Joint Staff School Committee Training

Why do we need a JSSC? Provide orderly and professional means of improving educational programs, conditions within school, professional and public relations Involvement of staff in decision making

Committee Goal Bring together points of view from administration and staff around pertinent school issues in order to maximize student achievement and improve the well- being of employees.

Umbrella Committee Identify potential conflicts or redundancies Assure alignment with SIP, district policies, negotiated agreements Identify and provide information, support, suggestions It is not within the purview of the JSSC to veto or negate the work of other committees, but rather to provide a deeper and more meaningful involvement of staff members in decision-making

Who Serves on Committee? Principal and/or assistant principal(s) Members of teaching staff as elected by faculty Two classified employees elected by classified staff Additional Attendance

Compensation Stipends paid from Instruction Improvement Leader funds

Meeting Protocol Must meet monthly Enough time for thorough discussion Elected chair should facilitate meeting Minutes taken and reported within five working days Written agenda should guide meeting

Voting Procedure Decision making usually through consensus When not forthcoming a vote may be taken Each member has an equal vote

Responsibilities of Chair Schedule and conduct meetings Help establish ground rules Involve all members of committee Ensure distribution of minutes

Responsibilities of Members Contribute meaningful items for discussion Express opinions of those they represent Gather appropriate input or data Support and implement decisions of committee

Contractual Obligations At all levels Recommendations for use of professional leave days Input on assignment of FTE in building Approval of evening meeting other than parent-teacher meetings Provide liaison for JSSC to Community Council Refer items to District Liaison Council Instructional Improvement Leaders Use of Professional Days School Budgeting

Contractual Obligations Input on the use of time during late start Additional Compensation for Supervision of Extracurricular Activities High School

Contractual Obligations Approval of exceptions to Friday early out activities Additional Compensation for Supervision of Extracurricular Activities Junior High

Contractual Obligations Approval of exceptions to Friday early out activities Prep schedule Approval of prep schedule modifications for special activities Development of plan to distribute SEP stipends Elementary

Topics for Discussion School Improvement Plan Improving educational programs Professional staff relations Public relations/community outreach Conditions within school Communications Problem solving Staff Development School equipment utilization Student discipline policy Budget SIP budget Track assignments Innovative site programs Adjunct responsibilities Staff utilization Scheduling of activities

How do we pay the classified members of JSSC?

Meetings held within regular work hours are part of the requirements of job Meetings held outside regular hours could be paid from IIL funds

Who elects the classified members?

Classified members of the staff

What if JSSC decisions are not supported by the administrator?

Open communication prevents misunderstandings Minutes should be kept and distributed for future reference Discuss any changes at next meeting

How do we encourage a variety of viewpoints and open discussion?

Establish ground rules at beginning of year Bring concerns to committee in a professional manner If you feel like you have followed the rules but were still not listened to, express concerns to JSSC Chair. Every voice should be valued

How can we not be viewed as the “fix it group”?

Communicate with staff Share ground rules and goals

What if meetings go on and on and nothing gets decided?

Ground rules should include policy for meeting frequency and duration May be helpful to have timekeeper to keep meeting moving forward Good minutes can prevent issues from being addressed over and over

What if we meet infrequently or only when there is a crisis?

Establish a meeting calendar JSSC goals can only be accomplished with regular meetings.

What if someone always monopolizes the meeting?

Remember, members represent the entire staff not just themselves Chair’s responsibility to make sure all voices are heard and respected

What if we can’t come to a consensus?

How decisions will be made should be part of the ground rules Consensus is a powerful way to make decisions, it can be time- consuming Provisions should be in place if consensus cannot be reached

What if the principal has already made the decision and just wants approval?

Principals make many decisions that are within their managerial purview on a daily basis It’s helpful to clarify if the principal is seeking input or asking committee to make the final decision

What if no one will risk being open to talking about difficult issues?

Avoiding tough issues will not make them go away Someone needs to be brave enough to ask the tough questions or ask for help from the District, DEA, or DESP

What if you really don’t function as a group?

Acknowledge there is a problem Training and mediation are available from the District, DEA or DESP Take time to develop good group dynamics. It will save time in the long run and make for a more effective school year

Positive Outcomes of Well Functioning JSSC Happy and satisfied staff Good direction developed through collaboration Open and effective communication Staff development based on school goals and data from interested groups Positive school climate Instructional strategies that are tailored to fit the needs of your school