MONROE - The Monroe school board is doing a good job overall, but it could use some improvement in orienting new board members and getting out into the public more, according to a recent self-evaluation by school board members.
For its annual evaluation, board members answered a questionnaire designed to determine how well the board is performing its duties and responsibilities. Board members could select either "Needs Improvement" or "Meets Expectations" for each entry. Responses and comments were tallied and listed anonymously in a report given to school board members.
One area identified as needing improvement was orienting new board members. Four of nine school board members felt must do better at giving new board members "essential information needed to carry out their duties." Five board members also said there needs to be improvement in appointing mentors for new board members.
"I would still like to see a hard-copy policy book given to each board member upon coming onto the board to allow them to the opportunity to read and review policies," one comment said.
Scott Schmidt, school board president, said mentoring new board members has long been an area for improvement.
"It's always been an issue," he said.
New board members can sometimes feel lost, but he and other board members always make themselves available to answer questions, Schmidt said.
Board members only gave themselves a so-so rating for keeping abreast of school programs by attending workshops and reading professional journals and books.
"I need to make a better effort to attend workshops and read professional publications," one board member said.
"This becomes more challenging every year. We need to make this an emphasis point for members to make time for (Wisconsin Association of School Boards) events or focus on area of interest each year," another wrote.
School-community relations also raised a concern for some board members. Six said board members need to improve in accepting speaking engagements and attending other meetings in the community, while five said there should be improvement in conducting board meetings at locations throughout the district to increase participation from the community. In reviewing the evaluation at the board's meeting Monday, this topic generated discussion about the whether the district should occasionally hold meetings at school buildings throughout the district instead of the District Administrative Center.
Schmidt said the board used to periodically hold meeting in school buildings. There are certain logistical problems with doing so, but he said it might make sense at times and the board will take another look at it.
On the plus side, all board members noted the administrative staff meets expectations for sharing information on new and current programs and operations in the district. They also said funding is available for board members to participate in inservice activities.
Board members gave high marks to school board meetings, indicating agendas and that materials are distributed in a timely manner; there is sufficient public notice of meetings; and all board members support actions taken by the board as a whole. Most agreed meetings are orderly and discussion points and motions are summarized before votes are taken; votes are based on issues and not personality differences; and board members treat each other and staff with respect.
Policy and planning also received high marks overall, although three said there should be improvement in involving staff, students and the community in policy development.
"Not sure how much student and community involvement is included with policy development," one comment said. "There might be some informal discussions with these stakeholders that I am not familiar with."
The board's relationship with Superintendent Larry Brown met expectations across the board. "Larry is exemplary in keeping the Board informed and soliciting their input," one board member wrote.
Likewise, the board was complimentary of the district's handling of its finances. Members gave high marks and compliments to Ron Olson, business manager for the district.
"What was our weakest point has become one of our strongest - open communications, determined, create and conscientious staff has revived the district's integrity. Thanks Ron and staff!" one board member wrote.
The evaluation also showed board members overall believe the board is meeting expectations in regards to personnel relations.
For its annual evaluation, board members answered a questionnaire designed to determine how well the board is performing its duties and responsibilities. Board members could select either "Needs Improvement" or "Meets Expectations" for each entry. Responses and comments were tallied and listed anonymously in a report given to school board members.
One area identified as needing improvement was orienting new board members. Four of nine school board members felt must do better at giving new board members "essential information needed to carry out their duties." Five board members also said there needs to be improvement in appointing mentors for new board members.
"I would still like to see a hard-copy policy book given to each board member upon coming onto the board to allow them to the opportunity to read and review policies," one comment said.
Scott Schmidt, school board president, said mentoring new board members has long been an area for improvement.
"It's always been an issue," he said.
New board members can sometimes feel lost, but he and other board members always make themselves available to answer questions, Schmidt said.
Board members only gave themselves a so-so rating for keeping abreast of school programs by attending workshops and reading professional journals and books.
"I need to make a better effort to attend workshops and read professional publications," one board member said.
"This becomes more challenging every year. We need to make this an emphasis point for members to make time for (Wisconsin Association of School Boards) events or focus on area of interest each year," another wrote.
School-community relations also raised a concern for some board members. Six said board members need to improve in accepting speaking engagements and attending other meetings in the community, while five said there should be improvement in conducting board meetings at locations throughout the district to increase participation from the community. In reviewing the evaluation at the board's meeting Monday, this topic generated discussion about the whether the district should occasionally hold meetings at school buildings throughout the district instead of the District Administrative Center.
Schmidt said the board used to periodically hold meeting in school buildings. There are certain logistical problems with doing so, but he said it might make sense at times and the board will take another look at it.
On the plus side, all board members noted the administrative staff meets expectations for sharing information on new and current programs and operations in the district. They also said funding is available for board members to participate in inservice activities.
Board members gave high marks to school board meetings, indicating agendas and that materials are distributed in a timely manner; there is sufficient public notice of meetings; and all board members support actions taken by the board as a whole. Most agreed meetings are orderly and discussion points and motions are summarized before votes are taken; votes are based on issues and not personality differences; and board members treat each other and staff with respect.
Policy and planning also received high marks overall, although three said there should be improvement in involving staff, students and the community in policy development.
"Not sure how much student and community involvement is included with policy development," one comment said. "There might be some informal discussions with these stakeholders that I am not familiar with."
The board's relationship with Superintendent Larry Brown met expectations across the board. "Larry is exemplary in keeping the Board informed and soliciting their input," one board member wrote.
Likewise, the board was complimentary of the district's handling of its finances. Members gave high marks and compliments to Ron Olson, business manager for the district.
"What was our weakest point has become one of our strongest - open communications, determined, create and conscientious staff has revived the district's integrity. Thanks Ron and staff!" one board member wrote.
The evaluation also showed board members overall believe the board is meeting expectations in regards to personnel relations.