Good Board Members, you must wonder at the ferocity and doggedness of
the stakeholders in our district. Yet, there is good reason for
the behavior. You see, we moved to this town, and we pay hefty
taxes, and we work long hours at our jobs and our parenting so that we
can provide the best education available for our children.
Perhaps you are in the same position. Yet, we are feeling let down.
We are normally reasonable people. Really. All we ask is some give
and take in the process of educating the children in our town.
That's "give and take", not "lecture and lump it".
Maybe you agree with some of our points maybe you don't. Either
way, here are some free tips to help lubricate the process:
When a district stakeholder sends a letter or an email to the
board, acknowledge the note and personally thank the individual for
the input, even if you abhorred the input. It is quick and easy in
the computer age.
Dramatically expand the Board of Education section of the
district website to include things like personal bios of members,
and individual emails. [Editor's note: this was addressed at the
January 11 board meeting. More about the website was
discussed in the
communications presentation.] Include notes on how to approach Board
members at meetings and how to submit questions or concerns.
At Board meetings, make a point to ask questions even if you
know the answer. Do not accept reports from the Superintendent
or other staff without a question. It looks bad even if it isn't.
At the Board meetings, try smiling every ten minutes or so. Life
is too short.
Once a month each of you should call a teacher or a parent at
random and spend ten minutes speaking with them confidentially. You
will be amazed at the result.
Don't leave out the residents, teachers and other non-parent
stakeholders in the district from your analysis. They have valuable
advice to give.
Do not be afraid to speak your mind or to correct an expert.
That is why you are there.
