Service Above: Strengthening Board Leadership Through Mentorship and Trust

Tim Doran’s career has spanned decades in education across Alaska. In addition to being part of SBP’s Cohort 7, Tim has served as a teacher, principal, superintendent, and program leader. Today, as a member of the Fairbanks North Star Borough School Board, he brings that experience to a new kind of leadership challenge: strengthening how a board works together in service of students.

With declining enrollment and fewer than one-third of students proficient in reading—and even fewer in math—the need for focused, effective governance in Tim’s district is urgent. As the board’s longest-serving member and most experienced educator, Tim recognized that his greatest impact would come from shaping how the board works so that conversations are grounded in data, aligned around student outcomes, and carried out with clarity and purpose.

To do this, Tim leaned on his learnings as a SBP Fellow and resources like SBP’s Empowered Governance Framework. He set SMART goals that reflect a deeper understanding of leadership, with a focus on building trust and mentorship. He then conducted one-on-one conversations with each fellow board member to better understand their priorities, perspectives, and goals. Those conversations revealed a shared commitment to improving communication, strengthening community trust, increasing transparency—especially around budgeting—and building stronger relationships with local partners. By taking the time to listen first, Tim positioned himself as both an experienced voice and as a partner in helping others succeed.

As a result, his board member colleagues are increasingly turning to Tim for guidance on everything from navigating complex policy discussions to understanding budget structures to thinking through community concerns together. His colleagues have come to rely on him as a steady, thoughtful presence who helps elevate conversations without dominating them.

In meetings, Tim is often looked to for context or clarity. Recently, the board president referred to Tim as the district’s “historian”—a reflection of both his deep knowledge and the value he brings to collective decision-making. Just as importantly, Tim is helping shape a culture where every member contributes. By encouraging curiosity, asking thoughtful questions, and modeling civil discourse, he is helping the board function as a more cohesive, aligned team.

Tim’s approach reflects the powerful idea that sits at the heart of SBP: leadership is about increasing the capacity of everyone in the room. Through mentorship, relationship-building, and a clear focus on student outcomes, he is molding a board that is more collaborative, effective, and better equipped to meet the challenges ahead. In doing so, he is demonstrating what service above self truly looks like in school board leadership.