9030 9030Bylaws of the Board
Commitment to Democratic Principles in Relation to Community, Staff, Students
Board-Staff Communications
The Board of Education recognizes the need to maintain open communication between itself and the staff. Essentially, communications with staff deal with three general areas -- administration, policy and philosophy. While the Board recognizes the necessity for Board-staff communications, it also recognizes that administrative matters must be dealt with through its chief administrator. Hence, the basic line of communication for administrative matters shall be through the Superintendent.
1. Staff Communications to the Board
(cf. 4135.4 and 4235.4 re Complaints/Grievances)
Staff members are also reminded that Board meetings are public meetings. As such, they provide an excellent opportunity to observe and participate first hand the Board's deliberations on problems of staff concern.
2. Board Communication to Staff
(cf. 9020 - Public Statements)
3. Visits to Schools
Individual Board members interested in visiting schools or classrooms will make arrangements for visitations through the administrators 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 conducted only under Board authorization and with the full knowledge of staff, including the Superintendent, building administrators and other supervisors.
4. Social Interaction
Staff and Board members share an 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, and innovations and general school district problems. Individual Board members have no special authority except when they are convened at a legal meeting of the Board or vested with special authority by Board action. Board of Education members are expected to avoid discussion of:
A. Matters that are, or have the potential of becoming, the subject of an executive session;
B. Information and data contained in personnel records protected by the privacy act;
(cf. 5145 - Civil and Legal rights & Responsibilities)
(cf. 9132/9133 - Committees and Advisory Committees)
Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes
10-220 Duties of Boards of Education.
Bylaw adopted by the Board: