So did any of our readers know about the classes that the new board members should be attending sponsored by the Pennsylvania School Boards Association? (OK, OK, yes, I know some of our readers are former school board members and probably attended themselves.) However, I was unaware of such a thing and pose an open question to all nine of the current school board members. Have you attended already or when are the dates set for you to attend?
"Fast Track sessions [were] held over two days in King of Prussia at the start of December. Topics were varied, giving board members the opportunity to choose from classes such as “Budget Basics for School Boards,” “The Board's Role in Promoting Student Growth and Achievement” and “I'm a new school board member, now what?”
There's quite a large number of items that this website covers. Gee, I thought all school board members did was create controversy and/or do nothing while in office. They have responsibilities and everything. Since there's only seven members participating in the Morrisville school board committee discussions, I hope the three more experienced members can keep the four newbies in line.
Look at the stuff you can learn about!
Initiatives for Effective School Governance
Funding Issues and Concerns
School Design and Construction Conference
Maybe tomorrow night at the inaugural regular school board meeting, we can find out how many attended and what they thought about the classes. And if they didn't attend, why not?
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
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9 comments:
My money is on Marlys Myhock saying "I already was a board member. I don't need no steenkin' classes."
It's my understanding that PSBA offers quite a bit of helpful and instructional assistance to board members, new and old.
"The Academy's educational foundation consists of four new board member orientation programs presented January through April of every even-numbered year. Once the educational foundation is achieved, board members and other school officials then have the opportunity to continue their learning experience through other programs offered at convenient locations at various times of the year."
No excuses for school board members. I would be interested in polling all members, new and old, as to whether they've taken these courses. As a matter of fact, I'd be interested in knowing if previous school board members had taken them as well. Isn't this information public? Maybe someone should call the PSBA and ask for the district's records of attendance.
And as if those courses aren't enough, here's a list of additional on-site courses school board members could take.
Plus, I think they get regular publications of current issues. I bet not half of the board reads that stuff.
I admire board members who take this stuff seriously and put in the time needed to understand issues and educate themselves. Those who don't are not really serious about solving the problems.
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OK. I went back and reread what I wrote. It sounds a little soap-boxy / preachy. I guess I'm just feeling that MOST people who run for these positions are not serious about doing the job right.
OK, maybe it does sound preachy in a place or fifteen :) but it's an extremely valid point. I do not want to climb up on my soap box about how we should elect the best person for the job, not the one who runs the slickest campaign. However, I do question the caliber of some of the NSNs elected. Most of them are one-trick ponies who stopped the school with a slick campaign appealing to the wallet instead of the head, and when it all falls to ruins (read into that what you will) they will shrug their shoulders and abandon ship.
I guess when Marlys was a board member before she neglected to take the course that tells you that you can't legally fire and lock-out district employees from their jobs. Or the 1 that says listen to your attorney when they tell you something is contrary to law. The $1+ million loss from that debacle, invested wisely over the last 10+ yrs., could have gone a long way towards financing an entirely new school.
Maybe they don't have to take the classes...I know that one would like to remove Algebra from the required classes, so they can make up all the rules as they go.
Besides, who needs algebra? And what is it anyway, with all those X's and Y's and stuff. Math is numbers.
You didn't need algebra when the steel mill was open, that's for sure.
Courier Times (December 12, 2007) quotes Marlys Myhock as saying "[The appeal] will be stopped tomorrow night and I anticipate that it will pass, that the board majority will stop it."
And how do we know this, Marlys? Have we been having secret meetings to discuss the issue?
Myhock said the agenda also includes a motion to look for a law firm the district would hire "on a contingency basis, to see what we can do about money we've given to the architect and engineer."
What the hell is "on a contingency basis"? Contingent on what, whether they give you the advice you want to hear or not? Reminds me of the stories of long ago when advisors to the king told him exactly what he wanted to hear so that they wouldn't be executed.
What self respecting law firm will agree to be hired "on a contingency basis"? (Is "self respecting law firm" an oxymoron?)
And another thing, what does she expect to happen with regards to money already paid to the architect and engineer? Does she think the district is owed the money back, just because it changed it's mind? She's just going to drag the district into another round of legal battles (like the ones when the support personel were fired by her and her cronies).
A couple of comments:
PSBA classes were discussed last night and Mrs. Worob urged the newbies to attend them. Including the NSBA (National School Board Association) convention in Florida. She said we've never had anyone attend a national conference. Oh, and the school district pays for these classes.
I did take quite a few classes when I started and they were very helpful. The communication class was especially informative for anyone who wishes to embark on a major construction project. (Yeah, we did everything pretty much the wrong way there.)
Dr. Yonson is investigating getting someone from PSBA down to our school, which would be great as it removes the excuses to not attend.
As far as the reading goes, I haven't read a good novel in two years. Murder fiction on the train to work doesn't count. There's a ton of stuff that comes in the mail, the weekly board packets from the administration and then your own research.
The contingency basis was explained at the board meeting. Apparently, they want to get a lawyer who will only get paid if they get a settlement. Mr. Hellmann refused to elaborate on what he thinks is worthy of litigation. I'm no lawyer, but I'd see a lot of research and court time going into this before any money was paid out. Seems like a big risk for someone to do that amount of work on contingency. But I'm betting they've got someone in mind already. Allow me to begin a cold reading: I'm feeling male, something manly. But sweet, like honey, possibly candy...
John Jordan attended the NSBA annual meeting at least once. Many board members attended the classes given by PSBA too. Some refused, including Mr. Radosti. Surprised?
Hey Joeyouknow,
I think I'm catching your drift. But isn't his winning percentage the same as this year's Miami Dolphins?
Schweeeeeeeeeeeet!
Hopefully some seated Board members will demand to know what they are voting on when hiring this guy, and refuse to vote until so informed. Making this a part of the record is important. Board members can't be asked to vote for something they don't understand. THey have that right. The motion should also include the exact purpose of why the attorney is being hired so that there isn't a blank check to use them for whatever they so desire whenever they wish. Just a thought.
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