Building Trust with Communities

By L. L. "Vern" Weber

Perceptions are often formed from a few badly handled issues, such as the recent parcel tax election and personnel transfers. The board and administration must work together to rebuild trust by making full disclosure of issues, without violating confidentiality, and through follow-up.

For a board member, the primary representation and mode of communication is at board meetings and officially set meetings, which should be held periodically at the high schools to make it convenient for local residents to attend, particularly when issues affecting their school community are on the agenda. However, as an individual board member, I would hope to have the opportunity to speak with residents and attend unofficial school meetings and activities throughout the district to be available to the community. A school board member should be accessible to community members and groups so that, through dialogue, community needs and concerns are understood and addressed.