How long does it take to become an effective board chair at an independent school? One year is certainly not enough. A typical two- or three-year term provides enough time in office to learn the role and start making progress in some critical area, but not enough time to develop any semblance of mastery. Then the chair's term is over and the board goes through another leadership transition. This churning process can hinder the board's effectiveness, weaken the school, and exhaust the head. Many independent school leaders that the author encounters have started to question that pattern. They ask, "What is the ideal practice for board chair tenure? Do you recommend two- or three-year terms? How about renewing for a second term?" The author's response examines the issue from three distinct angles: (1) Renewable terms for board chairs; (2) Board chair tenure and head longevity; and (3) Supervision and accountability.