Framework
Introducing: Values-Based Governance
Most governance frameworks tell you what to do. Values-Based Governance shows you how to think. Born from a decade of real-world board experience during some of education’s most challenging periods, VBG isn’t just another management theory—it’s a proven approach that transforms how boards operate and how effectively they serve students.
Values-Based Governance is defined as an approach to leading and stewarding an organization where decisions and actions are guided by a set of core values, aligning personal, organizational, and stakeholder principles, aiming for ethical and effective management. This framework addresses the fundamental question every board faces: How do we make consistent, effective decisions when facing complex challenges, competing priorities, and intense community pressure? The answer lies in three interconnected tenets that work together to create sustainable organizational change.
The Tenets
Strategic Alignment
Ensure the district's operations are aligned to its mission and purpose
Policy Development
Embed the district's mission and purpose into governing policy
Cultural Adaptation
Empower staff to execute the district's mission and purpose
How it works together:
- Strategic Alignment defines your values.
- Policy development embeds your values in the district.
- Cultural adaptation implements those values daily.
New Framework
Our newly developed framework for governance is being published in our founder’s book, Govern Differently, which will be released in late 2025. This book details our framework and provides practical resources and strategies for implementing Values-Based Governance in your district.