MONROE SCHOOL DISTRICT NO.

103 Board of Directors Policy

No. 1520 Title: Board of Directors Protocol Page: 1 of 2

MONROE PUBLIC SCHOOLS SCHOOL BOARD OPERATIONS BOARD POLICY 1520 BOARD OF DIRECTORS PROTOCOL For the purpose of enhancing teamwork among members of the board and between the board and the administration, the following operating protocol will govern the actions of the board and individual members: The board is to represent the needs and interests of all the children in our district; Surprises to the board or the superintendent will be the exception, not the rule. There should be no surprises at a board meeting. Individual board members will ask the board president or the superintendent to place an item on the agenda instead of bringing it up for action unexpectedly at the meeting; Conduct at a board meeting is very important. Board members are to avoid words and actions that create a negative impression on an individual, the board, or the district. While debate and differing points of view are encouraged, it shall be done with care and respect to avoid an escalation of negative impressions or incidents; To be efficient and effective, long board meetings should be avoided. Points are to be made in as few words as possible; speeches at board meetings are discouraged. If a board member believes he/she does not have enough information or has questions, either the superintendent or board president should be called prior to the meeting; Board meetings are for decision-making, action, and votes, not endless discussion. Requests to "move the question" should be used when discussion is repetitive; Board members are not to play to the audience. Board members are to speak to the issues on the agenda and attend to fellow board members. Board requests for facts and information needed from the administration will be referred to the superintendent; Executive sessions will be held only when specific needs arise. Board members will be extremely sensitive to the legal ramifications of these meetings and their comments; Communications between staff and the board are encouraged. However, board requests which will likely require considerable time or have political implications are to be directed to the superintendent. All personnel complaints and criticism received by the board or its individual members will be directed to the superintendent; The last stop, not the first, will be the board. The chain of command will be followed and the board insists that others do so also. While the board is eager to listen to its constituents and staff, each inquiry is to be referred to the person who can properly and expeditiously address the issue; The board will not be a "ball carrier" for others; but rather, will encourage others to present their own issues, problems, or proposals; The board will emphasize planning, policy-making, promotion, and evaluation functions rather than becoming involved in the management of the schools;

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MONROE SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 103 Board of Directors Policy

No. 1520 Title: Board of Directors Protocol Page: 2 of 2

The board will address its behavior by yearly self evaluation and by addressing itself to any individual problems, such as poor meeting attendance, tardiness or leaks of confidential information; The board will set clear goals for itself and the superintendent. The board and superintendent will set clear goals for Monroe School District; The superintendent is the chief administrative officer of the district and should recommend/propose/suggest on most matters before the board; Board members by law do not have individual authority. Only the board as a whole has authority. An individual board member will not take unilateral action. The board president will communicate the position(s) of the board on controversial issues. When board members serve on various school committees, members are expected to remain mindful that they represent the entire board as spelled out in Policy 1450. the board either as silent observer or as active participant shall define their role. It is expected that Board members who serve as officers or board representatives remain mindful that they have been selected by the board to support the will of a majority of the board. Board members who do not adhere to the policies of the board (particularly this policy in its entirety) are not fulfilling the role they agreed to accept and for which they were elected to serve. Board members shall not take actions that would diminish in any way (except as provided for in policy) citizen input on district committees, taskforces or community forums. serving the community faithfully

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Legal Reference: RCW 28A.320 Provisions Applicable to all Districts RCW 28A.150.230 Basic Education Act RCW 28A.330 Provisions Applicable to First Class Districts RCW 28A.400.010-030 Superintendents Date approved by the board: October 9, 1995

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