Q: How can the CBM Program benefit board members?
A: The Program offers training events to assist board members in developing a high level of boardsmanship skills and knowledge in 12 curricular areas.
Q: When and where are prescribed training modules for the CBM Program offered?
A: The Boardsmanship, School Finance, Policy Governance, and Personnel/Bargaining Issues training modules are offered at least once annually at a regional site. Contact the FSBA Office for schedule information.
Q: How are training events documented for points in the CBM Program?
A: School board members must complete a reflection form and submit it to the FSBA Office. Special forms are prepared for FSBA-sponsored events while generic reflection forms are available in the FSBA Office for training events sponsored by organizations other than FSBA. A written response is required on all CBM reflection forms in order for points to be awarded in the CBM Program.
Q: How many hours of training equate to one point in the CBM Program?
A: One (1) hour of training equals 1 point. Training events involving a fraction of an hour may be counted as 1 point if the fraction equals or exceeds ½ (e.g., 1½ hours = 2 points; 1¼ hours = 1 point).
Q: Are points earned in the CBM Program forfeited if the Program is not completed in a specified length of time?
A: NO, points in the CBM Program are always recognized, regardless of date, for any training completed while holding the elected office.
Q: How long does it take to complete the CBM Program?
A: The Program usually takes 3 years to finish, however some board members have completed the curriculum in 18 months.
Q: How are board members recognized for completing the CBM Program?
A: CBM recipients are presented a CBM plaque and lapel pin at the FSBA Annual Spring Conference or the FSBA Annual Joint Conference.
Q: Does the FSBA Office notify the community when a board member has earned the CBM distinction?
A: YES! Press releases are provided to daily and weekly newspapers that are in circulation within the school district.
Q: Can the CBM distinction be used on business cards and in election campaigns?
A: YES!
Q: When does the CBM recognition year end?
A: The recognition year begins May 1 and concludes April 30 of each year.
Q: How is the CBM distinction retained after it has been awarded?
A: The renewal requirement must be satisfied each recognition year by earning 18 points in any of the 12 curricular areas. If renewal requirements are not satisfied, the board member will need to complete 60 points to reinstate the CBM distinction.
Q: How are board members advised about CBM points earned?
A: The FSBA Office emails or sends a summary chart of points earned whenever a board member submits a reflection form to document training.
Q: Can points be earned for the CBM Program at events other than FSBA workshops and conferences?
A: YES! Training opportunities offered by school districts, educational or noneducational organizations, universities, the Florida Department of Education, etc., are appropriate for earning CBM points. Advanced approval for such training is NOT required.
Q: Are FSBA training events approved for only one curricular area?
A: The FSBA staff can designate one or more curricular areas for an FSBA-sponsored event, if appropriate. CBM points must be applied in the curricular area(s) in which they are advertised, but can be shifted as needed between assigned areas.
Q: How can the curricular area for a training event be determined?
A: Write or call the FSBA Office for assistance. An event agenda will be helpful in determining the curricular area(s).
Q: Is there a deadline for filing CBM reflection forms in the FSBA Office?
A: NO, CBM reflection forms can be filed in the FSBA Office at any time.
Q: Can Master Board training be used for points in the CBM Program?
A: NO! Training cannot be used to satisfy two different programmatic requirements.
Q: Does it cost to participate in the CBM Program?
A: The only expenses associated with the Program are registration fees for workshops or conferences AND related travel expenditures.
To obtain CBM reflection forms, determine training dates, or inquire about the CBM Program, please contact:
Karen Denson
Director of Board Development
Florida School Boards Association
203 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301
Telephone: 850/414-2578
Suncom Phone: 994-2578
FAX: 850/414-2585
E-mail: denson@fsba.org