Just how big is too big for a nonprofit board? This was my first question after reading sections from the Bradenton Herald (FL) news article about a new board member.
The Board of Directors has five executive officers, 27 directors representing geographical districts in the state, and FSBA members who serve as an officer or member of the Board of Directors of the National School Boards Association or the Southern Region School Boards Association
“The benefit is that (Manatee, DeSoto and Hardee) have a voice in helping to shape policies for the FSBA and receive information with what is happening in education reforms legislatively and professionally,” Miner said. “I’m the ears and voice for the districts on that.”
The FSBA is a non-profit that advocates for elected school boards across the state and provides training to board member
Ryan McKinnon: 941-745-7027, @JRMcKinnon
Too small is most commonly a State regulated number - often, 3. Three of course is an amazing number when it comes to achieving efficiency and likely producing a higher confidence that everyone knows everything they should know as fiduciaries, attend every meeting, and do what is needed to be done.
Too large - that's a different story. Popularly touted "manageable" sizes of 12-15 are frequently recommended. This number represents a lot less efficiency than 3 but isn't so large that it isn't impossible to get everyone together (although there is a wide variety of argument on this point); accommodates varying points of view and skills/knowledge; and can often enough produce good thoughtful outcomes. In this size, representation and inclusion matters more but even this size doesn't guarantee diversity of opinion, experience or demographics. On the other hand, as the numbers expand, so too does efficiency diminish and the prospects of including everyone's voice in every discussion.
So what to do? For sure, a board doesn't have to be large to fulfill its fiduciary duty. To be effective it should include the voices of those it serves but this can be accomplished in multiple ways without necessarily making everyone a board member. But clearly, balancing effectiveness and efficiency - please tell me what's worked for you.