Revised: 6-14-77
Revised: 9-14-05 (Approved)
The Board recognizes that in determining general policies relating to the operation of the schools, handling of personnel problems, and the general welfare of all personnel, it should set up satisfactory procedures for communication with all personnel. Free channels of communication should be established so that decisions affecting the interest and welfare of these personnel may be made only after careful Board consideration has been given to their views, recommendations, needs, and grievances.
The Board desires to maintain open channels of communication between itself and the staff. The basic line of communication will, however, be through the district Superintendent.
Staff Communication to the Board
All communication or reports to the Board or any Board committee from principals, supervisors, teachers, or other staff members shall be submitted through the Superintendent. This necessary procedure shall not be construed as denying the right of any employee to appeal to the Board from administrative decisions on important matters, provided that the Superintendent shall have been notified of the forthcoming appeal and that it is processed in accordance with the Board's policy on complaints and grievances. Staff members are also reminded that Board meetings are public meetings. As such, they provide an excellent opportunity to observe at first hand the Board's deliberations on problems of staff concern.
Board Communication to Staff
All official communications, policies, and directives of staff interest and concern will be communicated to staff members through the Superintendent, and the Superintendent will employ all such media as are appropriate to keep staff fully informed of the Board's problems, concerns, and actions.
Visits to Schools
Individual Board members interested in visiting schools or classrooms will inform the Superintendent of such visits and make arrangements for visitations through the principals of the various schools. Such visits shall be regarded as informal expressions of interest in school affairs and not as "inspections" or visits for supervisory or administrative purposes. Official visits by Board members will be carried out only under Board authorization and with the full knowledge of staff, including the Superintendent, principals, and other supervisors.
Social Interaction
Staff and Board members share a keen interest in the schools and in education generally, and it is to be expected that when they meet at social affairs and other functions, they will informally discuss such matters as educational trends, issues, innovations, and general school district problems.
Miscellaneous
Because the Board is required from time to time to sit as an impartial body and make decisions and judgments relating to personnel, the discussion of personalities on the staff between staff members and Board members is to be discouraged. This is to assure those who may be involved of an unbiased hearing and their right to due process.
Employees who have grievances against other employees are encouraged to use the Grievance Procedure Policy GBA-2 or to meet with the entire Board at a regular meeting of the Board or at a special meeting of the Board called for the purpose of hearing the grievance.
Attention is again given to the fact that individual Board members have no special authority excepting when they are convened at a legal meeting of the Board or vested with special authority by Board action.