Superintendent/Board Secretary Working relationship September 2019

Agenda My background as Superintendent Superintendent and Board Secretary role Small, medium, large districts – what are the differences? BOE policies Community engagement Legal Communications Board meetings Working with BOE members Q & A

My background as Superintendent 12th year as school superintendent South Harrison R-II (3 years as supt) – 850 students, three schools Maryville R-II (4 years as supt) – 1,489 students, four schools Jefferson City School District (5th year as supt) – 8,968 students, 18 schools 25th year in education Business teacher, counselor, coach, Director

My Leadership Role as Superintendent Facilitate collective action through learning, partnerships and stewardship WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER!

Board secretary role Key to a successful school district “If momma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy” Must be on the same page!! Board of Education Secretary JC Schools custodian of records Works “hand in hand” with Superintendent Conduit between BOE and Superintendent Liaison between Superintendent and stakeholders Emergency contact

Small, Medium, Large Districts Similarities Can always improve working stronger together Learning, Partnerships, Stewardship “Takes all kinds to make the world go round” Differences Levels of engagement may or may not vary Levels of expectations may or may not vary Committee meetings/focus groups # of schools – events & activities

JCPS Vision – Premier School District

BOE Policies MSBA recommended updates The role of the policy committee Small Medium Large Staff/BOE input, finalize language, communications with MSBA

Community Engagement – “whatever it takes to develop collective action” Keeps me organized – calendar, email, board meeting agenda Scheduling Open door policy Coffee w/ Larry Rounding w/ Larry Town hall meetings School parent meetings Bond issue (107 meetings) & boundary line changes (74 meetings) Capital City High School Focus groups (diversity, facilities, athletics, student behaviors, reading, etc) Media – radio, TV, newspaper, tweets

Upset patrons Protect board secretary Welcome smiles 1st line of defense Defuse when possible Redirect as needed “give in” when needed

Legal Lawsuits Communications with attorneys Custodian of records Communications with BOE More active if superintendent named Sunshine law requests – small, medium, large

Communications with BOE Daily Weekly Monthly Written, digital, texting Emergency situations Building level BOE

Board packets Development of the Agenda Department reports – deadline of all reports and documentation Commentaries Changes in the agenda Board docs - recent

Board meetings Attendance of patrons Live streaming Open forum Media TV & Newspaper Controversy

Working with BOE members All on the same team – do not divide Don’t manipulate BOE Secretary – which side? Consistency Honesty Face to face or involve board president when necessary

What questions do you have? ??