About

The Scarborough School Board publicly commits to the following operating protocols:

1.  The Board will represent the needs and interests of every student in our district. We will stay flexible, endeavor to meet the needs of every student, while advocating for adequate and appropriate resources.
    
2.  The Board recognizes the value of transparency through informed discussions. To this end, information will be shared in good faith and in advance of meetings, to the extent possible. We will work to keep both the Superintendent and fellow Board members fully aware of significant information.  
    
3.  We agree to ask the Board Chair or the Superintendent to place an item on the agenda instead of bringing it up unexpectedly at a meeting.  
    
4.  The Board values direct input from members of the school and greater community in the decision-making process and will seek opportunities to foster community engagement.
    
5.  While the Board is eager to listen to its constituents and staff, all personnel complaints and criticisms will be referred to the proper school decision maker for resolution at the lowest possible level per Board policy KEB.  
    
6.  The Board will emphasize planning, policy-making, and communication rather than becoming involved in the management of the schools.
    
7.  The Board will establish annual goals, assess its collective effectiveness by yearly self-evaluation and address any improvement opportunities identified per Board policy BBAB.
    
8.  The Board will establish annual goals for the Superintendent in alignment with the overall mission and values of Scarborough Public Schools and will evaluate the Superintendent annually.
    
9.  The Board Chair will respond to emails but may delegate a
   response to another Board member. Individual Board members, including the Chair, may collaborate on responses when requested per Board policy BBAA. Board members who receive an email individually will forward the email to the other Board members.
    
10. Only the Board as a whole has authority. An individual Board      member can not take unilateral action per Board policy BBAA.
     
11. While debate and differing points of view are encouraged, we will engage with care and respect.  
     
12. Executive sessions will only be used to discuss authorized subjects as outlined in Maine Statute. Board members will be held to the strictest confidentiality regarding executive session subjects and discussions.
     
13. We agree that committee Chairs will act in good faith to schedule meetings which can be attended by the full committee and relevant staff.  Committee Chairs are responsible for providing agendas at least three business days prior to the meeting and meeting minutes within one week of the meeting.  All committee meetings will be recorded and/or live streamed whenever possible. See Board policy BDE.  

Adopted June 6, 2019
Revised March 16, 2023
Revised October 17, 2024
Revised December 4, 2025

Goal 1: Collaborate with the Town Council to pass the 2025 school solution referendum on November 4, 2025.

1. Action item/objective: The School Board will dedicate sufficient time and resources to ensure a passed referendum. 
2. Action item/objective: The School Board will update the community about progress toward the referendum at every School Board meeting. 
3. Action item/objective: The School Board will support the communications effort to educate the community at large about the project, the district’s needs and the potential impact on student success. 

Goal 2: The School Board will actively work to strengthen engagement between the school district and the broader community, fostering meaningful relationships, encouraging open dialogue and creating opportunities for involvement that reflect the shared values and goals of our schools and residents.

1. Action item/objective: The School Board will host a fall and spring community gathering to share updates and gather input.  
2. Action item/objective: The School Board will develop and distribute a comprehensive calendar of district-wide events to the broader community to encourage participation and to highlight the diverse initiatives taking place across our schools.
3. Action item/objective: The School Board will find effective and consistent channels of communication to reach the broader community.
4. Action item/objective: The School Board will reimagine the Communications Committee to better align with the Board’s renewed focus on strengthening community engagement. This evolution will prioritize inclusivity, transparency and innovative outreach strategies to better serve all stakeholders. 
5. Action item/objective: The School Board will uphold a culture of accountability by actively participating in all facets of Board work. This includes consistent attendance, preparation for meetings, transparent communication and engagement in strategic planning and community outreach efforts. 

Goal 3: The School Board will promote a district wide culture of inclusion and success through ongoing development in all subject areas, student support opportunities, social emotional learning and through district-wide DEI work. 

1. Action item/objective: The School Board will review student success metrics. 
2. Action item/objective: The School Board will get an annual report from the Leadership’s Professional Learning Team focused on MTSS and DEI initiatives. 
3. Action item/objective: The School Board will hold a minimum of two workshops related to this goal. 
4. Action item/objective: The School Board will continue to build capacity and understanding about student-centered work happening within the district through routine building presentations.
5. Action item/objective: The School Board will develop and adopt a comprehensive definition of DEI that reflects the values and goals of the district. 

Approved  August 21, 2025