CBA 100 Bundle (3 courses)

The CBA 102–104 Course Bundle offers a comprehensive, integrated learning experience designed to strengthen school board members’ understanding of core governance responsibilities. Together, these three courses provide a structured pathway that deepens confidence, builds practical skills, and enhances your ability to govern effectively in service of students and the community.

Beginning with CBA 102, you will develop a strong foundation in governing through policy—one of the board’s most powerful tools for setting direction, ensuring accountability, and promoting stability across the district. You will learn how policies are crafted, evaluated, and maintained, along with strategies for avoiding common policy pitfalls and ensuring alignment with legal requirements and district goals.

Building on this policy foundation, CBA 103 guides you into the operational and organizational landscape of school governance. This course helps board members understand how systems, roles, and responsibilities interact within a school district. You’ll gain insight into superintendent leadership, organizational structures, goal‑setting, and the critical distinction between governance and management—knowledge that promotes strong board‑superintendent partnerships and coherent district operations.

The bundle concludes with CBA 104, which focuses on strategic oversight and effective board practice. You’ll explore meeting operations, parliamentary procedure, stakeholder communication, and data‑informed decision‑making. This course highlights the habits and behaviors that characterize high‑functioning boards, preparing you to participate productively, act ethically, and contribute meaningfully to district success.

By combining these three courses, this bundle offers a well‑rounded, intentional progression that equips both new and experienced board members with the tools they need to lead with clarity, purpose, and confidence. Whether you are looking to build foundational knowledge or elevate your existing governance skills, this bundle provides a cohesive learning experience that strengthens your impact from the board table to the broader school community.

CBA103

Explain the structure and purpose of the State School Aid Act, including how state funding is generated, allocated, and monitored, and how changes to the Act may affect local district operations.

Describe the phases of a local school district budget cycle, from initial development through adoption, amendments, and year‑end review, including the roles of administrative and board personnel.

Interpret key financial documents—such as budget summaries, monthly financial statements, and audit reports—to make informed governance decisions.

Identify common financial pitfalls and risk areas for board members, and apply strategies to avoid missteps related to compliance, forecasting, or misinterpretation of budget information.

Demonstrate effective financial oversight practices, including asking strategic questions, monitoring expenditures, and evaluating whether a district’s financial decisions align with its goals, legal obligations, and long‑term sustainability.

CBA 104

Explain the foundational components of the Michigan School Code and describe how state statutes define the powers, duties, and limitations of local school boards.

Identify common areas of legal exposure and general liability for school districts, and articulate the board’s role in mitigating legal risks through policy and oversight.

Recognize, evaluate, and appropriately respond to conflict‑of‑interest scenarios, including financial interests, personal relationships, and ethical considerations that may compromise board integrity.

Interpret key legal concepts related to administrator and superintendent contracts, including statutory requirements, evaluation obligations, and legal procedures for renewal, non‑renewal, or termination.

Analyze current legal trends and controversies in school law—such as student rights issues, public meeting requirements, and emerging state/federal mandates—and apply this knowledge to informed, legally sound governance decisions.

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