This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

CHARACTERISTICS OF EFFECTIVE SCHOOL BOARDS - COMMUNICATION

The Center for Public Education published a study on what makes effective school boards.  The article identifies eight characteristics of effective school boards.  I will address some of the eight in the context of Haddonfield over the course of a few blog entries.  

First:  communication.  The study found that "[e]ffective school boards have a collaborative relationship with staff and the community and establish a strong communications structure to inform and engage both internal and external stakeholders in setting and achieving district goals."

Communication between the school board and the public has been an issue over the past few months. As the district developed a purchase strategy for the Bancroft property and undertook the turf field project,  many Haddonfield residents voiced concern about the process.  There was talk of deals being made without public input, agenda items being addressed without proper notice, and stakeholder concerns being dismissed without proper and thoughtful consideration. These allegations, whether founded or unfounded, erode the community's belief in the integrity of the Board and the processes it follows.

It is important to return to a more open process ("transparency" is the currently popular buzz word) to restore the faith that the community has in the Board and its actions.  Mutual trust between the Board and the community is vital.  

I  advocate for strict adherence to the public notice requirements for meetings - agendas must be posted, materials made available for public review, etc. - and for adequate opportunity for public comment.  Vigorous debate should be encouraged so that everyone feels that they have had the chance to be heard.  In this way, together, the Board and the community can determine what is the best course of action for Haddonfield's schools. 

(You can find a link to the article on my webpage at http://shawforschoolboard.weebly.com/)

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