9230 9230Bylaws of the Board
New Board Member Orientation
The Board of Education and the administrative staff shall assist each new Board member elect to become familiar with and to understand the Board of Education's functions, policies and procedures and operation of the school district before the member takes office. The following methods shall be employed:
1. The incoming member shall be given selected materials on the function of the Board of Education and the school district.
2. The incoming member shall be invited to attend Board meetings and functions and to participate in its discussions.
3. The incoming member shall be invited to meet with the Superintendent and other administrative personnel to discuss services they perform for the Board and the school district.
Alternate language: The Superintendent shall arrange a meeting of the Board Chairperson, the Superintendent and the new member for the purpose of answering questions and acquainting the member with the district.
4. The incoming member shall be provided with a copy of the Board 's policies and bylaws, administrative regulations and copies of pertinent materials developed by the State School Board Association, Board minutes for the past year and other helpful information explaining the Board's roles and responsibilities.
5. The Board Chairperson or designee shall arrange a meeting with new Board member(s) for the purpose of explaining and answering questions about Board processes and procedures.
6. The Board Chairperson may request a veteran Board member to mentor a new member.
7. The incoming member may attend, at district expense, workshops for newly elected members as approved by the Board of Education.
8. First-time elected board members are to complete a training program that minimally includes the following:
The role and responsibilities of a board member;
The duties and obligations of a board of education;
School district budgeting and education finance.
This training must be completed at a time determined by the Connecticut Department of Education (CSDE), but not later than one year after assuming office.
Candidates
The Superintendent or his/her designee shall invite all current candidates for the office of Board of Education member to attend (1) Board meetings, except that this invitation shall not extend to any executive sessions, and (2) pre-election workshops for candidates.
Legal Reference: Public Act 23-167, An Act Concerning Transparency in Education requires first-time board members to complete a prescribed training program at a time determined by CSDE, but no later than one year after assuming office. Sections 2 and 3
Bylaw adopted by the Board: