**Learn more about SDAO's different academies with this 20-minute webinar.**

SDAO recognizes the significant responsibility that comes with being appointed or elected to a special district board. Staying informed about the rules and regulations governing special districts is crucial.

The SDAO Board Leadership Academy is designed to equip Oregon’s special district board members with the tools necessary for exceptional leadership and governance. Our self-paced, self-tracked program offers comprehensive training and education in areas such as board member basics, statutory obligations, risk management, and human resources.

Participants can tailor their learning experience to meet their unique needs through three different certificate tracks: bronze, silver, and gold, awarded upon completion of the respective module requirements.

Program Benefits

Special district board members that participate in this program will:

• Better understand the roles and responsibilities of being a special district board member
• Learn the regulations and risks facing special districts
• Develop board leadership skills
• Gain a broad understanding of special district governance

Eligibility and Enrollment

To participate in the program, participants must be a current board member, director or commissioner of an Oregon special district. The district must be a member of Special Districts Association of Oregon.

Eligible individuals will need to complete an enrollment form and submit it to SDAO Member Services (memberservices@sdao.com) to enroll. There is no charge to enroll and no obligation to finish. The only cost for the program is the cost to attend trainings.

Program Curriculum

There are four educational modules within the Board Leadership Academy. Various educational opportunities are available for each module and each training will be available through courses provided by SDAO and approved affiliate organizations. In-person trainings will be held at regional trainings, conferences, and other events. Online options are also available. Credit-eligible courses will be specifically indicated within the course description during online registration and on any course marketing materials.

Modules

Below are the program modules and required training topics for each. All trainings must be completed in order to receive credit for the module. Trainings must be provided by SDAO or an approved affiliate organization.

Module 1: Board Member Basics

Ethics

Ordinances and Resolutions

Powers and Protections

Public Meetings

Roles and Responsibilities

Representing the Board

Module 2: Statutory Responsibilities

Local Budgeting and Finance

Public Contracting

Public Records

Module 3: Risk Management 

Analyzing Exposure to Risk

Disaster Preparedness

Succession Planning

ADA Compliance

General Risk Management

Module 4: Human Resources

Discrimination

Evaluating your Executive Director/General Manager

Harassment

Workplace Equity/Cultural Diversity

Wrongful Termination

CERTIFICATES

Participants can receive a bronze, silver, or gold certificate after completing certain modules. All training topics within a module must be completed to receive credit for that module.

Bronze Certificate

Participants will need to complete modules 1 and 2 to receive a bronze-level certificate.

Silver Certificate

Participants will need to complete modules 1, 2, and 3 to receive a silver-level certificate.

Gold Certificate

Participants will need to complete modules 1, 2, 3, and 4 to receive a gold-level certificate.

Program participants will have three years to complete the requirements for the bronze certificate. There is no time requirement to achieve silver and gold levels.

TRACKING AND COMPLETION OF PROGRAM

Participants will track their progress by using the self-tracking worksheet. Certificates will be provided to attendees at each training to facilitate tracking progress. When all trainings have been completed, individuals can apply for program certificate(s) by submitting their tracking worksheet and training certificates to memberservices@sdao.com.

Upon receipt of the above, participants will receive a certificate of completion. We encourage individuals to continue staying informed, regularly updating their knowledge, and taking additional training on local government issues even after finishing the program.

QUESTIONS

If you have any questions, please contact SDAO Member Services at 800-285-5461 or memberservices@sdao.com.