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Delaware County, PA | November 3, 2009 Election |
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Public Confidence in School Board membersBy Karen Woodring-EminsonCandidate for School Director; Penn-Delco School District; 4 Year Term |
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Some school boards seem to be in constant conflict amongst themselves or with community individuals and organized groups. This is usually caused by school directors who meddle in administrative affairs and don't communicate well with the public and other board members.I have served as an appointed school director for two years and have studied countless manuals, handbooks, articles, and reports about the functions and responsibilities of School Boards. Mutually positive relationships with the community are stressed as paramount to effective board governance. However, in many communities, there is often some level of public skepticism or mistrust expressed in response to Board decisions. The following may be reasons for the public's lack of confidence in board members: Single-issue board members. Some residents appear to join the Board because they have a 'score to settle'. Actions of single-issue members have narrow focus and are counterproductive. Micromanaging. Board members who act as quasi-administrators in day-to-day district business are not grasping their role in governance, which is to set clear and fair policies to be implemented by the Administration. Special interest interference. Some school directors are elected because of the support of interest groups representing unions, religious groups, businesses or community organizations. The nature of the relationship between school directors and the interest group that supported them can cause serious conflict when school directors are called upon to vote in the best interest of the District, first and foremost. Lack of diversity. Recognizing the needs of students from differing socioeconomic levels is critical. Too many school directors with similar backgrounds will limit the board's awareness and resources for providing an all-inclusive education. Unfortunately, ward and local politics often seem to influence all of the above. Nonetheless, the school director and board's ability to restore and/or maintain the public's confidence remains essential to effective school governance. |
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