Norms and Protocols

School Board Norms and Protocols, Adopted June 27, 2022

We agree to employ the following norms in all our interactions:

Number

Norm

1.0

We will hear each opinion, but ultimately act as one. We will speak candidly and courteously to each other and listen to dissenting or different viewpoints with an open mind. We will help each other to depersonalize disagreements. Once we reach a decision or compromise as a board, we will each support the will of the board in word and deed.

2.0

The chair (or designee) will speak as the official voice of the board. A single board member will not represent the board without the consent of the board, and board members making personal statements (in any format, including speeches, articles, social media posts, etc.) should clearly state that these statements are their opinion and not the position of the board.

3.0

We will be mindful of the different roles and responsibilities throughout the school system and maintain a focus on policy and governance.

4.0

We will be aware of the different roles that we play as individuals (board member, citizen, parent, etc.).

5.0

We will be aware of the different roles that we play as individuals (board member, citizen, parent, etc.).

6.0

We will maintain open communication with each other, the administration, and the community-at-large. Information shared with one board member will be shared with all members. If considerable work or time is required to generate data, the full board must endorse the request.



We agree to follow the following protocols:

 

 

1.0


Developing the board agenda


The Superintendent drafts an agenda and sends the draft agenda to the board chair for additions, feedback and approval.

 

2.0

 

 

Placing items on the board meeting agenda



Board members should send a message to the Chair to have an item added to the agenda. Agenda items must be received one week prior to the scheduled board meeting. The Chair will respond to the request directly to the requesting member.

Board members can also request an item to be added to a future agenda during Board comment.

If the item is not able to be added to the next agenda, the Chair will communicate that information to the requestor. The chair will not deny an agenda item if it’s the will of the majority of the board to include the agenda item.

 

3.0



Obtaining
information about board meeting agenda items before the meeting



The board packet is distributed no later than the
Thursday prior to the meeting. Board members should contact the Superintendent with any questions related to items on the agenda/packet. The Superintendent will send the response to all board members.

 

4.0



Responding to public & employee comments at board meetings

 

Board members should not respond to speakers during public & employee comment.

 

5.0



Responding to staff or community comments outside of board meetings


Board members will listen and may refer the staff/community member through the channel of communication (teacher, principal, etc.). If an email is sent, the board member should forward the email to the Superintendent.

6.0

Communications between and among board members


Board members should communicate via text, email or phone,
being mindful of open meeting laws.


 

7.0


Communications
between board members and the superintendent

 

Board members should communicate with the Superintendent via text, email or phone.

 

8.0



Communications
between board members and staff (including requests for information)

 

Board members should contact the Superintendent directly with any requests for information.

 

9.0


Assignment of committee members


Committee members are assigned on a volunteer basis at the annual organizational
meeting (Per Policy BCA).


10.0


Committee reporting expectations


Committee representatives should report the work of the committee at the board meeting during the appropriate agenda item.

 


11.0

 

Responding to media inquiries



The Chair is the official spokesperson for the Board. The Chair should not speak to the media without alerting the full board and will speak on behalf of the board position rather than personal position.

The Superintendent is the spokesperson for day to day operation questions.

 

12.0



Use of social media



School board members should keep in mind of the difference between a personal and an official page. Board members should also be aware that anything they post on social media can be construed as their position on the school board.

 

13.0



How, when and whom to notify about visiting school sites

 

Board members should notify the Superintendent prior to visiting school sites.

 

14.0


How, when and whom to notify about volunteering in schools or at school events


Board members should notify the Superintendent prior to volunteering in the schools. If it is a regular volunteer position, one annual notification is all that is needed.


 

 

15.0




How, when and whom to notify about attending school events (concerts, sporting events, etc.)

 


No
additional notification is necessary.

 

 

16.0


Expectations for participation in
conferences and professional development

 

Professional development is encouraged.

 

17.0


Expectations for participation in meetings and conferences


Board members are expected to attend scheduled local board meetings and to come prepared to discuss agenda items.

 

18.0



When and how the board evaluates the superintendent

 

The board evaluates the Superintendent annually prior to June 30.

 

19.0



When and how the board conducts a self- evaluation

 

The school board evaluates itself at the 2nd to last meeting of the calendar year.

 

 

20.0




When and how the board monitors and updates the school board’s strategic plan

 

As part of the organizational meeting, the superintendent will present an annual schedule for the board to receive updates regarding the division strategic plan.

 

21.0



Parliamentary Procedure


The school board will operate meetings under Robert’s Rules of Order,
except in instances where it conflicts with board policies, norms, and protocols.


Violation of these norms and protocols will result in the following actions:

VIOLATION 1

The chair or designee will discuss the violation with the violating member.



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