School Board Meeting

School Board Meeting

I chose to attend a School Board meeting electronically. This larger WI district video records all school board meetings which allowed me to privilege of watching and rewatching portions of the meeting to ensure I had the greatest understanding. The agenda both short and long forms were also available for preview and to further develop an understanding of the board governance model.

Upon watching this meeting it was quickly apparent the board enjoyed a light atmosphere and appreciated an upbeat, celebratory atmosphere. There were several celebrations highlighted early in the meeting. When one group presented, the school board president invited the group up to speak and provided his seat for the teaching staff and student speakers to sit in. He was very complimentary to the staff and students. This is not meant to indicate the meeting was any less professional as that was not the case. Whenever anyone spoke at this meeting they either had a mic before them or went to the podium to respond to the board's requests.

Community - Peter Block

There were several portions of this book that truly resonated with me. I have many quotes I pulled from his language that I will use going forward with my staff. He caused me to think deeply about the environment and set-up of the room and what this communicates to staff, parents, and students as they enter.

Building and valuing community matters greatly. Truly listening to what those present are saying without developing a response or judging statements made will help to build trust among those who are speaking to of their concerns.

Creating or updating a School District Vision and Mission

Creating or updating a School District Vision and Mission

I will begin by forming a team, providing them some professional development and guidance around the process of creating a vision and mission statement.  Then, ask the team to introduce the concept of vision and mission with their sub-groups representing the entire faculty, student senate, PTO, community and local business members, and school board members.  The leaders will incorporate statements into themes presented. These will be synthesized with the leaders agreeing that the intent of the statements is present in the ultimate synthesis.

Vision statements from other districts will be shared to give an example of the end goal. Having a clear picture of where we want to land at the end of our journey aides the process to completion, but can also limit thinking.  This will be done with great caution.