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The Board will govern with emphasis on organizational vision within the framework of a team approach. It will encourage expression of and respect for diverse viewpoints. It will focus on strategic decision-making and collaborating with the Superintendent to assess issues, needs and workable means of initiating and monitoring effective programs. The Board will respect the distinction between Board and the Superintendent's roles, being careful not to involve itself in the day to day administration of the system. It will make collective rather than individual decisions; exhibit future rather than past orientation; and govern proactively rather than reactively.
Accordingly:
1. The Board will cultivate a sense of group identity and will be responsible for excellence in governing. The expertise of individual Board members will enhance the ability of the Board as a body. Individual judgments and opinions will not be substituted for the Board's collective values. The Board will work in partnership with the Superintendent, staff, students, parents and the community.
2. The Board will set for itself a high standard of self-discipline which will apply to attendance, preparation for meetings, adherence to policy-making principles, respect of roles, and ensuring effective governance capability into the future.
3. The Board will direct control and inspire the district through the careful establishment of written policies reflecting the Board's values and perspectives. The Board's major policy focus will be on the intended long-term benefits for students.
4. The Board's public meetings will be characterized by full and meaningful discussion among members, respect for each member's opinion, collaborative exploration of options, and member discipline to avoid redundancy.
5. Board members will continually acquaint themselves with pertinent research and legislative issues through reading and/or participation in board development education offered by state and federal agencies.
6. Continuous Board development will include orientation of candidates for the Board and new members of the Board in the Board's governance process and periodic Board discussion and evaluation of process to assure continued improvement.
7. The Board will allow no officer, individual, panel or committee of the Board to hinder or be an excuse for not fulfilling its commitments.
8. The Board will assess its process and performance formally at least once a year, measuring its performance by school system results as well as by such Board performance dialogue as may be necessary.
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