Parent/BOE members

I have, over the years, had times where a BOE member who is also a parent has an "issue" with a teacher or Administrator. Instead of following the chain of command they have brought the issue in front of the BOE(usually in Exec. session). I generally try to stop the conversation, but at times it is difficult because I do not want to embarass that particular member. I have had sit downs with these members - after the fact- to try and expalin how thier actions could potentially bias the BOE if the issue were to make it all the way to us.

Example - Brand new teacher to the districtr, becomse a soccer coach at the modified level, is doing a great job with the kids.. BUT, relies on the athletes and make them responsible for knowing practice times etc. There have been a few missed communications with parents who show up early or late, or not at all. Complaint was that coach doesnt communicate well enough with parents.. this came to the full BOE before it went to - the coach, or the AD etc.

So my question is, do any of you have some training "tools" to address this? I have seen the training provided by NYSSBA in thier "New Board Members, packet" and have used it before, I reminded everyone at our reorg meeting about this issue annually, now I'm looking for any other tools out there.

Thanks

I think we all "one or 2 of those" and have this same issue- I don't know if it will help any of you at all, but every July, for or the meeting right after our reorg meeting, we have our attorney come to the meeting and give his yearly speech- "What You Need To Know And What You Can/Can't Do As A School Board Member". We didn't have any new members this year, but we had one particular member that needed some brain jabbing that he wasn't "special" and just couldn't go waltzing around the school anytime he wanted checking things out. He was also micromanaging our admin team- whom I should say are excellent, but 2 he personally has a distaste for.... Makes for not playing well in the sandbox....

Replies

Kristina Hameister September 12, 2019 at 12:05pm

I think we all "one or 2 of those" and have this same issue- I don't know if it will help any of you at all, but every July, for or the meeting right after our reorg meeting, we have our attorney come to the meeting and give his yearly speech- "What You Need To Know And What You Can/Can't Do As A School Board Member". We didn't have any new members this year, but we had one particular member that needed some brain jabbing that he wasn't "special" and just couldn't go waltzing around the school anytime he wanted checking things out. He was also micromanaging our admin team- whom I should say are excellent, but 2 he personally has a distaste for.... Makes for not playing well in the sandbox....
Bob McCann July 22, 2019 at 1:30pm

Thanks Parvin, it is never too late for a response I appreciate all input. We did end up having a conversation about the athletes responsibilities, right in line with what you were saying.
Bob McCann June 13, 2019 at 1:13pm

Thanks Steven, we do have policy, however it is somewhat vague. I am developing a worksheet of best practices for new and seasoned BOE members.
Steven Hartman May 24, 2019 at 11:55am

Bob, do you have a policy related to communication which helps direct people to follow the chain of command?

This reply was deleted.