De‑Escalate the Room: Leading Calm in Polarized School Meetings

Stop the Chaos: Practical Strategies for Managing Polarized School Board Meetings! This crucial episode features returning guest Shannon Watson, Founder and Executive Director of Majority in the Middle (majoritymiddle.org), offering actionable advice for school leaders facing contentious community forums. Learn how to master meeting management by setting clear expectations (time limits, ground rules, fairness) before conflict starts. Shannon covers structural approaches to reduce rhetorical heat, such as discouraging reactive audience behaviors (applause/booing) and alternating speakers to prevent escalation. Tune in to discover the key to being the "eye of the storm"—maintaining a neutral tone and consistent enforcement to ensure all voices are heard without rewarding destructive behavior. Action Item: Don't let your next meeting spiral! Subscribe, share this episode with your board members and administrators, and visit awbeducation.org and grundmeyerleadersearch.com for more resources on effective governance. Find out more about what we do: AWB Education - awbeducation.org Grundmeyer Leader Services - grundmeyerleadersearch.com Got a mailbag question?  Reach out to us at [email protected]

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