking the right questions? You are not alone! On today’s episode of the President’s Gavel, Leadership Development trainers Jamie McPherson and Ann Lazewski will answer some common but very important questions school board members often ask, like: Are we aligned with our district’s mission and vision? How can we foster strong, transparent, community relationships that allow room for all voices to be heard while still providing clear information and addressing misinformation? How do we ensure all students are being served? It’s not just about access, it’s about impact. Stay with us as we answer these questions and more! Host: Ann Laszewski, Leadership Development Manager, NYSSBA Guest: Jamie McPherson, Deputy Director of Leadership Development, NYSSBA Resources: Have a question about a topic not covered on today’s show? Send your questions to NYSSBA’s Leadership Development Team at ld@nyssba.org. Ready to dig deeper on topic covered on today’s show? Schedule a Custom Board Retreat today! Contact Ellen Kramek at 518-7833753 or via email at ellen.kramek@nyssba.org. NYSSBA’s Board Self-Evaluation: https://bit.ly/3MS175Q SuperEval’s Board Self-Evaluation: https://bit.ly/4pHxBP2 For questions contact Zac Adams, NYSSBA’s Business Development and Member Relations Manager at 518.783.3726 or via email at zac.adams@nyssba.org Stock media provided by www.pond5.com

    34 min
  7. Transforming Vision into Reality – Building a Road Map to Success

    10/28/2025

    Transforming Vision into Reality – Building a Road Map to Success

    In today’s conversation, we’ll explore how strategic planning can serve as a catalyst for growth and improvement. We’ll look at how it engages diverse stakeholders, fosters transparency and helps school boards make more informed, aligned decisions. We’ll also discuss how setting clear priorities and long-term goals can strengthen governance and drive impactful, system-wide change. Whether your district is just beginning the planning process or looking to revisit and refresh its goals, this episode offers valuable insights on how to turn vision into reality—and build a strong foundation for a successful future. Host: Ann Laszewski, Leadership Development Manager, NYSSBA Guests: Dr. Lance Lohman, Superintendent, Longwood Central School District Victoria Molloy, Board President, Longwood Central School District Need help with your district’s strategic plan? Schedule your Custom Board Retreat today! For more information contact ellen.kramek@nyssba.org. Have a question or a topic idea? We want to hear from you! Email us at ld@nyssba.org. Stock media provided by www.pond5.com

    29 min
  8. Empowering Critical Thinking Through Media Literacy

    09/29/2025

    Empowering Critical Thinking Through Media Literacy

    This month on The President’s Gavel, we’re revisiting a popular session from this year's Leadership in Education Event: “Critical Thinking Through Media Literacy.” In this episode, you'll learn about media literacy and why understanding it is crucial for anyone involved in educating students today. Our guests will share why it is more important than ever to help children think critically about what they see and hear via the media they consume. We'll also discuss how we can empower students to thrive in today's media landscape. Host: Ann Laszewski, Leadership Development Manager, NYSSBA Guests: Dr. Michael J. Doughty, Assistant Superintendent, Northeastern Regional Information Center, Capital Region BOCES Katherine Hammill, Director, Mid-Hudson Regional Information Center, Ulster BOCES

    19 min
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NYSSBA's President's Gavel -- the podcast providing insight into being a leader on the board.

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