Over the next few days, leading up to Tuesday's election, I hope to share my thoughts on a few of my priorities. These are things that I commit to working on and believe will continue to move Hallsville Public Schools in a positive way forward. If I am fortunate enough to be elected, I hope to implement these thoughts and hope you all hold me accountable. :)
I'll start with a big one. I'd like to provide some insight into conversations I would like to have with the full-board around the makeup of the monthly School Board meetings themselves. By tweaking meetings, I believe the board can be more effective and able to lead our district in the best manner possible. The main room in the high school where the board typically meets isn't really a conducive room for such a meeting. The attending/observing crowd has their back to the main agenda that is projected on the screen (so unless they bring their own agenda...they can't follow along). About half of the board members have their backs to the administrators. The Members typically use good voice levels, but sometimes, without microphones, it's difficult for folks to hear. I'd like to reconsider what other rooms/configurations/technology may be available to better address and be inviting to citizens. I would like to explore ways of live streaming and/or record their meetings for citizens who are unable to attend. Transparency in a school board's effectiveness and earned trust is of growing importance. During each meeting, there is a 3-minute time-frame where any citizen can address the school board. As a student in Rolla, a verbal invitation/acknowledgement from the board president (this position rotates annually) of this time-frame was always done. In our Hallsville meetings, if nobody signs the form, the board moves on. For increased clarity and in an inviting nature, this time-frame should be verbally acknowledged at each meeting -- even if there isn't anyone attending who would like to speak. I would propose and encourage fellow board members to split-up and attend at least one area board meeting to seek best practice ideas during meetings. Why should we not learn from other local boards? Perhaps the Sturgeon or Harrisburg school boards are doing something during their meetings that our community could benefit from? By not exploring possible changes and best practices, we don't make ourselves better. An observation that I would like to solve, is that monthly school board meetings include a lot of discussion (Q&A) with administrators. Among the Board -- very little conversation and brainstorming actually takes place. There are different philosophies of how this could be fixed. Perhaps two-meetings each month are needed (one for business & one for discussion/strategy). Or maybe the Board can focus each month on one of the program evaluations each month and provide a insight/strategy session of how the community can rally around these. For example, in March alone, there were program evaluations on: technology, facilities, school climate, and the gifted programs. The board addressed questions to administrators, but didn't discuss or strategize how to help the school best accomplish these and if the school board could be helpful. These program evaluations are normal procedures and with some active participation and encouragement, the board can provide some positive progress in some of these areas (where appropriate). By putting our heads together to attack how our Board can support teachers and administrators in school climate or address technology concerns with a 15 minute discussion could be fruitful. Maybe not - but I think it could. Lastly, I would encourage the Board to flip the closed session time-frame. Currently, the board completes open session and then goes into closed session. As an attendee, this can be awkward, because a motion is made to go into closed session.....and then the community participants are kicked out of the room. By beginning their meeting time in closed session allows for three things. First, it allows the community to visit with board members after the public meeting (since closed session would be finished). Secondly, it would create less awkwardness of 'kicking out' the public. Third, it would provide some specific time parameters on closed session items to ensure that the most dialogue as possible takes place in open session. I think there could be a natural urge of rushing through open session because board members know they still have to go into closed session to address business. This change flips that. Of course if the board needed more time on a specific issue, they could go back in closed session after the open session -- but this should be the exception and not the norm. Tomorrow, I'll address a lighter subject: a student representative/advisor to the school board. Thank you for reading over the next few days!
2 Comments
Stacy
3/30/2017 08:01:54 pm
Thanks for your suggestions,Craig. I would love for you to attend one of my Coffee Talks with the Principal. I appreciate your creative ideas, esp. like the idea of the flipped agenda.
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Karen Jimerson
3/31/2017 08:47:06 am
These are thoughtful suggestions, Craig. We should always be willing to try a new approach.
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AuthorHallsville resident. Foster Parent. School board member. Politico. Jesus Follower. Cardinals Fan #MizzouMade Archives
June 2020
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