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School Board Operating Protocols

For the purpose of enhancing teamwork among members of the Board and the administration, we, the members of the Snoqualmie Valley School Board, do hereby publicly commit ourselves collectively and individually to the following operating protocols:

GOALS

  1. The Board will represent the needs and interests of ALL students in the district.
  2. The Board commits itself to continuous improvement.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

  1. The Board will establish the vision, create policies and assure accountability.
  2. The Board will consider research, best practices, public input, and financial implications as part of the decision-making practice.
  3. The Board encourages debate and differing points of view.
  4. Board members will set clear goals for themselves and the superintendent. The Board and superintendent will facilitate goal setting for the school district.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Board members will adequately prepare themselves for meetings and enhance their Boardmanship skills by attending Board training and networking opportunities.
  2. When Board members serve on various district committees or attend committee meetings, their role shall be as “liaison” to the Board.
  3. Board members shall serve as stewards of the District story (who we are, what we’re about). We are advocates for our students. We will be active members in our community through attendance at school functions, district meetings, and community events.
  4. As representatives of the district, Board members will be mindful of their words and actions, so as to build and maintain a positive image for the district.
  5. Board members will demonstrate good listening skills and exhibit respect when addressed by the public.
  6. The Board commits itself to continuous improvement through a yearly self-assessment process.

OPERATING PRINCIPLES

  1. The superintendent is the chief executive officer and should recommend, or provide proposals on most matters before the Board.
  2. The Superintendent will manage the school system.
  3. The superintendent or designee will be the district spokesperson on critical or emergency issues.
  4. When an individual presents concerns, issues, or proposals, Board members will refer individuals to the staff members who can properly and most expeditiously address the issue.
  5. Board members will ask the Board president and superintendent to place items on the agenda in advance of meetings. In the rare case that an item should be added to the agenda at the time of the meeting, the chair will follow Roberts Rules of Order.
  6. Communications between Board members and staff is appropriate and encouraged. However, Board member requests, which require staff time, will be directed through the superintendent.
  7. All personnel issues received by the Board or individual members will be directed to the superintendent.
  8. If a Board member should require more information on a specific issue or agenda item, either the superintendent or Board president should be contacted prior to the meeting.
  9. Board members will consider issues on the agenda. Additional information regarding agenda items will be requested prior to the Board meeting via the superintendent.
  10. Board members have the option to request that an agenda item be placed under a new category or have the item deferred to a future meeting.

RESTRICTIONS

  1. Executive sessions will be held to discuss only those issues allowed by state statute. The Board will not vote on, nor take action on an issue discussed in executive session. Members will honor the confidentiality of the discussions.
  2. Individual Board members do not have decision-making authority. Only the Board as a whole has the authority to take action on district issues.
  3. Board work sessions will be for in-depth discussion on one or two specific topics.

We, the Board of Directors of the Snoqualmie Valley School District, agree to the above protocols on this 8th day of July, 2010.