board education...

JimR24 (Texas)
Posts: 399

Posted:

Hi - one of the things being discussed in our geographic area right now is the need for education for board members. I was wondering if any of you knew of classes which new (and returning) board members could take to increase their knowledge of association affairs. Most all of our volunteer board members try hard to do the right thing at the right time; however, i know some who struggle because of the responsibilities (fiduciary and otherwise) of the job. We all know that Board service can be tough - and perhaps some needed education might help.

I have heard that the State of Florida now has a short certification course for Board members - and some other states may have the same. My state (Texas) - as far as i know - hasn't addressed this yet.

What do you think? Any suggestions or recommendations? Thanks!

oljim, in texas

Lovin' life with my honey!
and, President of HOA in Texas

LarryB13 (Arizona)
Posts: 4,099

Posted:

Jim,

Community college districts usually offer classes in accounting, business law, and business operations among other courses even if they have no classes specifically for HOA management. Some education, even if it is slightly off-target, is better than no education at all.

JimR24 (Texas)
Posts: 399

Posted:

Yes i agree Larry - and some of that is being done now. Getting in contact with our local community college is a real worthwhile idea - thanks for bring this up!

What i'm thinking about is education related more specifically to board service.

Appreciate your response!

oljim, in texas

Lovin' life with my honey!
and, President of HOA in Texas

DavidW5 (North Carolina)
Posts: 565

Posted:

While I am not a big fan of the Community Association Institute (CAI) due to some of their political positions, their website has an abundance of free materials for board volunteers. If a board member expects to sit back in a class and have stuff "spoon-fed" to him/her then they probably are not the best candidate for the board. There is ample public domain material available so that self-education only requires motivation.

BillH10 (Texas)
Posts: 1,217

Posted:

Jim, Plano hosts meetings for board members and property managers from time to time; the city of Garland hosted a meeting?, seminar?, something, recently for those involved with HOAs. Perhaps a city in your area does the same.

I echo looking at the CAI materials. I have purchased some, they are a good resource.

SheliaH (Indiana)
Posts: 6,964

Posted:

If there's a local CAI chapter, they may also have seminars you can attend. When I was on the Board, I tried to go whenever I could - the best part is being able to network with other Board members, some of who have had the same issues as your community, so you can exchange ideas.

If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it. Marcus Aurelius

GeorgeR8 (Arizona)
Posts: 182

Posted:

Our management company has orientation classes for new board members. They are having seminars for rewriting CC&Rs later this year. The free materials they hand out are worth going for. Unlike many posters we are very satisfied with our management company.

We have an umbrella organization that most HOAs in the area belong to. They have classes several times a year. Not only on documents. They had one on black top sealing and a landscaping one is coming up.

Now getting my board to attend is another matter.

JimR24 (Texas)
Posts: 399

Posted:

Based on a suggestion here, i've made a call to the City of Plano and confirmed that they do offer classes on this type. Received a good response and will be following up on this...as soon as i get the name of the primary contact person.

Also, i agree that the CAI literature is impressive...and perhaps that may be our best resource in the long run.

Hey, thanks for all the responses - you're the best!

oljim, in texas

Lovin' life with my honey!
and, President of HOA in Texas

NpS (Pennsylvania)
Posts: 4,216

Posted:

Good stuff from CAI. Especially their introductory materials for new board members and their Best Practices series.

Sikubali jukumu. Read all posts at your own risk.

LarryB13 (Arizona)
Posts: 4,099

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By JimR24 on 09/11/2014 5:29 AM

Getting in contact with our local community college is a real worthwhile idea - thanks for bring this up!

What i'm thinking about is education related more specifically to board service.

Community colleges are not known for recognizing a need and creating a ciriculum to fill that need; they almost always need a push from higher up. I do not foresee an HOA-specific class unless the legislature demands it. Therefore, the existing business classes are about the best one can get.

Community college courses do not fit the HOA model very well because an HOA is the only place I know of where a person can routinely become a member of a board of directors with the power to screw up millions of dollars worth of other people's real estate and his only qualification is that he raised 3% of the cost of his home to qualify for an FHA loan.

JimR24 (Texas)
Posts: 399

Posted:

Very good point Larry....and i figure lots of us would agree with your statement about the 3% person.

oljim, in texas

Lovin' life with my honey!
and, President of HOA in Texas

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,059

Posted:

Jim,

Our Association's attorney's office gives monthly seminars on HOA issues that are free. Perhaps your attorney's firm does the same thing.

As others have pointed out, there are various companies that hold seminars for a fee. You may want to check that out as well.

Tim

JimR24 (Texas)
Posts: 399

Posted:

Thanks everybody for all your fine thinking - and great suggestions!

oljim, in texas

Lovin' life with my honey!
and, President of HOA in Texas

RichardP13 (California)
Posts: 1,767

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By LarryB13 on 09/11/2014 9:17 AM

Posted By JimR24 on 09/11/2014 5:29 AM

Getting in contact with our local community college is a real worthwhile idea - thanks for bring this up!

What i'm thinking about is education related more specifically to board service.

Community colleges are not known for recognizing a need and creating a ciriculum to fill that need; they almost always need a push from higher up. I do not foresee an HOA-specific class unless the legislature demands it. Therefore, the existing business classes are about the best one can get.

Community college courses do not fit the HOA model very well because an HOA is the only place I know of where a person can routinely become a member of a board of directors with the power to screw up millions of dollars worth of other people's real estate and his only qualification is that he raised 3% of the cost of his home to qualify for an FHA loan.

Well said!

CyrstalB (Maryland)
Posts: 457

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By RichardP13 on 09/11/2014 9:00 PM

Posted By LarryB13 on 09/11/2014 9:17 AM

Posted By JimR24 on 09/11/2014 5:29 AM

Getting in contact with our local community college is a real worthwhile idea - thanks for bring this up!

What i'm thinking about is education related more specifically to board service.

Community colleges are not known for recognizing a need and creating a ciriculum to fill that need; they almost always need a push from higher up. I do not foresee an HOA-specific class unless the legislature demands it. Therefore, the existing business classes are about the best one can get.

Community college courses do not fit the HOA model very well because an HOA is the only place I know of where a person can routinely become a member of a board of directors with the power to screw up millions of dollars worth of other people's real estate and his only qualification is that he raised 3% of the cost of his home to qualify for an FHA loan.

Well said!

CyrstalB (Maryland)
Posts: 457

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By RichardP13 on 09/11/2014 9:00 PM

Posted By LarryB13 on 09/11/2014 9:17 AM

Posted By JimR24 on 09/11/2014 5:29 AM

Getting in contact with our local community college is a real worthwhile idea - thanks for bring this up!

What i'm thinking about is education related more specifically to board service.

Community colleges are not known for recognizing a need and creating a ciriculum to fill that need; they almost always need a push from higher up. I do not foresee an HOA-specific class unless the legislature demands it. Therefore, the existing business classes are about the best one can get.

Community college courses do not fit the HOA model very well because an HOA is the only place I know of where a person can routinely become a member of a board of directors with the power to screw up millions of dollars worth of other people's real estate and his only qualification is that he raised 3% of the cost of his home to qualify for an FHA loan.

Well said!

Don't short the CC's by saying they need a push from "higher up". Anyone of us with experience in HOA's can approach a college to suggest a class. I've seen classes in our catalog that had me wondering why that was being offered. So maybe all it takes is someone to present a proposal with a lesson plan of some type to the CC. It it's good for the community, they will listen and if it makes good sense at that point, they would consider it.

JimR24 (Texas)
Posts: 399

Posted:

Well, just speaking for myself here; however, my experience with the community colleges here in Texas have been pretty good. They are usually willing to listen and assess the extent to which the course planning and offering will not be a budget buster for them. If they can make it work financially (and won't lose bunches of money in the process), they are usually pretty receptive. Just my own personal experience...and may or may not reflect other's experience.

oljim, in texas

Lovin' life with my honey!
and, President of HOA in Texas