Waynesboro City School Board
Governance Norms & Protocols
We agree to employ the following norms in all our interactions:
• 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.
• The chairman (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. 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. As a courtesy, board members will communicate with the school board chair and the Superintendent when any invitations to speak are received if invited in the capacity of an elected official or a topic relevant to school board matters.
• We will be mindful of the different roles and responsibilities throughout the school system and maintain a focus on policy and governance. We will be focused on our work as a board and not interfere with the day-to-day operations of the school system, which is the responsibility of the superintendent who serves as the subject-matter expert.
• We will be aware of the different roles that we play as individuals (board member, citizen, parent, etc.).
• We will maintain open communication with each other and the administration. 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:
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Developing the board agenda
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The chairman and vice chairman meet with the superintendent to develop the agenda.
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Placing items on the board meeting agenda
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The board member will contact the chair or superintendent by the Tuesday prior to the Thursday agenda review meeting to add items to the agenda.
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Obtaining information about board meeting agenda items before the meeting
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The board member will contact the Superintendent or the chairman with questions prior to the meeting.
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Responding to
comments at board meetings
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Board members will not respond to comments during board meetings. The superintendent will follow up with the community member after the board meeting if needed.
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Responding to staff or community complaints outside of board
meetings
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Refer the individual to the appropriate staff member and inform the superintendent.
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Communications
between and among board members
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Communication via phone calls is encouraged between board members.
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Communications
between board
members and the
superintendent
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The Superintendent will email board members with general information. Specific topics can be discussed in person or via a phone call.
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Communications
between board
members and staff
(including requests for information)
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Board members will contact the superintendent with questions, concerns and requests for information. The chairman should be cc’ed on email communication.
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Assignment of
committee members when representing
the school board
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Assignments are made at the July meeting by consensus or as needed throughout the year. Any requests for representation by members of the school board to serve on a group or committee will come through the chair and vice chair through a request form.
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Committee reporting expectations
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Reports are made at the monthly board meeting, if applicable.
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Responding to media inquiries
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The chairman will be the spokesperson for actions taken by the board.
The superintendent or designee will respond to day-to-day operation questions.
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Use of social media
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The board will create a social media policy for board members.
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How, when and whom to notify about visiting school sites
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Board members will contact the superintendent prior to visiting school sites in the capacity of a board member.
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How, when and whom to notify about
volunteering in schools or at school events
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Board members will contact the superintendent prior to volunteering in schools.
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How, when and whom to notify about
attending school
events (concerts,
sporting events, etc.)
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Attendance at school events is encouraged.
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Expectations for
participation in
professional
development
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Board members are encouraged to attend the VSBA Annual Convention and new members are encouraged to attend new member orientation.
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Expectations for
participation in
meetings and
conferences
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Board members are expected to attend all school board meetings and joint meetings with city council, etc.
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When and how the
board evaluates the superintendent
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The superintendent is evaluated each May. The full board will meet with the superintendent to share the results.
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When and how the
board conducts a self evaluation
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The board will conduct an annual self-evaluation.
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When and how the
board monitors and updates the school
board’s strategic plan
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The strategic plan is reviewed at least once a year.
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Adopted: May 11, 2021