Operating Protocol

For the purpose of enhancing teamwork among members of the Board and between the School Board and the Leadership Council, we, the members of the Scarborough School Board, do hereby publicly commit ourselves collectively and individually to the following operating protocol: 

1. Children's interests come first. The Board will represent the needs and interests of every child in our district. We will stay flexible, endeavor to meet the needs of every student, advocate for adequate and appropriate resources, and remain willing to examine how we might do our job better.
   
   
2. We will work to keep both the Superintendent and fellow Board members fully aware of current issues and concerns. Surprises to the Board or the Superintendent from either individual Board members, the Superintendent, or Leadership Council will be the exception, not the rule. There should be no surprises at a Board meeting. We agree to ask the Board Chair or the Superintendent to place an item on the agenda instead of bringing it up unexpectedly at the meeting.
   
   
3. Communication between staff and the Board is encouraged. However, individual Board member requests that will likely require considerable time or have political implications are to be directed to the Superintendent. All personnel complaints and criticisms received by the Board or its individual members will be directed to the Superintendent.
   
   
4. Follow the chain of command. The last stop, not the first, will be the Board. We agree to follow the chain of command and insist that others do so. While the Board is eager to listen to its constituents and staff, each inquiry to individual members of the Board is to be referred to the person who can properly and expeditiously address the issue, or to the Superintendent.
   
   
5. Practice the governance role. The Board will emphasize planning, policy-making, and communication rather than becoming involved in the management of the schools.
   
   
6. Annually conduct a self-assessment/evaluation. The Board will assess its effectiveness by yearly self-evaluation (prior to June 15th of each year) and by addressing itself to any improvement opportunities identified.
   
   
7. Clearly stated goals. The Board will set clear goals for themselves and the  Superintendent. The Board and Superintendent will set clear goals for the Scarborough School Department.
   
   
8. Utilize CEO input. The Superintendent is the Chief Executive Officer and should make recommendations, proposals or suggestions on most matters that come before the Board.
   
   
9. Board acts as one body. Individual Board members do not have authority. Only the Board as a whole has authority. We agree that an individual Board member will not take unilateral action. The Board Chair will communicate the position(s) of the Board on controversial issues. When Board members serve on various school committees, their role shall be defined by the Board as silent observer or active participant.
   
   
10. Debate the issues, not one another. Conduct at a Board meeting is very important. We agree to avoid words and actions that create a negative impression on an individual, the Board, or the district. While we encourage debate and differing points of view, we will do it with care and respect to avoid an escalation of negative impressions or incidents.
    
    
11. Avoid marathon Board meetings. To be efficient and effective, long Board meetings should be avoided. Points are to be made in as few words as possible; speeches at Board meetings will be minimal. If a Board member believes he/she doesn't have enough information or has questions, either the Superintendent or Board Chair is to be contacted for clarification as early as possible and prior to the meeting.
    
    
12. Practice efficient decision-making. Board meetings are for decision-making, action, and votes, not endless discussion. We agree to move the question when discussion is repetitive. Issues that require or lead to in-depth discussion should be moved to a Workshop Session.
    
    
13. Speak to agenda issues. The Board will not play to the audience. We agree to speak to the issues on the agenda and attend to our fellow Board members. Board members will avoid asking questions on items already addressed in prior meetings and agree to review tapes/minutes/ consult with the Chair regarding meetings missed so as to avoid repetitive questions. Facts and information needed from the Leadership Council will be referred to the Superintendent.
    
    
14. Executive/closed sessions will be held only for appropriate subjects. Executive sessions will be held only when specific needs arise. Board members will be extremely sensitive to the legal ramifications of their meetings and comments.