Board Bylaw 9021(a)

PROFESSIONAL GOVERNANCE STANDARDS OF THE BOARD

The Governing Board believes the following three components are vital to effective school governance:

I. To be effective, an individual trustee:

· Keeps learning and achievement for all students as the primary focus.

· Values, supports and advocates for public education.

· Recognizes and respects differences of perspective and style on the board and among staff, students, parents and the community.

· Acts with dignity, and understands the implications of demeanor and behavior.

· Keeps confidential matters confidential.

· Participates in professional development and commits the time and energy necessary to be an informed and effective leader.

· Understands the definitions between board and staff roles, and refrains from performing management functions that are the responsibility of the superintendent and staff.

· Understands that authority rests with the board as a whole and not with individuals.

II. To operate effectively, the board must have a unity of purpose and:

· Keep the district focused on learning and achievement for all students

· Communicate a common vision.

· Operate openly, with trust and integrity.

· Govern in a dignified and professional manner, treating everyone with civility and respect.

· Govern within board-adopted policies and administrative regulations.

· Take collective responsibility for the board’s performance.

· Periodically evaluate its own effectiveness.

· Ensure opportunities for the diverse range of views in the community to inform board deliberations.

III. Effective boards:

· Involve the community, parents, students, participating districts and staff in developing a common vision for the district focused on learning and achievement and responsive to the needs of all students.

· Adopt, evaluate and update policies consistent with the law and the district’s vision and goals.

· Maintain accountability for student learning by adopting the district curriculum and monitoring student progress.

Board Bylaw 9021(b)

PROFESSIONAL GOVERNANCE STANDARDS OF THE BOARD, cont.

III. Effective boards, cont.

· Hire and support the superintendent so that the vision, goals and policies of the district can be implemented.

· Conduct regular and timely evaluations of the superintendent based on the vision, goals and performance of the district, and ensure that the superintendent holds the district personnel accountable.

· Adopt a fiscally responsible budget based on the district’s vision and goals, and regularly monitor the fiscal heath of the district.

· Ensure that a safe and appropriate educational environment is provided to all students.

· Establish a framework for the district’s collective bargaining process and adopt responsible agreements.

· Provide community leadership on educational issues and advocate on behalf of district students and public education at the local, state and federal levels.

Bylaw Adopted: May 28, 2002