COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Two-way communication is to be fostered through system-wide and local school public information programs. From time to time, a community may be invited by the board to serve as advisors individually and in groups.

Final decisions will be the responsibility of the School Committee.

It will be the policy that new educational programs, proposed new construction, and/or innovations in educational methods will be discussed in public at regular board meetings.

Moreover, parent involvement (help, support, communication) is encouraged through both traditional and non-traditional methods such as "room parents," volunteers in classrooms, parent-teacher conferences, and participation in parent-teacher organizations.

While striving to obtain community involvement in decision making, it is recommended that it is the ultimate responsibility of the elected board to provide lay governance of the schools as prescribed in law.

Further, the board recognizes in its staff the professional expertise inherent in its training, experience and commitment. Thus, the board and staff shall use their best judgment in arriving at decisions.

Substantial weight is to be given to the advice, information and desire expressed by individuals and community groups interested in the schools, especially from those individuals and groups invited to advise regarding selected issues, but also from unsolicited comment as well.

Legal Reference: Title 20-A MRSA SEC. 1001 ET SEQ.

Cross Reference:

BDF - ADVISORY COMMITTEES TO THE BOARD

Adopted: February 28, 1994