0134 - SELF EVALUATION - BOARD OF EDUCATION

Southern Local School District

Administrative Guidelines

0134 - SELF EVALUATION - BOARD OF EDUCATION

The Board of Education expects a high level of performance from those who are employed to run the schools. School patrons and other taxpayers also expect a high level of performance from those who are elected to govern the schools.

Ultimately, the performance of individual board members is measured at election time. That is not enough, however. Each board of education should set aside some time on a regular basis to compare individual assessments of how well the governing body is functioning. The instrument or scoring system is not important. What is important is for the board to establish a plan to regularly analyze its method of operation and to seek better ways to conduct the affairs of the School District.

SAMPLE SELF-EVALUATION INSTRUMENT

	A.		BOARD MEETINGS: Official action can be taken only when the Board is in session; therefore each meeting must be organized for maximum efficiency.

Adequate		Inadequate		THE BOARD OF EDUCATION:

________		__________		receives agenda and background materials well in advance of meeting;

________		__________		makes public feel welcome; provides agenda, minutes, and related materials;

________		__________		assures that meeting time, place, and facilities are convenient for Board, staff, and public;

________		__________		does not present new issues of complex nature for immediate action;

________		__________		does not abuse privilege of tabling important issues;

________		__________		demonstrates knowledge and use of good parliamentary procedure;

________		__________		makes distinction between Board's role and function of administrators;

________		__________		expects staff input and Superintendent's recommendation on key issues;

________		__________		ensures that a good public participation policy is in effect;

________		__________		endeavors to make most productive use of meeting time;

________		__________		selects officers on basis of ability;

________		__________		conducts all meetings in accordance with the "Sunshine Law".

_______		__________

________		__________

	B.		BOARD-COMMUNITY RELATIONS: The schools belong to the people. As elected officials it is the responsibility of the Board to be representative, to be responsive, and to be effective as agents of change.

Adequate		Inadequate		THE BOARD OF EDUCATION:

__________		________		actively seeks input from community in establishing goals and objectives;

__________		________		gives full support cooperation to PTA and other citizens;

________		__________		establishes close working relationship with other units of government;

________		__________		is actively involved in State and Federal education legislation;

________		__________		maintains effective two-way communication between school officials and residents of the District;

________		__________		ensures best possible relationship between School District officials and the media;

________		__________		makes best use of facilities and resources in meeting needs of community;

________		__________		provides leadership in securing maximum community support for good educational program;

________		__________		approves annual budget within resources that can be certified in the "fiscal certificate;"

________		__________		adopts policies which ensure sound management and fiscal control.

________		__________

________		__________

	C.		BOARD-ADMINISTRATOR RELATIONS: A good Board-administrator relationship does not guarantee a successful educational program. It is doubtful, however, if a good program will exist in districts with poor Board-administrator relations.

Adequate		Inadequate		THE BOARD OF EDUCATION:

________		__________		evaluates performance of Superintendent and Treasurer on a regular basis;

________		__________		assures that all other personnel are evaluated on a regular basis by the appropriate administrator;

________		__________		works and plans with administration in spirit of mutual trust and confidence;

________		__________		recognizes Superintendent as chief executive officer and educational leader of the District;

________		__________		provides administrators and business officials encouragement and opportunity for professional growth;

________		__________		avoids interference with duties which are the responsibility of administrators;

________		__________		solicits input from professional staff in development of Board policies;

________		__________		addresses potential problems between Board and administrators at earliest opportunity;

________		__________		is willing to defend administrators from unjust and unfounded criticism;

________		__________		has explored the management team concept of operating the schools.

________		__________

________		__________

	D.		BOARD-STAFF RELATIONS: Good education depends on good teachers. It is incumbent on boards of education to seek maximum input from staff on educational issues while retaining the authority and responsibility for the operation of the schools.

Adequate		Inadequate		THE BOARD OF EDUCATION:

________		__________		approves job description for all approved positions;

________		__________		adopts appropriate personnel policies in the areas of employment evaluation, reduction in force and related matters;

________		__________		refers complaints to appropriate person for discussion;

________		__________		preserves and maintains adequate management rights in any labor relations agreement.

________		__________

________		__________

	E.		INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM: The purpose of public schools is to provide educational opportunities for all students. To this end it must be determined what are educationally valuable experiences and how they can best be delivered.

Adequate		Inadequate		THE BOARD OF EDUCATION:

________		__________		provides equal access to curricular and co-curricular activities for all students;

________		__________		approves course additions and deletions to the curriculum;

________		__________		balances the overall needs of students and community with efforts of special interest groups to influence the curriculum;

________		__________		encourages suggestions for curriculum improvement from students, staff, and community;

________		__________		safeguards the privacy of student records;

________		__________		encourages a positive approach to student discipline;

________		__________		safeguards the rights of students to due process.

	F.		PERSONAL QUALITIES: Maximum results as a school board member will be achieved only if high ethical standards of conduct are maintained in all personal, business, and public activities.

Adequate		Inadequate		THE BOARD OF EDUCATION:

________		__________		represent the best for compromise; abide by decisions of the majority;

________		__________		understand the need for compromise; abide by decisions of the majority;

________		__________		channel complaints and potential problems to proper authority;

________		__________		have made the time commitment necessary to become an informed and effective Board member;

________		__________		reach decisions on the merits of issues and on the basis of best available evidence;

________		__________		participate in in-service programs at regional, State, and national levels;

________		__________		does not individually or unilaterally make decisions or commitments on the Board's behalf;

________		__________		am open and honest with other Board members and administrators; share information and avoid "surprises" whenever possible;

________		__________		am familiar with and abide by the OSBA code of ethics.

________		__________

________		__________

	G.		ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: