Board Education

Sentry Management Communities College Newsletter ArchivesWelcome to Communities College, Sentry Management’s curated library of board member resources. These training and educational documents have been custom-created by Sentry’s Learning and Development team exclusively for board members of Sentry-managed communities. Select a topic to browse articles by subject.


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Board Member Basics

Board Planning

Annual Community Calendars – A Strong Start to a New Year!
Yearly Tasks, Association Calendar, Administrative Tasks
Board Project Management
Board Challenges, Board Tasks, Project Management
Preparing the Board for Success
Board Education, Board Planning, Board Success
Signs of a Healthy Association
Associations, Community, Board Education
Strategic Planning: Preparing the Association Road Map
Planning, Board Tips, Goals, Objectives
Why is a Strategic Plan Important to Your Association?
Board Planning, Implementing Plans, Actionable Items

Current Board Member Guidance

6 Tips for Finding Board Members
Board Evaluation, Board Improvement, Committee Members
Common Pitfalls of Inexperienced Board Members
Board Members, Common Board Issues, Association Documents, Declaration, Articles, By-laws
Do Your Homework Before Starting the Bid Process
Bidding Process, Community Project, Vendors
Operational Transparency… Let the Members See
Transparent Association, Board Responsibilities, Regulations, Board Communication, Posting Minutes
Tips for Effective Boards
Financial Statements, Routine Operations, Annual Budget
Traits of Great Board Members
Board Members, Great Meetings, Board Education
Unexpected Board Member Resignations
Board Resignations, Board Vacancies, Expiring Terms, Early Resignations, Annual Orientation, Board Stability

New Board Member Guidance

Common Issues Faced by New Board Members
New Board Members, On Boarding Issues, Board Members, Board Education
Congratulations! You’ve been elected to the Board of Directors. Now what?
Board Roles, New Board Member, Fiduciary Responsibility, Committees
Duties and Responsibilities of a Board Member
Board Member Responsibilities, Board Member Roles, Elected Board Member, Officer of the Association
How Boards Get in Trouble
Board Members, Fiduciary Duty, Board of Directors, Legal Responsibility
New Board Members? Set the Stage for Success!
Communication, New Board Members, Onboarding
On Boarding a New Board Member
New Board Member, Board Introduction, Board Education
Welcoming New Board Members
New Member Education, Board Education, Board Certification, Board Member Orientation, Board Training
What is a Board Member’s Fiduciary Responsibility and What Does It Mean?
Board members, Fiduciary, Board management, Board member duties, Board responsibilities
What is the Fiduciary Responsibility of a Board member?
Fiduciary Duty, Board of Directors, Effective Business Management, Good Management Practices

Terminology For New Board Members

Association Terminology
Bylaws, Rules and Regulations, Articles, Charter, Terminology, Quorum, Board Members, Board Tips
Board Member Eligibility
Registered Agent, Board Member Eligibility, Board Member Removal, Performance of Duties, D&O Insurance
Fiduciary Responsibility
Fiduciary, Duties, Law of Fiduciary, Funding Reserves, Financial
The Language of an Association
Association Vocabulary, New Board Members, Common Terms, Education

Understanding The Association

Core Values
Core Values, Board Education, Board Planning
Dynamics of a Board
Board Members, Board Book, Meeting Productivity, Policy and Procedures
Expectations – The Foundations for Success
Expectations, Board Education, Board Planning
Financial Statement Explained
Financial Statement, Assessments, Accounting, Financial
Homeowners Associations: The Concept
Homeowner Association, Condominium Associations, Association Board Meetings, Community Regulations
Property Manager vs Community Manager – Is There a Difference?
Property Manager, Community Manager, Community Management, Board Education
Roles of the Board and Sentry: A Guide to Collaborative Community Management
Board Role, Board Member Responsibilities, Tips, Management Company Roles
The Relationship Between the Board and Management
Board Management, Community Management, Board Education

Community Safety

Community Safety -Neighborhood Watch
Community Safety, Home Security, Neighborhood Watch Program, General Liability Policy
Halloween Safety Tips
Association Preparation, Tips for Residents, Tips for Motorists
Safety and Security in Your Community and Home
Community Safety, Home Security, Association Security, Crime Watch, Community Events
Safety in the Community
Community Safety, Association Safety, Safety
Winter Hazards and Association Safety
Winter, Weather, Safety
Winter Hazards and Safety
Winter, Winter Safety, Community Safety

Emergency Preparedness

Community Disaster Planning Guide
Disaster Planning, Disaster Preparedness, Emergency, Emergency Planning
Disaster Planning Guide Template
Disaster Planning, Disaster Preparedness, Template
Disaster Preparedness… Proactive not Reactive
Disaster Preparedness, Rules and Regulations, Ethical Responsibility, Emergency Services, Emergency Plan, Hurricane, Tornado
It’s Coming… Hurricane Season Preparation Starts
Hurricane Preparation, Community Insurance Coverage, Insurance Policy

Financials & Budgeting

Banking & Financial Planning

Banking Interest Rates
Banking, Interest Rates, Financials, Budgeting
Fed Rate Cuts: What Your Association Should Consider
Fed Rate Cuts, Investment, Policies, Finances, Policy
Fostering Community Cohesive Amid Rising Rental Trends
Rentals, Investors, Communication Tips
Future Capital Replacement Items
Capital, Budgeting Process, Reserves, Future Capital Replacement, Savings Plan
Impact of Inflation
Inflation, Financial Planning, Board Budgeting
Regrouping, Planning and Communicating
Board Planning, Financial, Annuals, Financial Planning
Securing Financing for Association Projects
Financing, Budgeting, Association Projects, Community Planning, Budget Plans
Selecting a Banking Partner
Banking, Association Banking, Banking Partner, Financial Planning
Steps to Maintaining a Healthy Financial Statement
Financial Statement, Annual Budget, Budget deviations, Maintenance Schedule, Financial Accuracy, Line of Credit

Budget Preparations

Budget Considerations for Board Members
Budgeting, Budgets, Budget Season, Reserve, Funds
Budget Preparation and Completion
Budget Prep, Budgeting, Board Budget, Financial Planning
Budgeting… and the Bottom Line
Budget, budgeting, condominium, expenses, reserves, reserve study, assessments, financials, cash flow, Financial
Positive Revisions – FHA Approvals
Condominium Guidelines, Federal Housing Administration, FHA, Mortgage

Budgeting Season

Budget Season Success: Leading with Purpose and Preparation
Budgeting, Budget Season, Budgeting Best Practices, Budget Tips
Budgeting Season
Budgeting, Financial Planning, Community Budget
Final Budget Review: Key Steps Before Approval
Budgets, Budgeting, Budget Season
Navigating Budget Season: Key Dates, Roles, and Planning Tips
Budget Season, Budgeting Season, Financials
Tips for a Successful Budget Season
Budgeting Season, Budgets, Financial Planning, Association Budget
Top Ten Tips for a Successful Annual Budget
Budget Season, Wish Lists, Reverse Budgeting, Reserves

Collections

Collections: Mortgage Foreclosure
Collections, Mortgage foreclosure, Mortgage company, Collection strategy, Status of collections, financial
Collections: The Policy, the Process, the Options
Collections policy, Collections process, Fiduciary duty, Board of directors, Financial responsibility, Unpaid assessments
Credit Reporting and Association Delinquencies
Delinquencies, Insurance, Building Maintenance, Collection Policy, Financial

Reserves

Adequate Reserves are a Good Operating Practice
Reserves Fund, Operating practice, Major Maintenance, Resale Value, Financial Reserves
An Unanticipated Expense- Can it be Covered by Reserve Funds? Take the Test!
Reserve Study, Financial Analysis, Association Assets, Common Area Maintenance
Association Reserves
Association Reserves, Capital Items, Maintenance Costs, Budgeting, Special Assessment, Financial
Funding Reserves and What Happens When You Don’t
Board Responsibility, Funding Options, Special Assessments
Reserves… What are they Really for?
Reserve Study, Reserve Components, Extended Life Components, Reserve Funding Plan

Special Assessments

Association Special Assessments
Special Assessments, Budget, Resolution, Installment Payments, Multiple Special Assessments
Special Assessments – Why, What, and How
Special Assessments, Homeowner Finances, Financial Planning, Budgeting, Budgeting Season

Great Meetings

Are You Making the Most of Your Board Meeting Time?
Effective Board Meeting, Association Operation, Preparation and Planning
Board Meetings: Designated Voter
Voter, Ballot, Election Voting, Proposed Amendment, Designated Voter, Annual Meeting
Electronic Voting for Condominium and Homeowner Associations
Electronic Voting, Quorum, Voting Solutions, Electronic Voting Documents
Keys to Effective Board Meetings – Tips to Manage Time and Expectations
Board Meetings, Time Management, Organization Tips, Agenda
Voting Methods
Ballot, Voting Process, Annual Meeting, Designated Voter Certificate, Adjournment

Annual & Monthly Meetings

Annual Meeting- What is a Proxy?
Annual Meeting, Special Meeting, Quorum, Proxy Type, Quorum Requirement, Limited Proxy, Directed Proxy
Board Meetings- Code of Ethics
Code of Ethics, CAI, Board Member Ethics, Conflict Resolution, Board Meetings
Board Voting- Are Email Decisions a Valid Vote?
Voting, Board Meetings, Motions, Majority Vote, Official Records
Quorum— Make It or Do Over
Quorum, Condominium Documents, Board Members, Board Attendance

Robert’s Rules

Agendas and Motions… Parliamentary Procedure/Robert’s Rules
Roberts Rules, Parliamentary Procedure, Agendas and Motions, Call to Order, Special Committees
Improve Meeting Effectiveness with Robert’s Rules of Order
Meeting Preparation, Quorum, Discussion Topics, Motions
Minutes of Your Meetings: Roberts Rules
Adjournment, Meeting Minutes, Roberts Rules, Motions, Form of the Minutes, Board Meeting
Parliamentary Procedure- Robert’s Rules
Motions, Proposal, Parliamentary Procedure, Amendments, Roberts Rules

Homeowner Relations & Communication

Building Community Engagement

Building Community Relationships Through Good Rules Enforcement
Community Relations, Relations, Rule Enforcement, Building Community
Homeowner Support for Special Assessments
Special Assessment, Community Relations, Resident Support, Homeowner Satisfaction
Homeowners and Board Members
Community Leaders, Homeowner Responsibilities, Fiduciary Duties, Community Association Institute, CAI
Summer Activities
Community Events, Event Planning, Outdoor Activities
Summer Time Activities
Summer, Community Activities, Community Relations
What is a New Homeowner’s First Impression of Your Community?
Community impression, Closing Department, Welcome book, Neighbors, Board Board Meetings

Committee Guidance

Committee Work: Cultivating Volunteers
Volunteer, Board Members, Committee work, Delegation, Board recruiting
Committees of the Association
Committee volunteers, Board duties, Committee appointments, Committee reports, Committee work, volunteers, Board member responsibilities
Improve Your Board’s Productivity Through the Use of Committees
Charter, Ad Hoc, Standing, Productivity
Lifestyle Committees
Lifestyle, Board Committee, Homeowner Lifestyle
Principles for Community Leaders
Community Leaders, CAI, Board of Directors, Code of Ethics, Election Process
The Importance of Community Volunteers
Committee Members, Reasons to Volunteer, Community Goals, Volunteer Support
To Committee or Not to Committee… That is the Question!
Committee Volunteers, Committee Appointments, Committee Board Meetings, Committee Reports, Volunteer
Volunteer or Indentured Board Member
Board Members, Board Communication, Homeowners Associations, Board Acknowledgements, Volunteer
Volunteers in Community Association Life
Volunteers, Committee Members, Association Volunteers, Fufillment, Board Recognition

Communication Strategies

Association Communication – A Community Necessity
Community Associations, Association Communication, Community Information
Communicating to a Diverse Group of Homeowners
Social Media, Newsletter, Technology, Communication Tips
Dollars and Sense: Communicating Financial Decisions with Homeowners
Financials, Budgeting, Reserves, Communication
Education and Communicating with Homeowners Makes the Board’s Job Easier
Homeowner Communication, Violations Process, Fostering Neighborliness
Smart Strategies for Social Media Use in Associations
Social Media, Community Relations, Communication, Communication Strategies, Association Communication

Conflict Resolution

Balancing Fiduciary Responsibility with Neighborly Compassion
Fiduciary Responsibility, Governing Documents, Board Guidance
Neighborly Resolution or Covenant Enforcement… Is There a Middle Ground?
Association Board, Covenant Enforcement, Neighborly Resolutions, Declarations, Policy Enforcements
What Boards Need to Know About Neighbor-to-Neighbor Harassment
Prevention, Discrimination, Association Involvement

Homeowners’ Rights & Responsibilities

Homeowner and Board Members Rights and Responsibilities
Homeowner Rights, Homeowner Responsibilities, Community Associations Institute
Homeowner’s Rights and Responsibilities
Homeowner Rights, Homeowner Responsibilities, CAI Presidents Club, Property Maintenance, Association Assessments, Tenants
Homeowners and Board Members Rights and Responsibilities
Homeowner Rights, Homeowner Responsibilities, CAI, Governing Documents, Rules and Regulations

Insurance

Appraisals

Does Your Community Need an Insurance Appraisal?
Replacement Cost Analysis, Insurance Appraisal, Fiduciary Duty
Insuring Community Associations: The Broker Advantage
Insurance, Insurance Policies, Insurance Broker, Community Insurance, Insurance Brokers
Professional Public Adjusters
Public Adjusters, Florida, Hurricanes, Claim Adjuster, Insurance claims

Coverage

Flood vs. Water Damage: What Type of Coverage Do You Have?
Flood, Water damage, Flood insurance, Insurance policy, Commercial property policy, Homeowners policy, Insurance, Emergency
Insurance… What Does It Cover and Do You Have Enough?
Coinsurance, Property Insurance, General Liability Coverage, Flood coverage
Why is it Important to your Association for a Vendor/Contractor to Carry Worker’s Compensation and Commercial General Liability Insurance?
Worker's Compensation, General Liability Insurance, Association Liability, CGL Limits
Worker’s Comp Insurance: Why it is Important to Your Association
Fiduciary, Contractors, Worker's Comp, Commercial General Liability, Insurance Coverage

Policies & Premiums

Before You File: What Associations Should Know About Insurance Claims in 2025
Insurance Claims, Filing, Insurance Filings, Claims Process
Contract Tips for Board Members
Board Member Tips, Contracts, Legal, Insurance
Key Insurance Policies
Insurance, Insurance Policies, Community Insurance, Homeowner Insurance
Rising Insurance Rates
Insurance Rates, Insurance, Insurance Premiums, Insurance Policy, Community Insurance, Homeowner Insurance
The Impact of Changing Market Conditions on Community Association Insurance
Insurance, Community Insurance, Market Conditions
Vendor Insurance: Best Practices for Hiring Service Providers and Protecting Association Interests
Vendor Insurance, Workers Comp, CGL, Association Liability
Your Condo Insurance Policy – It’s Not Just About Price – It’s Also About Protection
Additional Living Expenses, Condo Insurance Policy, Master Condo

Maintenance & Vendor Management

Conservation

Conserve Your Water, Reduce Your Utility Bill
Native Plants, Drought Resistant, Irrigation, Eliminating Leaks
Energy Conservation – Saving the Association Money
Energy Conservation, Association Utility Bill, Utility Usage, Utility Audit, Going Green, Bills, Money Saving
Going Green… Pond Management
Community Management, Storm Water Management, Preventative Maintenance, Common Areas
Making a Splash: Tips for a Successful Pool Season
Pool, Maintenance, Summer Maintenance

Maintenance & Projects

7 Tips for Fostering Successful Vendor Relationships
Vendor Relationships, Vendor, Community Management, Community Maintenance
Building Maintenance: Mold Remediation
Mold remediation, Building maintenance, Ventilation, Mold assessment
Cold Weather -Winter Projects
Seasonal Maintenance, Community Projects, Preventitive Maintenance, Project Planning
Community Maintenance: Tips on Painting Your Community
Community Maintenance, Paint Project, Paint Blistering
Don’t Do It- Don’t Start Work with a Vendor Without a Signed Contract in Place
Vendor Contracts, Insured Contractors, Attorney Review
Keys to Selecting the Proper Roof
Roofing, Warranty, Capital Item, Roofing Material, Roofing Contractors
Retention Ponds
Community Maintenance, Retention Ponds, Preventative Maintenance
Roofs, Painting, and Roads…Oh My! Tips for Planning Major Projects
Planning, Budgeting, Projects, Funding
The Matrix – Maintenance Responsibility
Maintenance, Community Maintenance, Common Areas

Preventative Maintenance

Building Value by Preventive Maintenance
Landscaping, Building components, Component list, Maintenance, committee, Insurance agent
Prepare for Winter – Batten Down the Hatches
Preparation, Landscaping, Grass Aeration
Preventative Maintenance
Preventative Maintenance, CommunityPro, Maintenance, Community Maintenance
Preventative Maintenance: Common Areas
Maintenance, Annual Maintenance, Inspection, Common Areas, Energy Efficiency
Preventive Maintenance: Annual Maintenance Review
Annual Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Review, Roofs
Preventive Maintenance: Capital Improvements
Maintenance, Action Items, Capital Improvements, Job Bidding, Contract

Rules, Regulations & Procedures

Governing Documents

Amending Governing Documents
Governing Documents, Documents, Board Documents
Basics of Association Governing Documents
Governing Documents, Documents, Association Documents

Policies & Statutes

Documents, Statutes, and Laws… Which One Takes Priority?
Documents, Federal Law, Bylaws, Master Deed, Property Status, Board Member Tips
Policies and Procedures: Help, Not a Hindrance
Vandalism, Community Watch Committee, Community Safety, Policies and Procedures
Policies and Procedures: Notice of Commencement
Policies, Obligations, Procedures, Notice of Commencement, Operating Process, Covenant Enforcement
Short Term Rentals
Rentals, Community Policy, Short Term Rentals
The Importance of a Written Collection Policy for Your Association
Collections, Delinquent Members, Delinquency Schedule, Intent to Lien, Reminder Statement
What is an Operational Policy and How Does It Benefit the Operation of Your Association?
Operational Policy, Association Operation, Operational Process, Board Member Tips

Rules & Regulations

Adopt Operational Policies to Avoid Surprises
Operational Policy, Association Operation, Policy, Covenant Enforcement, Board Operations
Board Policies: Collections and Covenants
Board, policies, procedures, collections, covenant enforcement, guidelines, Not For Profit, Board Member Tips
Board Resolutions – What Do They Do?
Board Resolutions, Formal Statements, Association Policies, Covenant Enforcement
Compliant Rules and Regulations
Rules, Regulations, Compliant, Phantom Rules, Governing Documents, Declaration, Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions
Resolutions for Your Community
Community resolutions, Meeting planning, Community social events, Emergency preparation, Board resolutions, Board planning