What Are
Dignified Board Policies?
Dignified board policies are protocols that preserve the trustworthiness and reliability of the board. Dignity for all prevails when the Board policies and mission statement align with its Board Goals, which are:
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Currently, several board policies and protocols have opportunities for improvement. Many improvements may require little to no financial investment.
Board Goals
Current Policies / Protocols
AND SHAUN'S SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT
Catch22 of Speaking In Front of the Board
Board Policy BDDB-2: Agendas
"The tentative agenda, related materials and minutes of the previous meeting shall be uploaded and published to Electronic School Board for each member to view at least four days prior to the stated meeting."
If what you want to discuss is not on the agenda, then:
"Any member of the public who wishes to have an item placed on the agenda will present the request in writing to the superintendent or designee. The request must be submitted pursuant to Board policy and received five (5) business days prior to the scheduled meeting."
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In other words, if you wait to see if what you want to discuss is on the agenda, it is too late to request something to be added. [SFB1] Release the tentative agenda one week before the meeting. This gives the community time to request items to be added and allows Board members one week to review documents as needed. Community members should be allowed to speak on topics from the original agenda.
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Public Comment Period Underutilized
Trust is the most important attribute a Board member can have.
A board member is a top leader, but has few chances to build trust with others. [PCP1] The board should encourage--not simply allow--people to fill the 30 minutes at each board meeting. [PCP2] Allowing board member interaction could improve trust. Thus: [PCP3] The Board should appoint someone to fill three public commentary spots for each board meeting. Normal timing rules will apply. This will build community trust in the Board.
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Board Member Practices Do Not Reflect Educator Practices
While the opportunity exists for community members to talk with Board Members after each meeting, some individuals might hesitate to approach the board members themselves.
Board members should be as welcoming to the community as teachers are to their students.
We should normalize board members greeting community members as they enter the meeting room and then actively interacting with the community after each meeting.
Board Member Report Underutilized
At every Board meeting, time is imbedded in the structure of the agenda for Board Members to report their experiences in the district the since the previous Board Meeting.
Many Board Members often decline to offer any contribution during this period.
An effective board member must take an active role in the district, and a brief summary should be the minimum result of such interactions. If board members do not speak during this time, it appears they had no contact with the district during the previous month. The community will not trust such board members. As a result, they might not buy into initiatives the Board implements.
District
Board
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