As A New Board Member Should I Look Into Training?
Answer: Yes! Training for board members is one of the most impactful things a community can do.
Board Member Training
We encourage all community board members, especially someone new to a board, to look into some educational courses on Association management. There are many programs available today. The benefits to a full training program are considerable:
Better Decision-Making
Educated board members understand:
Their fiduciary duties
The importance of due process
How to interpret governing documents, laws, and contracts
This leads to more thoughtful, legal, and defensible decisions that protect the association and reduce liability.
Result: Fewer legal disputes, smoother meetings, and smarter policies.
Fewer Mistakes = Fewer Costs
Training prevents costly errors like:
Violating fair housing laws
Mishandling special assessments
Hiring unlicensed or uninsured vendors
Mistakes due to ignorance often lead to lawsuits, insurance claims, or angry owners—all of which cost time and money.
Improved Communication and Transparency
Educated boards understand how and when to:
Hold open meetings
Provide notice for actions
Keep owners informed without overstepping
This builds trust and credibility with homeowners, leading to less conflict and more volunteerism.
Stronger Financial Management
Board members trained in:
Budgeting
Reserve funding
Assessment collection policies
are more likely to maintain the community’s long-term financial health and avoid special assessments or deferred maintenance.
A financially healthy association leads to higher property values and better mortgage approval rates.
Smoother Vendor & Legal Relationships
When boards understand:
The limits of their authority
How contracts and insurance work
When to consult professionals (legal, accounting, engineering)
they’re better partners to managers and vendors—and better protect the community’s interests.
Higher Property Values and Marketability
Well-run, legally compliant associations with educated leadership:
Avoid litigation
Maintain facilities
Build reserves
Treat homeowners fairly
All of this contributes to higher resale values and greater buyer interest.
Less Conflict Within the Community
Uninformed boards may make decisions that seem arbitrary, unfair, or unclear.
Educated boards:
Apply rules consistently
Use clear architectural guidelines
Respect homeowners’ rights
This reduces complaints, appeals, and hostility between the board and owners.
Are you a community board member in the Chicagoland area of Illinois? If you have any questions or are looking for a Community Association Manager, call us here at PMI Service Group. 630-912-8742
