25: Understanding School Data for Stronger Boards

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Henrietta Muñoz, CEO of the Texas A&M University-San Antonio Institute for School and Community Partnerships. With over 25 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and school-community partnerships, Dr. Muñoz shares why data is essential for school boards and how board members—especially those without an education background—can better understand and use school data to make informed decisions. We discuss the key data points school boards should review regularly, strategies for decoding complex data, and the importance of building trust between school leaders and board members. Dr. Muñoz also highlights the role of board members as strategic partners in school success. Key takeaways: School boards play a critical role in governance, financial oversight, and ensuring academic success. Key data points for board members include enrollment, attendance, financial health, academic performance, and student persistence rates. Data should be presented in diverse ways (charts, infographics, narratives) to accommodate different learning styles. Understanding growth measures in student achievement is as important as absolute performance levels. Board members should embrace curiosity, ask questions, and engage as thought partners rather than passive reviewers of data. Connect with Dr. Henrietta Muñoz: LinkedIn: Dr. Henrietta Muñoz (https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-mu%C3%B1oz-phd-2aa13b17/) CheckBox Pro (https://www.checkboxpro.com/) - learn more about the services CheckBox Pro offers to make the work of school leaders more sustainable Licensed music ID: ILRNI9DIEHE4JTVQ Music: Energizer by Chris Phaze licensed through Premium Beat by Shutterstock ID: ILRNI9DIEHE4JTVQ