212 Policy: School Board Member Development

I.          PURPOSE

In recognition of the need for continuing in service training and development for its members, the purpose of this policy is to encourage the members of the school board to participate in professional development activities designed for them so that they may perform their responsibilities.

II.        GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY

A.        New school board members shall attend Phase I and Phase II orientation and training sessions sponsored by the Minnesota School Boards Association (MSBA) within 180 days, including training in school finance and management.

B.        New School Board Members will receive a school board manual and an orientation provided by the Superintendent and the School Board Chair.

C.        The School Board shall annually conduct a self-evaluation.

D.        All school board members are encouraged to participate in school board and related workshops and activities sponsored by local, state, and national school boards associations, as well as in the activities of other educational groups.

E.         School board members are expected to report back to the school board with materials of interest gathered at the various meetings and workshops.

F.         The school board will reimburse the necessary expenses of all school board members who attend meetings and conventions pertaining to school activities and the objectives of the school board, within the approved policy and budget allocations of the school district.

Legal References:  Minn. Stat. § 123B.09, Subd. 2 (School Board Member Training)