If interim Seattle schools superintendent Susan Enfield thought she could leave a squabbling school board behind for a harmonious board in Highline, she may have guessed wrong.

In an occasionally uncomfortable 90-minute work-study session on May 23, mediated by a Washington State School Directors Association (WSSDA) facilitator, board members hashed over their differences in leadership style and goals.

The board plans to schedule a three-hour study session soon with Enfield and facilitator Phil Gore to go over goals and expectations. Enfield’s officially takes over as Highline’s superintendent on July 1.

Gore told Highline board members that they need to come to a common agreement on how they work as a board.

With just a few weeks to set her leadership style, Enfield will need clear direction without mixed signals, Gore cautioned board members.

Board president Angelica Alvarez sought outside help to mediate conflicts between board members after board member Michael Spear filed a formal complaint against colleague Susan Goding. He accused her of violating open meeting requirements and being rude to district staff and board members.

At the May 23 session, Goding said she felt it is a “4-1” board with her being the sole dissenting voice.

The board has no shared goals or vision with each board member doing their own thing, Goding complained.

The board has not moved forward on academics or education goals, she added. A strategic plan, approved by a previous board, is not being followed.

Board member Bernie Dorsey disagreed and pointed to a system wide measure of success approved by the current board.

He said the disagreements stem from a difference in leadership styles. Dorsey said he tries to motivate people and acknowledge successes while Goding is more confrontational.

But he noted that he believes Goding has the best of intentions.

Goding said the board is never asked to vote on anything controversial.

Gore said some school boards set aside time to discuss what board members want to place on the agenda. Alvarez said that in her six months as president, no board members have asked to put something on the agenda. Goding noted she did not know the procedure to do that.

Gore did get board members to acknowledge successes with forming an equity policy and broadening community involvement.

The facilitator said he saw potential on the board to move forward on working together.

President Alvarez agreed it was “do-able.

“Anything is possible if we have the kids in mind,” Alvarez concluded.