Political Influence and Governance

1. Exhibit an understanding of school districts as a political system, including governance models;
2. Demonstrate the ability to involve stakeholders in the development of educational policy;
3. Understand the role and coordination of social agencies and human services;
4. Demonstrate the ability to align constituencies in support of priorities and build coalitions for programmatic and financial support.

Reflection: School districts are governed by elected officials on the School Board. The relationship between the School Board and Superintendent and other administrators is important as they work together to guide and lead the district.

This is an area that I would to focus my continuing learning. My goals are to continue to develop knowledge and comfort with policy and law by attending yearly updates, collaborating with peers, verifying answers before responding to questions (to prevent giving staff wrong answers and losing trust), creating notes with frequent policy questions and answers, and consistently attending the MDE update forums.

I frequently work with social services and public health on student referrals to special education, creating plans to improve attendance, and plans to support student and familiy needs. I believe it is important for community and county agencies to partner with schools to provide effective services for students.

I have had the opportunity to attend and present at School Board meetings and observe Special Education Cooperative board meetings but I was not an active part of decision making. Through our leadership teams we are attempting to involve more stake holders, such as parents and community organizations, in our decision making processes and to work with them to understand the governance process in schools. I have a good basic understanding and will gain additional experience and comfort when I am more involved in the process.

Artifacts

1. School Board meetings and notes sampling

Truth in Taxation Hearing, Fiscal Budget Audit Report, Operational Meeting of the Board, Regular Meeting

I attended almost all regular and working school board meetings over the last 14 months and was able to present at multiple meetings. This expereince provided me an opportunity to follow school improvment efforts, initiatives, staffing, and programing implementation from the start through to the approval and financing aspect. I look forward to continuing to support the school board in my next roll.