Today, I'd like to highlight and dive into the student representative to the school board proposal I would like Hallsville to adopt.
This was an idea I had at the National Young Leaders Conference more than 13 years ago. There, I was excited about the idea of serving as a student, in a nonvoting way on the school board. To me, it made sense: the school board is to be responsible to the taxpayers and ensure students receive a quality education. Why do school boards not hear from students? After a presentation, conversations with the Rolla Board of Education, this idea became a reality and I began serving in what MSBA (Missouri School Board's Association) said was the first student representative (advisor) to the school board in Missouri. Dozens of districts have since explored and implemented this policy since that time, and in Rolla, they are on their twelfth student advisor. How does this actually work? Here's the policy that Rolla has adopted. What do I think Hallsville should do? I would consult with high school administrators and students to find the best fit for us. Perhaps it's the junior or senior class president. Or maybe the best fit is for a separate selection process outside of any current system of student selection. If folks agree this is worth pursuing, we'll come up with the best policy for us at Hallsville. What value is this? To me, it's a huge value. Everything from budgeting to facilities to technology impacts the students. The board hears from administrators and often faculty, but I don't believe a direct line of communication from the students to the board exists currently. If done well, I think this could lead to being a more informed school board member when in a position to consider the decisions noted above or even adding/changing classes offered at the high school level. As important as the Board's benefit, this is a wonderful learning experience for an interested student. Allowing and empowering a student to learn and understand complex issues that are turn the cogs of elementary and secondary education is, I think, a wonderful thing! In addition, often times students may not get the full information as to why and how changes happen within their school -- and rumors begin! Our students deserve to be in communication with the Board and to be given the opportunity to provide input on decisions that will affect them. As always, I'm happy to answer questions and be in a dialogue with any feedback folks may have. Tomorrow, I'll discuss another big topic: Securing Hallsville's Financial Status
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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! |
AuthorHallsville resident. Foster Parent. School board member. Politico. Jesus Follower. Cardinals Fan #MizzouMade Archives
June 2020
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