BOARD ADOPTS INNOVATIVE GOVERNANCE MODEL The board of Schoolcraft Learning Community has chosen to use a results-oriented board model called Policy Governance. This model helps to clarify the difference between the board and staff roles, provides a clear means to communicate and monitor expectations, and promotes staff empowerment. Through the policies that it develops, the board builds a fence that prohibits what may not happen, leaving bountiful room for staff creativity to achieve the desired results. The fence is built not of the individual whims of board members, staff or vocal members of the school community, but through careful consideration and meaningful input (from all of the aforementioned and more) that allows the board to make informed decisions about expected outcomes. The board's job is to make sure the school works and is fulfilling its purpose. The board is ultimately accountable that resources are used efficiently, that the school operates effectively, and that safe and positive environments for learning are maintained. Policy Governance provides the structure to assure this happens without micromanagement -- moving from a managerial focus to a strategic governance focus. This board model, like the charter school movement itself, is non-traditional. The board doesn't approve things that the staff have already done or grant permission for things on a case-by-case basis. The Policy Governance board doesn't generally deal with complaints about staff or even about program matters such as specific curriculum issues. The dialogue is never about what the organization will do, but about the results of its doing--what difference the school will make. The board does this through communicating (through its policies) the expectations of these end results. The Director and staff then have full freedom and responsibility to reach these stated results in any way they wish as long as they don't violate the methods that the board prohibits. Board meetings will have a different flavor. We will begin the meeting at 6 as usual with time for staff, parent and community information. The "business" meeting, which will begin at least by 6:30, will follow this which will focus more on the big picture and less on decisions on the day-to-day management of the school. It might appear that this model insulates the board from complaints or suggestions for operational improvements. However, the model does not suggest that everyone "live with" everything that is happening no matter if they agree with it or not. It is just important that issues are addressed where they belong - if it is an operational issue, the staff deals with it and if it is a policy issue, the board deals with it. The board's recently approved policies include a requirement that a grievance procedure be established, which the staff are currently developing. The board will then monitor to assure that this and other policies have been met. There is much learning and work that needs to be done to implement this system. However, becoming more aware and intentional about governance will increase the likelihood that Schoolcraft will continue to grow and prosper as a learning community of excellence. Schoolcraft will begin recruiting board member nominees in the next few weeks. Individuals are encouraged to consider becoming a board member who have:
If you would like to learn more about the Policy Governance model visit www.carvergovernance.com and/or attend an informational meeting that will be presented at Schoolcraft in the next few weeks.
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