This Wed. we have our next meeting. As you can see from the agenda there are quite a few topics that should be of interest. We will review among other things the prior years financial statements, use of Nichols school, the 4k-8 grade configuration and of course the budget.
Despite the fact that many in attendance at the last meeting had to watch & listen from the hallway I hope that many attend again this week. I know that the Herald Independant had an editorial on the need for space at the district office. While I agree that for the last meeting more space was needed that is not the case for most meetings. More times than not there are empty chairs for the meetings at the district office.
This past week I attended the WASB Annual Convention in Milwaukee. This was my first year at the convention and this was one of THE BEST conventions have ever been too. The way that it was arranged, the topics that were available to attend and the presentations of the topics was first rate. I attended many different presentations and I would classify only one as a bad choice.
The 4k-8 grade configuration study will be a hot topic this week. I think that most will agree that realigning the district into 2 separate 4k-8 community based environments and then merging in high school is an almost unthinkable proposition due to the costs associated with this idea. While I think it was beneficial to study this option the $1M+ price tag is just not feasible given the districts current economic environment.
The other aspects to come out of the 4k-8 committee still have to be discussed, which I am presuming we will do this week. Items like having all 6th graders at Glacial Drumlin, modular units in Cottage Grove, real estate options for the district and realigning Cottage Grove and Taylor Prairie into 4k-4 schools.
Based on Mr. Gerlach's statements at the last meeting it appears we could get some recommendations from the administration this week. We still have a couple items that we have not discussed as thoroughly as some others, like cuts to athletics and the consolidation of Maywood and Winnequah. The cuts to athletics are proposed to be a $25k reduction to their overall budget. How this reduction would impact athletics directly would be up to administration to reallocate their remaining resources.
I will also be raising the question of what can the board due to help the budget problem? I will submit 2 options for the board to consider. Hopefully other board members will have other ideas and we can come up with a way to save some money. I know that we cannot save a lot of money, but every little bit will help.
The potential Maywood/Winnequah consolidation is an extremely hot topic. I don't think that anyone would like to see the schools consolidated unless absolutely necessary. As I look at this issue I have been on both sides of keeping the schools open and consolidating them. However, I keep coming back to one point that I just cannot shake. Based on pure economics it appears to come down to keeping a school open or keeping 5 - 10 staff members employed. Which of these has the bigger impact on student learning?
Monday, January 25, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
Budget Survey Answers
I have uploaded my answers to the budget survey. Just click on the title of this post and you should be redirected to my answers.
Monday, January 18, 2010
District Budget
General Observations
First, a big thank you to the administration and staff that have put in countless hours to compile and analyze the items before the board for discussion. When you start looking at positions to cut and are able to identify them with a specific individual it really gets tough to throw those items out for discussion. I think that when you need to drastically reduce spending like we have that there are NO areas that are off limits.
The Survey
The administrators and the board are to complete a survey by tomorrow. The survey is to rate the negative impact each item has on district goals....in our opinion. Ms. Fox has informed us that after consulting the WASB legal counsel that our completion of the survey does not violate Open Meetings laws. The reasoning is that we as a board are not making decisions or having discussions. Since this survey is just an advisory piece to help Mr. Gerlach make a recommendation to the board this reasoning makes sense to me.
I know that some have asked to make the boards surveys public, but I think that should rest with each member. Assuming I have saved mine correctly, I will post it here. I did not post a response to some of the questions, because my opinion carries little weight vs. the administrations. I have thoughts and opinions on each of these areas, but I do not have the expertise to rate the negative impact increasing class size has on our goals (for example). Increasing class size ranges to help stop overload pay I do feel able to rate, because that is a strictly financial decision in my opinion.
Budget E-Mails
I have received many e-mails at my board address (jason_mccutchin@mononagrove.org), as have other board members. Please keep them coming. While I don't respond to them all individually please be assured that I do take the the time to read them and save them for reference.
First, a big thank you to the administration and staff that have put in countless hours to compile and analyze the items before the board for discussion. When you start looking at positions to cut and are able to identify them with a specific individual it really gets tough to throw those items out for discussion. I think that when you need to drastically reduce spending like we have that there are NO areas that are off limits.
The Survey
The administrators and the board are to complete a survey by tomorrow. The survey is to rate the negative impact each item has on district goals....in our opinion. Ms. Fox has informed us that after consulting the WASB legal counsel that our completion of the survey does not violate Open Meetings laws. The reasoning is that we as a board are not making decisions or having discussions. Since this survey is just an advisory piece to help Mr. Gerlach make a recommendation to the board this reasoning makes sense to me.
I know that some have asked to make the boards surveys public, but I think that should rest with each member. Assuming I have saved mine correctly, I will post it here. I did not post a response to some of the questions, because my opinion carries little weight vs. the administrations. I have thoughts and opinions on each of these areas, but I do not have the expertise to rate the negative impact increasing class size has on our goals (for example). Increasing class size ranges to help stop overload pay I do feel able to rate, because that is a strictly financial decision in my opinion.
Budget E-Mails
I have received many e-mails at my board address (jason_mccutchin@mononagrove.org), as have other board members. Please keep them coming. While I don't respond to them all individually please be assured that I do take the the time to read them and save them for reference.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Homecoming Cancelled
A lot has been made about Dr. Brost's decision to cancel homecoming this year. Here is a link to the Channel 15 story. http://www.nbc15.com/home/headlines/62990077.html
Here is a link to Doug Wood's blog. http://mononadoug.blogspot.com/2009/09/mg-cancels-homecoming-still-bad-idea.html
As I told Dr. Brost, my initial reaction was that he had lost his mind. I could not fathom any reasons as to why a district would cancel homecoming. Homecoming was always a great source of pride for the school district and the community. The students, the alumni and district residents would fill the streets for the parade, the gym for the pep rally and the stands for the game. This was my experience in high school.
All of these thoughts came rushing into my head as Dr. Brost was telling about his intentions. However, after listening to Dr. Brost and his thought process and reasoning, I had a very different view point. The fact that he discussed his decision with some students to gauge their reaction. The fact that his voice and posture indicated this was a very difficult decision. The fact that he felt this was "the last resort". And partially because of some of the outrageous pranks that have been done over the years, I think Dr. Brost made the correct decision. I support your decision 100% Dr. Brost.
I hate the idea of taking away an activity/event from all students when it is a small minority causing the issues. However, if you look at it on a smaller scale, how many parents punish all of their kids when 1 makes a mistake and the others are "innocent bystanders"? I have seen and heard many do this. If cancelling homecoming causes the students to better "police" themselves in the future then everyone will owe Dr. Brost a big thank you.
Here is a link to Doug Wood's blog. http://mononadoug.blogspot.com/2009/09/mg-cancels-homecoming-still-bad-idea.html
As I told Dr. Brost, my initial reaction was that he had lost his mind. I could not fathom any reasons as to why a district would cancel homecoming. Homecoming was always a great source of pride for the school district and the community. The students, the alumni and district residents would fill the streets for the parade, the gym for the pep rally and the stands for the game. This was my experience in high school.
All of these thoughts came rushing into my head as Dr. Brost was telling about his intentions. However, after listening to Dr. Brost and his thought process and reasoning, I had a very different view point. The fact that he discussed his decision with some students to gauge their reaction. The fact that his voice and posture indicated this was a very difficult decision. The fact that he felt this was "the last resort". And partially because of some of the outrageous pranks that have been done over the years, I think Dr. Brost made the correct decision. I support your decision 100% Dr. Brost.
I hate the idea of taking away an activity/event from all students when it is a small minority causing the issues. However, if you look at it on a smaller scale, how many parents punish all of their kids when 1 makes a mistake and the others are "innocent bystanders"? I have seen and heard many do this. If cancelling homecoming causes the students to better "police" themselves in the future then everyone will owe Dr. Brost a big thank you.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Norton Resignation
When I first heard about Mr. Norton's resignation my first reaction was shock. Secondly, I wondered if someone in his family was ill, because of the "significant personal reasons" stated in the article. Now that appears not to be the case.
I will state that I am disappointed that Mr. Norton will be unable to serve the entire term, but I also understand that circumstances change. Above all else Mr. Norton MUST do what is best for him and his family.
Scott, I wish you well in your future endeavors.
The name of this post will link you to the Herald Independent story on Mr. Norton's resignation.
Where does that leave the Village of CG and the trustees? Well we need an individual to fill this role of leading us as there are some very significant issues coming down the pipe. Does this individual serve the remainder of the term or just until a special election? On that I see both sides and at this point I don't have a strong opinion either way. My gut tends to lead towards the thought that it is an elected position, so hold a special election. However, the thought of potentially having 3 Village Presidents in 12 months is extremely unusual and rare.
Do we appoint a current trustee to the Village President position and then hold a special election for that seat in April? This scenario seems to work on many fronts. As my personal experience has shown me, the learning curve when getting into Village office or School Board is steep. It may work better to "promote" a trustee, even if they only have 5 or 6 months experience, and then elect another person into that trustees position.
I will follow this intently as I am curious how this will play out.
I will state that I am disappointed that Mr. Norton will be unable to serve the entire term, but I also understand that circumstances change. Above all else Mr. Norton MUST do what is best for him and his family.
Scott, I wish you well in your future endeavors.
The name of this post will link you to the Herald Independent story on Mr. Norton's resignation.
Where does that leave the Village of CG and the trustees? Well we need an individual to fill this role of leading us as there are some very significant issues coming down the pipe. Does this individual serve the remainder of the term or just until a special election? On that I see both sides and at this point I don't have a strong opinion either way. My gut tends to lead towards the thought that it is an elected position, so hold a special election. However, the thought of potentially having 3 Village Presidents in 12 months is extremely unusual and rare.
Do we appoint a current trustee to the Village President position and then hold a special election for that seat in April? This scenario seems to work on many fronts. As my personal experience has shown me, the learning curve when getting into Village office or School Board is steep. It may work better to "promote" a trustee, even if they only have 5 or 6 months experience, and then elect another person into that trustees position.
I will follow this intently as I am curious how this will play out.
Norton Clarification e-mail received
I have received an e-mail from Richard Kerr and with his permission I am posting the body of it here. It is exactly as I received it. If anyone would care to respond to Mr. Kerr's e-mail I will post that also.
These thoughts, comments and opinions are solely those of Mr. Kerr. I normally would not post this but in this instance felt that there was some valuable information enclosed, namely Mr. Norton's reason for resignation. I also do not feel it would be fair to only post a portion of the e-mail; hence my posting of the entire e-mail.
Hello,
The purpose of this message is to get out the truth about false rumors
floating around the Village. If you do not want to hear the truth, then stop
reading this message.
1. Scott Norton resigned his Village
President position because he and his family are moving to
Florida.
2. When the Village Board voted Monday evening to appoint
a replacement for the duration of Scott’s term, they acted fully in compliance
with state law. The only other option they had was to let the vacancy ride until
next April.
Anyone who knows the issues facing the Village understands that
we could not afford to have the Village Presidency vacant for the next 7 months.
Even the Village Administrator stated in yesterday’s Wisconsin State Journal
that “There’s a lot on the plate right now, so it’s important to have a village
president.”
It has been suggested that the Village Board appoint a
replacement now but only until next April. It has been suggested that the
Village President position “rotate” among Trustees or others for the next 7
months. None of this is provided for under state law.
Village Board openings
in the past, including Village President, have been filled by appointment by the
Village Board.
3. There was a misleading petition being circulated by people
who should know better stating that the state law requires the Village Board to
call a special election next April. This statement is false and anyone who
signed this petition was intentionally misled.
4. In spite of the Village
Board’s decision on Monday, certain “library supporters” tried to get the
Chamber of Commerce to go on record stating that the Village Board ought to
reconsider their decision. Those who attempted to influence the Chamber of
Commerce ought to be ashamed of themselves.
These are the facts.
The
Village Board is trying to get through this difficult time in the best manner
possible and in accordance with state law. Please consider showing your support
for them with an e-mail message or a phone call.
If you wish to discuss this
matter further, please reply to this message or call me at 839-0267.
Richard
Kerr
These thoughts, comments and opinions are solely those of Mr. Kerr. I normally would not post this but in this instance felt that there was some valuable information enclosed, namely Mr. Norton's reason for resignation. I also do not feel it would be fair to only post a portion of the e-mail; hence my posting of the entire e-mail.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Sept. 22nd Board Meeting
Last night the board heard a presentation from Dr. Charles Venegoni, who is the Division Head of English and Fine Arts @ John Hersey High School in Arlington, IL. Dr. Venegoni's presentation focused on his Aligned by Design, which as systematic approach to education. Thru this approach John Hersey and other schools who have adopted this approach have achieved some, what I would call, significant results on the ACT Test.
The data presented by Dr. Venegoni paints a very good picture of this system. It really showed how all students benefit from this system. Aligned by Design has been implemented at some very diverse districts (both economically and racially) and the results have been very good. One of the things that I found interesting is that the data also shows that the higher the students score on the Explore test (taken in 8th grade) the higher their potential to score on the ACT (taken in 11th grade). That seems logical, but what I liked most was that the growth this system showed vs. others.
For the the schools that scored with in 1 point of Northtown Academy (one of the schools using this system in Chicago) on the Explore test none had the growth that Northtown did. Of the 11 different data groups only 4 had an improvement of 5 or better. Two of these four data groups started with scores more than 5.9 points higher than Northtown Academy. Northtown Academy had a 5.1 growth by their students. That to me is an impressive testament to this system.
There was lots of data and lots of information presented last night. I won't go over it all, but please visit the district website as they will be putting up much of the information their, if not all of it. I just wanted to point out one of the facts that really impressed me amongst all of the things presented.
I do have some concerns with this system. One is that it is a departure from current practice and how will it be received by the building administrators, the staff, the students and the public. Dr. Venegoni and his staff have had quite a bit of interaction with our staff, so this potential change would not be a total surprise. Another fear is that, as Dr. Venegoni stated, the district needs a champion of this system to be the face of it, to push it, to oversee it, to....etc. We may have this person(s), but we need to identify them.
The Curriculum was another concern because this system does not use textbooks exclusively. The curriculum is developed by the staff. Dr. Venegoni stated that a lot of the materials being used by other districts on this system could be adapted to our district. Dr. Venegoni also stated that the curriculum developers in those other districts would be willing to share their curriculum for a price. Which led me to the last of my 4 major concerns...COST. Dr. Venegoni did provide a figure for potentially utilizing some of the materials already developed. I will not state what that figure was because it will change depending on many factors, but let me say it was significantly less than the amount we are setting aside for text books now.
Many of the other board members seemed to share my concerns to varying degrees. I think that all of them can be answered very quickly by Craig and his admin. team. Because this is like the 3rd time Dr. Venegoni and/or his staff have been in the district talking about this I think finding the right person or persons to champion this cause will be easy. I think the district as a whole will also embrace a change to this system as WE ALL learn more about it. I do not think that cost would prohibit implementation.
We as a board either collectively or individually did not pose the questions to Craig about a champion of the cause or how the change would be received @ MGHS. I did think about it while other questions where being asked and answered. However, I did not feel it would be right to put him on the spot to answer those immediately after hearing this presentation. I still feel that way as I am still trying to digest everything we heard last night and to pose that question just would not have been fair.
I hope that WE, as a district, continue to investigate this systematic approach to education. If it makes sense educationally and provides the best opportunities for our students then we owe it to them to investigate this system fully.
The data presented by Dr. Venegoni paints a very good picture of this system. It really showed how all students benefit from this system. Aligned by Design has been implemented at some very diverse districts (both economically and racially) and the results have been very good. One of the things that I found interesting is that the data also shows that the higher the students score on the Explore test (taken in 8th grade) the higher their potential to score on the ACT (taken in 11th grade). That seems logical, but what I liked most was that the growth this system showed vs. others.
For the the schools that scored with in 1 point of Northtown Academy (one of the schools using this system in Chicago) on the Explore test none had the growth that Northtown did. Of the 11 different data groups only 4 had an improvement of 5 or better. Two of these four data groups started with scores more than 5.9 points higher than Northtown Academy. Northtown Academy had a 5.1 growth by their students. That to me is an impressive testament to this system.
There was lots of data and lots of information presented last night. I won't go over it all, but please visit the district website as they will be putting up much of the information their, if not all of it. I just wanted to point out one of the facts that really impressed me amongst all of the things presented.
I do have some concerns with this system. One is that it is a departure from current practice and how will it be received by the building administrators, the staff, the students and the public. Dr. Venegoni and his staff have had quite a bit of interaction with our staff, so this potential change would not be a total surprise. Another fear is that, as Dr. Venegoni stated, the district needs a champion of this system to be the face of it, to push it, to oversee it, to....etc. We may have this person(s), but we need to identify them.
The Curriculum was another concern because this system does not use textbooks exclusively. The curriculum is developed by the staff. Dr. Venegoni stated that a lot of the materials being used by other districts on this system could be adapted to our district. Dr. Venegoni also stated that the curriculum developers in those other districts would be willing to share their curriculum for a price. Which led me to the last of my 4 major concerns...COST. Dr. Venegoni did provide a figure for potentially utilizing some of the materials already developed. I will not state what that figure was because it will change depending on many factors, but let me say it was significantly less than the amount we are setting aside for text books now.
Many of the other board members seemed to share my concerns to varying degrees. I think that all of them can be answered very quickly by Craig and his admin. team. Because this is like the 3rd time Dr. Venegoni and/or his staff have been in the district talking about this I think finding the right person or persons to champion this cause will be easy. I think the district as a whole will also embrace a change to this system as WE ALL learn more about it. I do not think that cost would prohibit implementation.
We as a board either collectively or individually did not pose the questions to Craig about a champion of the cause or how the change would be received @ MGHS. I did think about it while other questions where being asked and answered. However, I did not feel it would be right to put him on the spot to answer those immediately after hearing this presentation. I still feel that way as I am still trying to digest everything we heard last night and to pose that question just would not have been fair.
I hope that WE, as a district, continue to investigate this systematic approach to education. If it makes sense educationally and provides the best opportunities for our students then we owe it to them to investigate this system fully.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
8/12 Board meeting
Hey All,
Last night we had our 1st board meeting of the month. We had a relatively light agenda and got thru it in a reasonable amount of time. We reviewed many upcoming WASB meetings and sessions that board members may attend.
We reviewed and approved a request from Dr. Brost on setting up an after school education program. It is designed to provide extra help for those seeking it and for those that will be required to attend. Dr. Brost requested that the program be approved pending funding for it. He is actively searching for ways to fund the salaries needed to run this program. Dr. Brost is expecting to have both voluntary participation and mandatory attendance.
Next we approved the amount for transportation to and from parochial schools and the fee paid by those requesting transportation who would not receive it normally. We also approved the use of a Hearing Officer for expulsions. This practice has been in place for the recent past. It allows an independent review of the expulsion hearing prior to final board review of the Hearing Officer's report.
Additionally, we passed an agreement with Kid's Safari to bus students to their facility and for Kid's Safari to reimburse the district for this cost. Due to my daughter attending Kid's Safari, I abstained from the vote.
Lastly, we tabled motions regarding the Policy on Fund Balance and a discussion on District Goals. Both items will be on the August 26th agenda.
We heard a report from Susan Fox, Susan Manning and Jessica Ace on the WASB conference they recently attended. Again it was pointed out that board members who blog need to make sure that it is clear the postings represent their own thoughts and are not in any way intended to speak for the board as a whole. I feel that I do this in a pretty clear manner, but it is always open for interpretation.
As I stated it was a relatively light agenda and we got thru it relatively quickly. This coming Monday the board will meet to conduct it's review of Superintendent Gerlach. This meeting is a closed session meeting. Our next regular meeting is August 26th in the district office.
I would like to commend Dr. Brost and any other staff members instrumental in the organization of the after school education program. I hope that the funds can be found to get this program off the ground. It sounds like this can be a very beneficial program for all students. Any program that provides students either requesting or needing additional study time is a plus in my opinion.
Last night we had our 1st board meeting of the month. We had a relatively light agenda and got thru it in a reasonable amount of time. We reviewed many upcoming WASB meetings and sessions that board members may attend.
We reviewed and approved a request from Dr. Brost on setting up an after school education program. It is designed to provide extra help for those seeking it and for those that will be required to attend. Dr. Brost requested that the program be approved pending funding for it. He is actively searching for ways to fund the salaries needed to run this program. Dr. Brost is expecting to have both voluntary participation and mandatory attendance.
Next we approved the amount for transportation to and from parochial schools and the fee paid by those requesting transportation who would not receive it normally. We also approved the use of a Hearing Officer for expulsions. This practice has been in place for the recent past. It allows an independent review of the expulsion hearing prior to final board review of the Hearing Officer's report.
Additionally, we passed an agreement with Kid's Safari to bus students to their facility and for Kid's Safari to reimburse the district for this cost. Due to my daughter attending Kid's Safari, I abstained from the vote.
Lastly, we tabled motions regarding the Policy on Fund Balance and a discussion on District Goals. Both items will be on the August 26th agenda.
We heard a report from Susan Fox, Susan Manning and Jessica Ace on the WASB conference they recently attended. Again it was pointed out that board members who blog need to make sure that it is clear the postings represent their own thoughts and are not in any way intended to speak for the board as a whole. I feel that I do this in a pretty clear manner, but it is always open for interpretation.
As I stated it was a relatively light agenda and we got thru it relatively quickly. This coming Monday the board will meet to conduct it's review of Superintendent Gerlach. This meeting is a closed session meeting. Our next regular meeting is August 26th in the district office.
I would like to commend Dr. Brost and any other staff members instrumental in the organization of the after school education program. I hope that the funds can be found to get this program off the ground. It sounds like this can be a very beneficial program for all students. Any program that provides students either requesting or needing additional study time is a plus in my opinion.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Communication with the Public
In going back over the past month of notes from our various board development meetings and our regular board meetings, one of the things that stands out is COMMUNICATION. What does this mean in general?
We have talked a lot about this lately as a board and I am not sure if I have a better understanding of it or am more confused than I was a month ago. I like to think that I am a pretty decent communicator. My wife and daughter may disagree with that, but that is a whole other conversation.
Some board members do not like the use of blogs by Mr. Sobol and myself. Yet, I hear from many citizens that they like reading them as a way to learn about issues, learn what is happening with the board and to get our individual take/stance on things. Personally, when I am posting about board happenings I try to keep them as true and factual as possible and then input my opinions later in the post.
When we met with our legal counsel for the district he stated that blogs are a way to communicate and the board had no governance over their operation. He also warned Peter and I, since we are the only 2 members with blogs at that this time, to be careful how we present issues and our opinions. Basically make sure that it is clear when something is our opinion and not a board action or thought.
We have talked a lot about this lately as a board and I am not sure if I have a better understanding of it or am more confused than I was a month ago. I like to think that I am a pretty decent communicator. My wife and daughter may disagree with that, but that is a whole other conversation.
Some board members do not like the use of blogs by Mr. Sobol and myself. Yet, I hear from many citizens that they like reading them as a way to learn about issues, learn what is happening with the board and to get our individual take/stance on things. Personally, when I am posting about board happenings I try to keep them as true and factual as possible and then input my opinions later in the post.
When we met with our legal counsel for the district he stated that blogs are a way to communicate and the board had no governance over their operation. He also warned Peter and I, since we are the only 2 members with blogs at that this time, to be careful how we present issues and our opinions. Basically make sure that it is clear when something is our opinion and not a board action or thought.
What does communication mean to each of you as it relates between the school district and the general public? Do you like reading blogs? Does the district do a good job of disseminating information thru the website and by sending items home with students? Are there other things that the board or the district can do to improve the transparency of operations?
Some board members have mentioned they would like to see public listening sessions or town hall type meetings or something similar to those. This may be a time set aside at a board meeting or a special meeting. Details and format would have to be worked out, but my understanding is a more relaxed informal dialogue between board members and citizens. Is this something that the citizens are interested in?
Please give me some feed back on what you think about the communication either from the district administration or the school board and any thoughts you have on how to improve it or if the listening sessions are a good idea.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Still Here
Hello All,
Sorry for the lack of posts for the past month and a half. Professional and personal life has eaten up most of my free time.
We have been busy meeting at different times for board development. We have had a facilitator in leading the group thru some discussions. We have had our district legal counsel in to discuss policies and interpretations of policies. Basically we have worked on how we are to govern ourselves.
Which leads me to point out that the big news of the past month was the boards decision to eliminate the committee structure used by past boards and go to 2 full board meetings a month. This motion passed on a 5-1 vote (Jill List was absent due to a prior commitment).
As I said at the board meeting I see both sides of this issue and have struggled with it, since it was first discussed at one of our board development meetings as a governance option. Having been a citizen member before getting on the board I dislike taking that avenue away from prospective board candidates. I valued my time as a citizen member and felt it was necessary for me to have that experience before I ran for a spot on the board.
Additionally, the committees do allow for some good work to get done between the smaller committees and the administration in a less formal setting. However, the duplication time of the staff to present at the committe level and the board level was substantial. In addition, many members attended most committee meetings to hear the presentations given vs. hearing them at the board meeting and then having to vote on the issue.
Typically two meetings a month will allow a presentation at one meeting and then a decision at the next. (Complete details on how we will conduct business have not been laid out yet.) This may or may not reduce staff time, but if structured right it could. Lastly, as I stated at the board meeting my general feeling is that for this board and at this time the 2 meetings a month is the best method of governance for us. I may change my mind on that next year or the year after, but I am hopeful that this will lead to better conversation and discussion. I know that at various committee meetings I was at, but not a part of, it would have been nice to ask questions earlier in the process.
Our next board meeting is August 12th in the district office. We will have a full agenda as many items that the policy committee would have dealt with should be on the agenda.
Sorry for the lack of posts for the past month and a half. Professional and personal life has eaten up most of my free time.
We have been busy meeting at different times for board development. We have had a facilitator in leading the group thru some discussions. We have had our district legal counsel in to discuss policies and interpretations of policies. Basically we have worked on how we are to govern ourselves.
Which leads me to point out that the big news of the past month was the boards decision to eliminate the committee structure used by past boards and go to 2 full board meetings a month. This motion passed on a 5-1 vote (Jill List was absent due to a prior commitment).
As I said at the board meeting I see both sides of this issue and have struggled with it, since it was first discussed at one of our board development meetings as a governance option. Having been a citizen member before getting on the board I dislike taking that avenue away from prospective board candidates. I valued my time as a citizen member and felt it was necessary for me to have that experience before I ran for a spot on the board.
Additionally, the committees do allow for some good work to get done between the smaller committees and the administration in a less formal setting. However, the duplication time of the staff to present at the committe level and the board level was substantial. In addition, many members attended most committee meetings to hear the presentations given vs. hearing them at the board meeting and then having to vote on the issue.
Typically two meetings a month will allow a presentation at one meeting and then a decision at the next. (Complete details on how we will conduct business have not been laid out yet.) This may or may not reduce staff time, but if structured right it could. Lastly, as I stated at the board meeting my general feeling is that for this board and at this time the 2 meetings a month is the best method of governance for us. I may change my mind on that next year or the year after, but I am hopeful that this will lead to better conversation and discussion. I know that at various committee meetings I was at, but not a part of, it would have been nice to ask questions earlier in the process.
Our next board meeting is August 12th in the district office. We will have a full agenda as many items that the policy committee would have dealt with should be on the agenda.
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