Lone Star Governance

Lone Star Governance
Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  Why has the TEA implemented Lone Star Governance across the State of Texas?
A:  The intention of Lone Star Governance is to provide a continuous improvement model for governing teams (Boards in collaboration with their Superintendents) that choose to focus intensively on one primary objective: Improving Student Outcomes.

Q: How does Lone Star Governance accomplish the intense focus on Improving Student Outcomes?
A: This focus is achieved through the tailored execution of the five points of the Texas Frame-work for School Board Development: Vision, Accountability, Structure, Advocacy, and Unity.

Q: What else does Lone Star Governance  do for the Board?
A: In addition to Lone Star’s singular focus on improving student outcomes, it provides a system for governing the secondary, but vital, legal and fiscal responsibilities of the Board.

Q: What is the Board’s role in the leadership of the school district?
A:     The Board will: 
1. Ensure creation of a shared vision that promotes improved student outcomes. The Board shall accomplish this by incorporating the community’s vision and values into student outcome goals, Superintendent constraints, and Board constraints. 

2. Measure and communicate how well the vision is being accomplished. The Board shall accomplish this by collectively ensuring accountability through monthly monitoring of District performance to ensure progress toward the vision and values and regular communications to the community. 

3. Provide guidance and direction for accomplishing the vision. The Board shall accomplish this by creating structure for the District through distinct Board and Superintendent roles and responsibilities, which includes selecting the Superintendent, delegating to the Superintendent the authority and responsibility to implement the Board’s goals within law and the Superintendent constraints, and considering and voting on the Superintendent’s  recommendations. 

4. Works with the superintendent to lead the District toward the vision. The Board shall accomplish this by behaving in a manner that demonstrates the unity of the Board and the District. 

5. Promote the vision. The Board shall accomplish this by providing advocacy for students, families, staff, and stakeholders. 

In carrying out the above activities, the Board shall at all times comply with the Education Code and other law, as applicable. 

Q: What is the Superintendent’s role in the leadership of the school district?
A:     The Superintendent, as the Board’s sole delegate (excluding the internal auditor) for managing district operations, shall be responsible for accomplishing the Board’s student outcome goals within the boundaries provided by the Board and Superintendent constraints and state and federal law. 

Q: Does the Board have any role in the day-to-day operation of the school district?
A: The board limits its activities to activities outlined in the sections above.  Day-to-day operations are the responsibility of the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s designees, such as the Principals. Complaints about personnel should be directed to the Principals. Board members cannot discuss personnel matters in public, as it is a violation of the Education code and other restrictions.

For more questions not addressed by this FAQ, please visit the linked form available here.
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