Make board meetings more conducive to participation from the public.

By John R. Ackland

The board, as a direct liaison between the school and the community, needs to listen. The community should have greater input.

An example of the minutes not being complete was the June, 1997 board meeting when around fifty teachers had signed up to be put on the agenda to view their concerns. The minutes only stated that there was "public comment." There was no mention that the teachers even brought their concerns before the board. Is this being a responsible board? Did the board listen? The teachers were treated disrepectfully at this meeting. Why wasn't the board concerned with how the teachers felt to give them a fair hearing?

A "Great" School Board Member should have all of these qualities and more:

1. Be a patient listener.
2. Be as knowledgeable as possible about the district and educational issues.
3. Be a communicator - able to share that knowledge with others.
4. Be a delegator - able to get others involved in meeting challenges.
5. Be a cheerleader - distributing praise, giving credit for success to others.
6. Be responsible - able to say "the buck stops here" - I will be accountable for short-term failures.
7. Be open for suggestions, concerns, ideas and even criticisms.
8. Be fiscally accountable - making sure that every dollar is spent wisely and for the benefit of the students.
9. Be visible - attend as many school functions as possible, visit schools in session often, and attend all Board meetings.

10. Set a high moral standard for myself and expect the same for all employees of the district.