001Elsa, >> welcome to this evening's workshop of the Augusta School Board. It is Wednesday, August 27th, 2025, 7 o'clock, and we are here in the CATC cafeteria. We'll go around the table to let you know the members present. I'll start with myself. Martha Wtham, school board chair, board one, >> Johns at large. Katie board for >> April boys at large. >> Charlie Hicks at large parks board chair >> at large. >> Thank you. Tonight's agenda is to do a a board evaluation as required by policy. We annually conduct a board evaluation. Um since we've already established goals for this year, I think our opportunity Katie will help us. She's done a lot of the work in the school board evaluation process. And Katie, I thank you for that. >> Sure. >> You always do a
002good job doing that for us. So, we're going to take a look and do an evaluation of how we did on last year's goals. Briefly take a look at what our goals are for next year to get us on track and have a conversation about how we've done operating as a a board in general, addressing our code of ethics in particular. So, with that, Katie, I'm turning it over to you. >> Oh, okay. Well, what you have is your 19 pages front and back. Um, those are all your questions. The average is uh near the top. Um, those should match. And I'm just noting here. Oh, that was a goal. Okay. So, then you have this page which is 2022, 2023, and now 2025. I don't know if we did it last year. I don't
003remember doing it. I think it was just a crazy with all the turnover and everything. >> I was looking through last year. >> Yeah, we did. >> Oh, >> so >> okay. >> We'll be ready next year. >> You'll be ready next year. I will. >> Um and then the last question on the bottom is a new for this year. So it's only in the third column. Um so what has historically happened is the orange indicates um based on just the scores what we need to uh work on based on whether or not it's below a three. Um, other than that, I think it's all self-explanatory and um, it's helpful to see this visual. >> Yeah, this is Yeah. >> So, why don't we take like a five minutes and take a little look at
004this and see what people have comments on. Katie, is this packet from isn't from high to low? If I want to see what where do I find the information that matches this? >> Those are only your A through M's. Those are your >> You got it. >> However, the list didn't match up exactly in the same order as the A through M. So, I got Thank you. [Applause] All [Music] Let's go. Get the money. Katie, can I ask you a question? What's the difference in these two documents? The >> AI and different AIS like one was shot GPT and one was >> Oh, okay. >> co-pilot, I think. >> Okay, gotcha. Anybody still reading? >> No. >> Okay. [Music] Good. >> Yep. [Music] We're just going to give you a couple more minutes. Okay. >>
005Okay, we good. Anybody still really need more time? No, I'm done. >> Okay, >> I'm going to make Yeah, this was really helpful. Thank you. >> So, let's take this in two parts. Let's first take a look at how we did on the on the goals for last year's school last year's school goals, the 2024 school department goals. That's the four goals with wellness and safety of students and staff. And if you take a look at that, we seem to have at least gotten a three in all of those categories. Meaning, was this on a three to five? Three to five. So, this was an average score that we averageely met. The only one we did average, the rest were a little bit above. >> Anybody have any comments or things you want to say
006about what we did last year? We good on that part. I mean, >> I'm going to talk about the next thing I'm going to do is talk about the u different the 13 is it 13 categories. >> I think my only comment is I'm not surprised that the lowest score is really just about increasing student staff learning. That was a big just at our goal setting, you know, in July that was a topic of conversation and for Mike's, you know, evaluation as a team too. It's like we're all understanding that there are efforts that need to be made to improve outcomes for students and I think we were honest about that as a board as well that we want to see better outcomes. So, um, what I'm saying is that I think our reflection after
007the fact aligns with the goals that we Anybody else want to make comments on the 2425 goals? >> Yes, I do. Uh, the the first paragraph. Um what what document do you want to >> I want this one page one first paragraph >> I just you've heard about this now I'm reading about this I would like whoever wrote this to please make a proposal about it so that we can move past it and and stop spinning our wheels with it. Thank you. >> You can respond if you want to, but I think this is going to come up later when we talk about goals for this year that we want to accomplish. >> Sure. >> Thank you. >> So, I think that's it's in the hat to talk about. >> Okay. Anything else on last
008year's goals? So, we did Okay. Yeah, >> we did. Okay. I think that's the easy word. >> Average. >> I think average. We did average a little bit more because we had a little bit over. Tiny bit over. We didn't get to four, but we were above a three if you average all the goals. The next one that I think if you want to take a look at this one, I just personally found this one to be with the support material from the other documents. Oh, yeah. Um, and if it's okay with you guys, for the most part, if anything that's got a green this year for the 25 overall score, we can leave it and concentrate our comments on the orange or the peach colored documents because that's where it work is going to
009need to be because we weren't meeting those goals. and to come up with an idea of personal goals for us as a board in this upcoming year to meet those goals. We already know what the district goals are that we need to support. So we're not don't need to discuss those the 25 26 goals that are the district goals and more or more or less just concentrate on what's what's good for us. So, if you want to start with having a conversation about meeting management and I know a lot of these comments were directed at me. I understand that. But I also would like to share with the board that the board has a responsibility as well. A lot of the comments could be answered by board members reading the board policies that particularly pertain
010to the board. There were several questions regarding Robert's rules of order. The interpretation of Robert's rules of order are encouraged in your are included in the policies that says that the board chair has the final decision on the interpretation of Robert's rules of order. Just to let you know that the superintendent, you can consult with the superintendent and the board chair has the final interpretation. The these are not my policies. These are the policies that are that were developed by the board for the board of the board and it's my obligation to go by those policies. So I would encourage all of you to revisit those policies in section B. Another question was about being able to access those policies. They are on the school website. All the all the policies are on the school
011website. We started was it last year or the year before having workshops with the little handbook remember with a little wire binding where we were going section by section. Um I personally took that on but I didn't feel that there was a response for the from the board to support continuing that. It didn't seem to be anything that the board was exactly in love with doing and I had some criticisms regarding that. So, I I didn't want to spend more time doing something that people weren't getting something out of. We also, just to give you a review about board development, we were limited in opportunities for the board to attend to attend workshops. Hopefully, we'll be able to do that this year. We've got that money back in the budget. And if excuse me, if
012board members want to attend workshops, just send a request for me. The only reason I say send a request for me is so that I can send anybody who wants to go to it to Michelle at the same time so she can register as a group. >> That's helpful just to let you know that. >> Well, I thought there was no money so I paid my own money to go to the Drummond with some legal >> last year or this year. >> This year >> we're in a new budget. >> Okay. >> Do you have if you have the receipts you can submit those? You can submit those to Michelle. wasn't any money, so I just and I wanted to go to it, so I paid it myself. >> Oh, just to let you know,
013we're in a new budget and we got money. >> All right. Thank you. >> So far until it's gone. No, we don't. >> Okay, that's just a few points that just for clarification and maybe people didn't understand that. So, let's take a look at meeting management. All right. Now, let's take a look at Before we do that, I have if anybody wants it, I have a copy of the board ethics if you don't of a policy BCA. You can access it on your computer if you want to or I have a copy if you would like one. Anybody want one? BCA. Everybody good? Good. And as we talk about meeting management, oh, did I give you my paper, Char? Nope, I got it on my As we talk about meeting management, let me refer to
014a couple of the items. Under your board of ethics, code of ethics, I will make no disparaging remarks in or out of board meetings about other meters, other members of the board or their opinions. I will listen to all citizens but refer all complaints to the proper authorities and will discuss such complaints only in a regular meeting after failure of administrative solution. I will support a decision graciously once it has been made by a majority of the board. I will abide by the laws of the state and the regulations formulated by the main department of education and by the state board of education in fulfilling my board responsibilities. Just as a reminder, as a board member, it is your obligation to adhere to all of our policies, not only the ones you like or the
015only ones that are convenient or suit you. So, in looking at meeting management, one of these I liked better than the other. Oh, I lost it. >> I'm looking at the one that says No, not the one that says AI generated. That's the other one. >> You're the only one that has this copy. >> That has what? The other copies? >> Well, everybody has them in email, but you're the only one who has a printed copy. Okay. >> Of what you're holding in. >> Do you Do you think one of these is better than the other? No, I didn't really. >> They were similar to what I just looking for the one that I made comments on. In looking at the meeting management, I'll run through what it says here that this summarized issues with
016decorum bias and uneven rule enforcement. Recommendations include workshops on Robert's rules of order and improved premeating communication. Those were the two that came out of that one. So, what would be a recommendation to set for a goal on how we can improve our meeting management? >> Well, I said in my comments that I I would like more tutorial in Robert's rules because I and I can self-educate. I bought a book about it, but I need to go through it and and really study it. Uh but um is there a way to during a meeting when a board member uses Robert's rules of order with which I am not familiar at all um is it possible to take a a few minutes to to research it and and see if it's a legitimate one and then
017move forward because when a couple of people uh brought up different kinds of uh Robert's rules of order, I had nothing to refer to and it was just said no, we don't have that. But I'm I like I'm a very literal person, so I like to just see it, see what it what it is. Do we really not have it or do we have it >> so that the members can be respected if they're making um using a Robert's rule of order that is legitimate? >> You'll have to refer to your policy on that, Susan, because the policy refers to what to do about that. It if you do you have the book Robert's Rules of Order? >> I have I big giant one. >> Yeah, it's it's about this. >> Yeah. If you want
018to run a meeting and you want to use Robert's rules of order, it's unwieldly to refer to that book during a meeting. It's just not practical. >> I understand. >> So, the best thing that you can do actually Mike is supposed to be the parliamentarian and advise on Robert's rules of order according according to policy and the policy says that that the board chair has the final decision on the application of Robert's rules of order. Well, would it be like would it be allowable in the premeating for someone to say I have this I have studied the Robert's rules of order and here is a a section of them that I'm I may need to use tonight or I I might use in the future and then we would discuss it in the premeating so
019that we could talk about it and and you know it's just >> it's my literal It's my literality. That's >> not a problem for me, I guess, or for other people. >> We you the more that we can do that. >> I think when you're sitting in that chair, it's really difficult to anticipate what's coming at you. >> I completely understand. You mean the chair on the day is? >> Yeah. That's not what I'm talking about. I'm talking about the premeating. >> Do you want me to read you what the policy says? >> Sure. BED rules of order uh except as otherwise provided by law the main department of education regulations or by board policy Robert's rules of order revised shall be used to resolve procedural uncertainties. The superintendent as secretary of the board sh
020function as the parliamentarian advise the board the chair and board as necessary regarding parliamentary procedures. The chair will rule on all questions pertaining to rules of order parliamentary procedure that may arise during the meeting of the board. The role of the parliamentarian shall be advisory only. The chair will rule on all questions pertaining to rules of order parliamentary procedure that may arise during the public meeting of the board. Procedural rules may be suspended at any time for the duration of any one meeting by a majority of twothirds vote of the board members present. >> So if a question had had well a question has come up about use of a certain parliamentary procedure but it it wasn't uh Mike Tracy was not advisory to it. >> I I think this is new information. >> Okay.
021about about the board about the superintendent serving as the parliamentarian. >> No. >> Well, I mean rule in our operation how we've been operating. No, it's been the policy since 1970. >> Okay. >> Right. Right. >> Thank you. >> So, if board members on their own want to become more aware of Robert's rules of order, they can be. >> Sure. You know, you're more than welcome. And if somebody wants to sit there with the book and do it, Kevin used to help with that. Kevin was pretty knowledgeable. I think we relied on Kevin a lot on >> parliamentary procedures. >> So smart. >> James, >> for clarification, I I believe that Susan might be referring to what I had brought at the point of order. And a point of order is part of Robert's rules.
022>> I understand that >> it is part of Robert's rules. There's no other conversation that is going on. It has to be addressed. You can't wave off a a a point of order without even finding out what the point of order is. >> Okay, I understand. Then how how might we proceed in a meeting when when somebody one of the members does say I want such and such parliamentary procedure or I I'm asking for this parliamentary procedure. Then how how should we proceed? >> First of all, you'd look to Mike and ask Mike what he thought. Mike would share his opinion. Then I'd make a decision. >> Okay. >> Right or wrong, I'd make a decision. >> Then I want that to be the way it goes. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Okay.
023Thank you. I just, you know, thank you. That's all. Do you not feel like you have enough people asking for clarification on Robert's rules that we should it would behoove this board to do some kind of training together so that we aren't all pulling different pieces because people we know that people read things and they pull from it what they want to see and what they want to hear. >> Yes, for sure. So, shouldn't we all get on a literal same page? >> How do you suggest doing that, Katie? >> I think it was suggested in here. I I suggested a um Is there like a tutorial video, interactive, not interactive video, but a video that would allow for conversation between the two points of tutorial to do it. I would really feel I would
024really like it. I I'm a rule person and and I So anyway, >> I can check with MSBA and ask them what they've got. >> Great. Thank you. Super duper. >> I can tell you that there's like a regular threehour college course on Robert's rules of order. >> Like only three hours or three hours every week? >> I don't I don't know. I don't know. But here's here's what you're going to get in. >> You know, >> when a board member says, "Well, I watched this and this is this, >> but I might not have understood it that way." >> Well, >> it's still going to be my decision. And I don't mean me as Muffy. I mean the board chair, >> right? And I I did that. It's just that I like Katie's suggestion
025that we might and my suggestion that we have a an orientation >> suite where part of it is rubber shoulder orders part of it is budget budget making I it's right here and because when I first did the budget I was like in panic because I didn't understand anything and it was really it was very I felt like an idiot. So I I don't like for people to feel like idiots in a process that we're supposed to all be participating in. >> Would you when are you suggesting that we have these meetings? >> I don't know. would have to be something that the the board members would agree to >> because we really don't have time to take up our workshop time with it. >> I understand that. >> But we can set up >>
026a retreat type of thingy >> where we're not making goals and we're not making something. We are learning together so that we can function better and know more and be more effective. >> Okay. That may not be what other people would like. I This is just >> Okay, I'm going to throw something out there. This is the board's evaluation. What would the board like to put on the table and vote on for the board to do, not for Muffy to do? >> April, um there is a Robert's rules made simple board. Um, you can have up to 10 board members in and it looks like the package is a little under $500 and it goes over a lot of main motion, amend the amendment, postpone to a certain time, previous question, debating, approve policy, amendments,
027refer to a committee, lay on the table, voting procedures. Um, but it is actually a board. It's u to a board, >> huh? It's targeted to a school board. >> It's targeted to a board. >> Board board. >> This is a board board. >> But what you're gonna I can I've done this and what you're going to run into is and you're welcome to do it. I don't care what you say. What you want to do, you're more than welcome to do that. But what you're going to run into is like some of the stuff that they spend a lot of time on isn't stuff that we ever do. >> Well, that to lay on a table. >> Your suggestions are called MSBA though. I will. >> Great. Because that would be >> No, no,
028no, no, no. Wait a minute. Before I call MSBA, I want a motion made and voted on by this board of what this board is going to want to do. Not me calling and saying, "Can we set this up?" You guys saying, "Yes, we'd like to commit to a two-hour session and then I will do that." >> I make a motion. >> Okay. >> It's a workshop. >> I can't do a motion. No, you can just agree to how many people are going to agree to attend a two-hour session on whatever your motion wants to be, Susan. Well, that we have a designated time and date and set amount of time to learn about Robert's rules of order together so that we can each of us individually and as a group member can understand it
029better for a school board. >> Okay. How long do you would this session be? I suggested in my thing two hours in length and my answer to be on page six >> and how many of you can commit to that >> day. Can we make yet a workshop >> in October? >> We don't have we don't have room Stacy. >> What do we have in October and November or on the November in this on the schedule? I don't know yet. Would you if we I can look for that. >> But also wait till new members. >> We >> do what? January. >> You can do it in January. >> So the new me the newly elected members would be there with us. >> Okay. >> Think about >> I will look into that. >> We've
030done we did that. We did that a couple times. Um we had a retreat where new board members got to know each other. Um it was a half day and we had breakfast together. We had Steve Bailey come and did that kind of piece that we usually do when like the first uh meeting of the year and it it was nice. You got to know people outside of the meeting. You didn't just come to a meeting and be like, "Hey, I'm such and such." >> Which we cannot do legisally >> in at margaritas, right? I mean, if we said, "Oh, let's all go to margaritas and get to know each other." We cannot do that because it's considered a meeting. >> We a nonpublic meeting. We did it before several. It's no different than like
031the meeting we had here earlier. We set our goals. We did it before. >> It was it wasn't board discussion. >> The public gets to come meeting. >> So anyway, I don't know how we didn't do it. It was considered a retreat, but we did it twice. But >> it was a nice way to get to know your board members outside of and welcome them in and you could partner them. But maybe we were in violation of that. But I don't I can't imagine we would have been, but I don't know. But any it was what it was. But if that can't happen, I think that I think it's wise to do it in January budget season. >> Wise because we've got the new board members and >> and uh >> and you want budget
032done during this two-hour session as well. >> Budget. >> No, this is just >> you just said pre-budget pre like that really, you know, tough time on the board in March where a lot of meetings, a lot of information. could be smart for us to do something like this where it kind of lays the groundwork again because I know you know because we get new folks every year or you know there's three seats that are turning every year that it is hard to find the time every year to do some organic like orientation and norming but I do think that based on sort of what folks have said and where we are with positive with other goals I think we might be at a situation where it could be worth and you did try I
033remember with the books and I think that was a valid effort. I think maybe now we see the need again and maybe specifically with Robert's rules and it just might >> it might be a good time to kind of try this again and see how it goes. >> Okay. And this is a commitment you guys have to make because we've had meetings that we couldn't hold the meetings because we didn't have a quorum. >> Right. >> I will make it. I will make it unless that is also heard. >> I will not be there in January. So you're saying so right now I have on here to look into a Robert's rules of order session for two hours during January not during workshop time >> if it doesn't fit. Yeah. Right. If it doesn't there's
034other there's a commitment to do that. Okay. I can do that. I can do that. >> But for you know for the comfort and better functioning of the board I believe it is worthwhile. Okay, I can do that and people and you guys agree and you guys agree. >> Could you try to get on Monday or Wednesday after sex >> when we don't have school board meeting? I mean, that would be the best. I I have a French class and I could cancel if I needed to. >> They'll get a Zoom class on Tuesday. >> April had something. Well, I I think it coming into this term, there's a lot of information flying at the new board members. >> Um, it's like taking a sip of water from an open fire hydrant. We're not getting
035it all in. Um, there are so many different leadership styles. There are so many different thought processes and it would it's beneficial I think for us to mix it up and learn about each other each other's leadership styles each other's quirks and things like that because I definitely have quirks and I definitely have a way of thinking but I want to be open because the that's when the pearls of wisdom come out that's when we start to see okay this person is bringing this idea to the table and I love this portion um or this person is seeing this rule this way and I didn't necessarily see it that way. So it gives us an opportunity to kind of put stuff out on the table without >> what gives us an opportunity >> doing a
036workshop as a group gives us an opportunity to be able to clarify things that we may have misunderstood. >> Um break down biases. learn learn how to communicate because everybody has a different communication style. Um it would also be really cool to I was lost during budget season. I asked questions and um those questions may or may not have been seen as welcome but I was trying to learn. So, um I think it behooves us to be able to have a kind of this is how the budget looks and these are this is what a line item is and this is this is kind of what this budget covers and so for me I was thinking when I look at budgets from the hospital perspective I'm looking at you know what equipment do we want
037you know how do we you know what's an FTE what's you know what goes into making it and and I want to See, I want to see the the ability to look at a budget. Like maybe Katie looks at a budget uh or you look at a budget. You'd ask questions and be like, "Huh, I didn't think about that." So, it would be nice to have kind of a a preemptive like mini course um to to give us an idea of what the budgets are supposed to look like cuz I may have looked at the budget differently and had different ideas about what I thought the community's threshold was for the budget. So, I I don't know where I would have stood if I had had like a a primer >> for that. >> Budget
038primer. >> Yeah. And when are we thinking this would happen? >> Um I think it should happen prior to the budget conversations those in what they're late February, March, >> right? They start presenting to us in February. And it would be nice to sit down with um and you could even do some one-on- ones like so if you could say if there's a seasoned volunteer, a seasoned board member that wants to sit down and answer questions. Hey, this is how I look at the budget and kind of answer those questions. These are the things that I value. So, you know, I love listening to Susan talk about preschool and those the the science science of reading, the love of reading. science >> because it's it's that academic piece. It's that it's that freedom to that
039we're going to we're going to give that. So, but then you know I I gear towards safety and I get so my mind when everybody's talking about library tech I'm like I I want to see the special ed tech because I'm thinking safety. So, we all come to different places and it would be nice to not just sit across from someone and go, I wonder why their brain's going there. Um, and it allows us to create those those like bonds >> so we understand each other better and more thoroughly and deeper. >> So, this is looking to me like a full day board retreat in January >> because that what you're asking for would need to be in January or before And I don't have a problem I personally don't have a problem coming in
040on a Saturday to do that because it's to me it's value like I ran to I personally ran to give our community value in education and academics and how we get to that there's multiple ways and everybody here has a very different way that they see that road going to Oz and and there's value in everybody's in how everybody looks at things, but we need to get to the point where we're we're listening not to respond, but we're listening to kind of understand. >> And I don't feel like as a work we're there right now. >> We're listening to respond versus listening to understand. And maybe once we get beyond that hump and we can see how other people think and what other people where their mind is going, then we have the ability to
041move forward as a cohesive human. Okay. >> You understand. You just don't have to just always agree. >> You don't have to agree. >> Correct. But you can understand other perspectives. Absolutely. Yep. I >> agree. But to to be able to sit down and go, okay, I see your priorities, right? >> Y >> and you see my prayers. Okay. So, how do we make and maybe we come up with a a totally different plan based on what our priorities are that give us the best of both worlds or we So I just there's there are two sides, three sides, four sides, but sometimes we can come together and create something even more magical and beautiful that takes into account all of our goals and the financial constraints of what we can do as a community.
042So but we won't know unless we kind of sit down and we talk. Would it make sense to have a retreat committee of two or three people to pull this together? The reason I'm saying that is I have a feeling that no matter what I do, I'm not the person to do it. I really feel that no matter what I do, there's someone who's going to criticize that and then the whole thing falls apart. I personally would like to work with Susan because I think she has some different ideas. >> I don't know. I'm just I'm I'm >> No, you're different. You're you're you're a unique person, but you have a different perspective. And I think you bring stuff to the table. And I bring different stuff to the table >> and I think we
043can create a really wonderful retreat and maybe add a third person in so that we can I don't know. I volunteer. >> I volunteer. >> I think that's great. >> So we need a third person. Who will it be? You don't have to have a third person. >> I like three. >> I'd be willing to be your person who we'd like someone who could >> and then I would go and I would be the runner. >> You know, that's >> I'll call MSBA. I'll talk to Mike and see who he's got in his pipeline. I would do that work for you. I would volunteer to be the third person >> because I need to work on that one about listening to not just response. >> So, >> this is really good. >> Well, I remember
044someone said, I don't know who it was, they said we should concentrate on what's right and not who's right. >> And I think that >> should be one of our goals. >> Do what's right for the kids. And >> we need to start meeting pretty soon. So, goal one. >> Yep. >> And I'm going to check in. Board members, we're in. >> James, where are we? >> April, Charlie, you guys are in because you're the committee. Rita, >> yes. >> Am I in? Yeah, I'm in. If I'm if I'm here in January >> goal one >> question >> all day board retreat to be organized by ad hoc committee. >> Nice. >> Thanks for volunteering >> of Susan, April and Charlie. And you and you know what else you could tell me to do? Arrange
045the meal. Arrange snacks. >> Yeah, I'll I'll take I'll you know work with Michelle and get that part done. >> That's a great idea. >> Okay. It's like six months after July. It's like a halfway mark >> question. So well actually comment. So I know we're about to go through the other ones that are in peeache. Um, but I just wanted to bring up the concept here that board member development and some fiscal oversight will and can be addressed by the suggestions that were just brought forth like more understanding of budget. So, I don't know if that happens at the retreat or not or or or more is more like a mental idea, but that is something to think about. And then same with board member development, right? It's not just Robert's rules, but I
046think uh we can look at what that retreat would look like for the new members in terms of information and um onboarding and whatever mentorship or like buddy system that we employ. Um so I do feel like this does knock out some of the other um or like it overlaps with some of the other peach peach words. >> Those peaches peaches. >> So on I keep losing my papers >> issues with decorum >> bias uneven rule enforcement. We took care of the one that said workshop on Robert's rules and improve premeating communication. >> I'm not sure what the premeating communication improvement addressed. If someone could >> Susan um That used to be me, Susan. >> Pardon me. >> That used to be me. >> Okay. So, I just And I've said this before. I figure
047everybody knew it was I who who wrote that one because I been harping on it a little while. Uh but I just the premeating I think is a really important meeting and I would I wish that everyone could be there. uh because for example last business meeting I said well I would like to say this in the board meeting and I said that at the premeating so it was okay and I said it and I felt good about it and you know I don't know if anybody uh listened to me but it was just important for me to say that. Um, so but I think sometimes we're we have ideas that aren't shared at the premeating and then they're shared in the board meeting and I have felt blindsided by them because it may have
048to do with a document that I have not seen and and it is being suggested that it be considered as an alternative for uh in a policy that we're looking at. I I would really like it to be talked about at the pre meeting so that we can be prepared. I think the less unnecessary surprises we have at the board meeting, the better being also as well as being literal. I am not good with surprises unless it's like a birthday party or something. Did did we I don't have them in front of me on our group norms. Wasn't one of our rules. No blind sighting, no surprises. >> I don't have >> It's been if it's not right now, it's been it's been an absolute rule for a long time. >> Yeah. >> I didn't
049hear you, Susan. What? >> I said I don't have that document in front of me, so I can't refer to it. >> Do you Can we ask for a group number goal number two is adhere to our group norms. >> Are we going to develop group norms? >> We did. >> Where are they? >> They were on that board. I have them on a they're in my other notebook that I take to board meetings. I just don't have them with me tonight. >> That was sort of sprung on us minutes into a meeting. I feel like if you want to do effective norms, you should schedule a time to actually sus them out. But that's >> How did the rest would you rather revisit the group norms? >> Nobody knows what they are. What are
050the group norms? >> Uh >> I think no side comments. >> I may have been the no blindsiding person. >> No blindsiding. No, no. Like rolling your eyes and making snide remarks. This isn't my regular. Well, oh, wait a minute. I might have it. Oh, here we go. Right here. Got it right here. Here they are. Meeting norms. Cell phone use for current business only. Be present. Be where your feet are. Honor the process. No side remarks or eye rolls. Wait to be recognized. Manage your affect. Two truths can exist in the same place. Be respectful and disagreement. limits surprises. Feel free to use humor. >> That's what we put on that board. >> Well, but we need a copy of that. >> No, every single person at these table >> where would you where
051do you want these? Maybe we could, you know, we could, it shouldn't be an hours long process to go through them and refine them or add to them to and have a, you know, a group agreement on them. >> We can we can put for goal two, revisit and agree to group to groups. We can do that >> annually or more often if we need to. >> Annual. Oh, as well revisit and commit to group norms. That one's that one shouldn't take long and that one we can do at the next workshop. >> Thank you. >> And that will be done at the >> What month are we? >> September September 8th is our next workshop. >> September marathon >> September workshop >> right >> April >> in light of no blind sighting I would
052like a little bit of clarification um like Susan one of my quirks is I like to be able to see something in writing like I want to know the reference of where something is coming from um and I know there's some back and forth about can we email links to the board, can do can do can do can do can do can do can do can do can do can do can do can do can do can do can do can do can do can do can do can do can we not email links to the board like if we're going to discuss a particular document that it that we know we're going to discuss in the premeating uh to give people time to digest it prior to the meeting are we able to I
053I guess I'm I'm confused about the decorum wrapped around what we can and can't do with the email What I've what I've done in past meetings is provide backup information for board meetings. >> So as a link. >> Okay. So we can link something. >> You No, you can give it to Mike and I. Mike and I to link to your agenda. >> Oh, okay. There's a hesitation there. What? That Why didn't that sit well? >> Cuz you wouldn't know it ahead of time. Well, why couldn't she just do for an FYI a link but just says no. There's absolutely no way people can comment on it. It's just for information only, >> right? >> Why is that? >> Yeah, >> that's okay. You can do that. You can't have conversations, >> right? You can't
054>> no reply and no reply. >> If if we were to just >> give me an example, make one up. I don't care. >> I don't know. Um, if we wanted I'm going to throw out Title N because let's beat the dead horse a little more. If we wanted to review what is currently published as law of title N and its interpretation um prior to a meeting like say we knew that there was going to be something on the agenda about that or if it was an agenda item y >> we would back it up with documentation. >> We've done we've done that several times. Okay. >> We've we've really backed it up. We've given you the legal opinions. We've had meetings on the legal opinions. We've had meetings with attorneys on the legal opinions.
055>> But no, no, but just that was just an example. Would you send a link to that? >> You would if we were going to discuss that, you would have the information >> or if there was a policy that was on an agenda coming up >> um that we wanted to discuss. So, a policy committee, >> we saw something for I don't know safety purposes. Let's say it came from the policy committee to a first reading. That'd be the only way you'd be discussing a policy. >> But there would be agendas on policies. >> What? >> We have agendas on our policy committee meeting. >> Right. That's what I >> That's what I mean. It would be attached. It would be policy committee or it would be this policy to be discussed. >> If she
056saw something new out in the world and she wanted to say, "Let's get orange chairs." Can she send you a link to orange chairs or is she going to >> The first thing you do as a chair the first thing I run it through if you said I'd like to talk about orange chair my first thing I do is does it belong on a committee does should it go to a committee before it comes to the board and if there's a committee where it's appropriate then I would say consult the chair to put that on the agenda for the committee if it goes from the committee and then to the the board >> you I would think already have had the information. If the policy committee and because I sit on it, if the policy
057committee is discussing a particular policy and we do due diligence and we read other school districts similar policy um on can we say I just want to put this in for reference. Is that something we can send to the board chair to have attached to the agenda so everybody >> that would happen at the at the committee level? >> That's what I'm asking. Oh yes. Yes. Oh yes. All Yeah. You can bring whatever you want to committee level. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> And sometimes it's easier to see them like side by side than both of pieces of paper. >> Yeah. >> So that makes sense. >> Yeah. At the committee level that there's not as big a filter at the committee level. >> So I think I think if we can circumvent that stuff
058at the committee level with all of the resources before it goes up and people have the ability to read those resources prior to so they can educate themselves. That's I think that's what that's the plan. Okay, that's the plan. If if you can get it to a committee that the that the conversations even though it's the committee that has the initial conversations, board members in the past have been really good about being at committee meetings if they want to have a say >> or want to express their opinion about what's going on at the committee level and and it's been t if you want more information if someone says we have but oh that's new. I didn't see that. Do we have time? Let's bring it back next week. Let's bring and get this information
059and I read this. Bring it back. Bring it back. Bring it back. So, we really clean stuff up at the committee level and then bring it to the board. However, with that said, >> when there's a first reading or a second reading on a policy, there's discussion. Those aren't like rubber stamped. we we pretty much rubber stamp them because we've had those good conversations at the at the committee level. But that doesn't mean during discussion board members can't individually share where they where they feel or why or why not they will be voting for a policy. >> And then there's a that's when the opportunity comes to say look I found this this explains it way better. Let's go back send it back and then we can discuss it again with the suggestions. But it
060couldn't happen at the board. We would have to have it back in the committee then come back to the board. So yeah, >> like I tried to break state law for the pregnancy policy, but >> you and >> people listened to it, James, but there was no interest in bringing it back to the committee. Was it I recall that James brought it to up on you had a copy of it James but none none of us others had seen a copy of it and we were on the day uh in a business meeting so it was my objection was that I didn't see it beforehand and I didn't have a chance to even read it. Um, I did afterwards look it up in MRSA28 and I called the Department of Education about it and I
061got clarification about it. Uh, but there was not an opportunity for me to share that with the with the board >> and that's no blind side of me. >> And that's about accepting the board's decision and moving on. >> Yep. Yep. So >> I can't understand anything else since you guys voted on. So there you go. >> Okay. >> So I got two of us, two goals. Let's keep moving here. No, we're not going too speedy here. >> And I feel like the legislative piece is kind of It's hard because we don't have >> I can talk about that. >> You want to talk about that? >> MSBA sends you all the legislative updates by email every month. So, if you want to know the legislative updates, that's a personal responsibility that you need to
062take as a board member to find out what's going at the legislative level. If you're really interested in being involved in the legislature, you can become a legislative rep from our area from MSBA MS MSBA. So if you if you want to know more about what's going on at the legislative level and personally what I wait for is things that MSBA are wanting people to go and talk about what's coming up if you have an issue that you like but to go and speak at a legislative issue. They're expecting you to show up with copies of your of your speech to hand out. >> That's an expectation >> or submit it. It's a commitment. And if anybody is more wants to be a legislative person, you can do it with or without. You can't represent
063the school board if you go without the blessing of the school board. If you'd like the blessing of the school board to be the letter legislative rep, that that can happen, but I haven't had anybody who's shown it come up to me and said, "Gee, I'd really like to get involved in legislation." I think that's just that's the confusion a little bit about how do you represent? You can't be you can't step aside >> when you're an elected official and be like I'm going to just speak for myself because it doesn't work that way. You have to where your hat is still when you're serving that is your hat. You can't speak as a private citizen. You're speaking as and you're representing us. So that's I think that's the the tricky part sometimes when people
064are like well I'm not representing the school board. You are. You are because you're you're elected. So I think there's a way for maybe it's like you said yes it's our personal responsibility to look at those legislative efforts but I think there's also a recognition that everyone gets to look at those things or is able to decipher what but I I echo what you say there is a lot of information in those newsletters that um has great information and and I know MSMA and MSBA both um host a lot of workshops on understanding this and looking for the priorities that they decide in October what to for what they're looking at and what upcoming legislation is important to to school boards in general. >> Do you guys feel we need a goal around legislative involvement
065and advocacy? Well, I remember at the the budget meeting, the presentation of the budget to the board, to the city council, Eric Glenn asked us if to let him know if there was legislation that that they could write to the legisl legislators about education. And I went in into the MSBA and I got stuff and I sent it to Mike, but everything was already work. There it was already work sessioned. It was already heard and stuff like that. So you really have to jump on it before all those things happen so that you can influence the legislators at an early stage. >> I'm back to my question. Do we want to go along this You mean >> no? It's a lot. >> It's a It's It's big to take on. >> Yeah. >> I know
066Mike has done like a in the past, right? He sort of because in the superintendent world, right, they also give the messaging about what's going on with schools, especially like change in pay or benefits, right? Big deal to their organizations. Maybe it's one of those things where policy committee or you know it could be something informal where you know working I don't know if it's does Mike is Mike the he's it's not Shelby it's Michael's policy right so it would be Mike like coming and reporting out every couple months if there's really been any movement or something I mean it could always be more of an item or we can be more as a board Muffy too like if you're reading a legislative update because we do get all get those emails but you think
067it's especially pertinent for our board to know about what's happening like a an email that that just >> copies and pastes the the thing that's really important. >> Um and then you know a call to action if folks want to write in or do whatever they want to do or if there needs to be done that you've done that a bunch of times. You've seen things that have come through that we haven't seen. There's lots of goal is what I'm saying >> it's informational not not >> right and I could make a goal I'll just mention to Mike to keep us in the loop on legislation >> I think that's where we're at for as a board >> the other thing is lots of board members for whatever reason I'm going to say I think
068it's people who don't term out that probably would do this they have a big commitment to the main school boards association you know like the chairman and gardener has been on the board for 20 years. She's involved in the legislative committee. She's involved nationally. So, you can get really involved in main school board association if if that's something that you want to do. That opportunity is out there. >> It certainly is. >> So, if people like to do that, and some people do, it's it's personally not my thing. So, but if anybody wanted there's we have a representative that we send every year that we select to send and usually that's a Zoom meeting. So, if anybody has a reason that they want to do that, feel free. Okay, took care of that one. um
069for community relations. I just want to mention one thing to you that I want to make as a goal for us. One thing the administrators asked us to consider was they really like us going to school events. So I would like to make a motion. No, I would like to have a goal of us attending at least pick your number school events. >> Four. I was thinking four. What were you saying, Susan? >> Three. >> You think three? >> Well, three or four >> events. >> Yeah, cuz tomorrow night is is open house for all the elementaryaries >> and going to my ward. Um, >> what? What? James says >> this is seventh grade too. >> No. Um, you know, tomorrow at 7 is the opening for the whole school district here. 7 a.m. >>
070An open house for the individual schools is tomorrow night. >> The the uh athletic department is hosting, I believe, a breakfast and welcome for the staff >> tomorrow morning. Yeah, but tomorrow night open houses for the elementary school, right? So the question is, would we wear we wear some sort of identification? It says we're school board member. >> Nope. >> Don't know who you are. >> Nope. Just introduce yourself to the principal. >> Yeah. >> And does it really even matter who what which events we go to? Because >> Nope. >> If it's me, I'm going to volunteer concessions. That's not really a school. That doesn't really count as a school event. They want to see you in their schools. >> Spooky. So where the students are like you just saying that's what the that's
071where the principles want you to see you in their schools. >> It can be during the day. It can be one of the parent nights. That's where they that's where they really like to see us. I I can't change what they said, you know. That's where they said they like to see us. No, but I think I think it's I think when we're talking school events, I I see school events as very different. >> Well, >> where they have the chorus meetings, they have the band things. >> They have games. >> Yeah. Like a like I know that you have kids who participate in that kind of stuff and that makes it easy, but when you take an effort and it's not easy and you go to an elementary school, that like means twice as
072much to them. So, we'd have to do all of them at a different one. But, >> can we do that? >> I'm I'm all for it. >> I go to schools. >> Three to four. >> I'm on board for three to four. >> Three to four. >> And it doesn't matter whether we do it at the elementary or the high school. Correct. >> And that the events have to non-sporting events is what you're telling me? >> No. No. No. You can mix it. Okay. >> Yeah. >> But one thing one thing you need to do and this is the part that believe it or not this is hard for me to do is you need to be seen. >> Like if you go to a football game, don't sit in the stands. >> You know,
073walk around and have people know that you're there. >> It's only good to know to go if they know you're there. >> So yeah, that's the hard part to >> what I what I do is I go to a lot of the elementary schools. I call the principal. I say, "I'd like to go for blah blah blah." and they say and I say and I'd like a job. >> So tomorrow night I'm handing out backpacks at Fington. >> So I'm going to see everybody in Charlie and I did it last year. It was super fun. >> That's a great idea. >> Super fun. >> Awesome. That's really good. Then they know you're there. >> They want to come. They might take your photo for their website. But you're It really gets me right with the
074parents and the kids and it makes me so happy. I'm going to say like I'm going to put in quotes announce yourself so you know what that means. Okay. And looking at what one was I looking at board community relations. >> Can I also add to continue to also invite a board member or a city council member to those events as well. >> So is your if you're attending just a quick heads up and say hey I'm attending this event. Would you like to attend together? Like maybe hand in hand. Rita, >> is anyone interested if I take those district happenings and actually put them in our Google calendar with people appreciate that organization? >> Yeah, I love those. >> I don't know if like Caitlyn does it already for a shared calendar that maybe
075we don't have access to, but I would be happy to take those translate them because for me, I know like if I'm sitting around and all of a sudden I realize Google alert, there's actually something going on and I'm looking I should just go. I think um just that that that accessibility piece that that approachability piece. I think if you want I can try to do that with the with the documents we get. Um and put out like address and time for an event and description. Um so that folks if they're checking their schoolboard email every week, you know, every couple days, it's like, "Oh, wait. That's right. Next week. Got it." So, I don't know. I think that might be >> I think that's a great idea. Thank you. Something else that came up
076that I already had planned to do and I'd asked I'd asked Mike to have Michelle help me do it, but it doesn't seem that it's going to happen is I am going to go through all the policies and I am going to make a calendar that says what what the board has to do when. >> That was my suggestion. >> Yeah. And and it was on my it was on my to-do calendar, Rita. And I thought Michelle could pick that out for me, but she's way too busy. >> She is. >> Well, and that hits a lot of things again. That's like flow transparency when you get new board members. They understand expectations seasons and then you're kind of like oh so when right when I get on the board and and budget season is
077so so so hard there is going to be a relief at the end there and then there's going to be some like just so they big picture and it's probably helpful for all of us too in our busy lives to kind of again like retrain ourselves of what's going on. So, it's on my list. It's on my to-do list. >> And with the Google calendar, you know, if if a policy is due to be reviewed, um, you can actually put it on repeat every five, like every year or every five years or so, it just will automatically once you populate it and you put the the um, whatever. >> April, that's a whole new skill set for me to make a Google calendar. the 2000s. >> You have this brilliant idea. I'll learn idea. >>
078I'll learn it. >> And and when you when you term out >> it might die if you don't want it to die. >> I'll learn it. I'll learn. I'll do it. I'll do it. I'll do it. I'll do it. But what you have to be careful of is like the other day I went on our district calendar and they had all they had the committee marathon scheduled for September 1st. >> They had the what? >> First month. >> Oh well, we could just do even months help you with that. >> Community board relationships. Where is that? >> Okay. Page 15. >> Is that what you're looking at? >> What are you looking at? I wanted to do I want to talk about the one that duty board community relationships. I'm looking the wrong one. >>
079Yeah. One of my suggestions was that the city put the school district calendar on its website. I had that suggestion from a constituent actually. >> Do I feel like there's your big packets for your routine? Oh, >> I like the little quicky ones though. AI regenerating update so that >> the problem with the city website, it's actually two websites in one. Did you notice I was merging it over and it's so clunky? You can't find a lot of things right now. I don't know what that why that's happening. void community relationship >> the city of Augusta website it's like two different web they're merging so there's there's a there's good stuff on like the frisco pages but if you try to research stuff goes back to the old version and it's super slow and clunky
080and I don't know if they working on it it's hard to find anything on >> Oh okay that makes sense >> for community relationships we cannot violate the community's first amendment rights to speak And I don't know how many times I have to clarify this for you that school board meetings are not public meetings. Schoolboard meetings are meetings held in public by legislative fiat. It was added and I know Mike told you this to have public comment with guidelines. The guidelines say that you can't make any disparaging I can't remember the other word. defamatory >> defamatory remarks and and I know this isn't an answer like that you like but it's up to me to decide what's defamative what's defamatory and let's see disparaging >> there's no easy definition of those words I'm sorry but
081I think it's rude to be called Miss Muffy I do not think that's appropriate I don't think it's nice I don't think it's kind. I don't think it's intended to be kind, but I let it go. So, I I don't I don't believe we're violating people's first amendment rights. I love having the public comment. We've had some good public comment that's made a difference. For example, when the people from your ward, James, came to talk about the bus stops with some very legitimate concerns, they were right. it was addressed and it was fixed. Another example I remember is when shoes wife came from the Elks Club because she wanted to have I think it was some kind of a contest. No, she wanted to put posters up for some kind of programming that the Elks
082offered for kids and the superintendent had told her no and she brought it to the board. Her presentation was spoton and I think the posters were up the next day. There were some leg and the parents who come to complain about our test scores, those are legitimate complaints. They get to do that. But it's really hard when people are saying remarks about people that in my opinion are disparaging. And it's only my opinion that I have. I can only go by what I feel and what I know. I was criticized because I didn't call somebody when they said, "See you next Tuesday." Honest to God, I had never heard that remark in my life and I didn't know it was bad. So, you know, it's not easy. It's not an easy job. You're on the
083spot. You're trying to protect your people from once somebody says something nasty about somebody, you can't unring the bell. It's out there. It's done. The damage is done. So, it's not a violation of the First Amendment to tell people that they have to follow the guidelines. And I've only got my opinion to go on when I determine whether they are. And nobody and nobody people don't even know what my biases are. in some of these subjects. >> Well, I mean, my I think it's anomalous or it's excuse me, not anomalous. My brain is tired. Um, that children in school have limited First Amendment rights. They cannot say, well, they can say, "I'm going to kill you. I'm going to bring a bomb tomorrow. I have a gun in my backpack. Those are problematic statements that
084cannot cannot be done at school without consequences. So I see a board meeting. It is a it is a board business meeting with a segment that is for public comments. And so as in school there are limited first amendment rights are limited. That's how I see it. And I I could be wrong but people cannot come and say I'm going to kill Susan Parks. I'm going to bomb the school tomorrow because transgender kids get to go in the bathroom that they choose. I can't come to a board meeting and say that. >> I haven't. He's just given an example. >> I'm giving an example. >> So there is there are limitations on first amendment rights in public schools in public in public forums in board me board business meetings in universities in all kinds of
085places where all kinds of people go. So that's where I stand on it and that's what I believe is the truth. >> Katie, since we're on the topic of decorum, Susan, when you use that tone, it's I don't feel like it's okay. >> Well, I don't feel it's okay for James to cry out and and when I'm giving an example and say that it hasn't happened. It what I said for example. >> Oh, where are my groups? >> Where are my groups? I'd also like to dispel the rumor that we are trying to eliminate public comment from our meetings which is inaccurate. I thought we had a really great conversation um last month about in our policy meeting about it was a wide openen meeting and we talked about all types of things and somehow
086there's a now a group of people who believe that we're trying to eliminate public comment for meetings which is the furthest from the truth. It was a question brought up that Mike that Mike I believe said he asked about is it necessary and we talked about how it was very necessary. So that that frustrates me that we we're kind of stuck in this place where when we say things that there are still people who believe that we don't want to have public comment when we absolutely do want to have public comment and it's not necess it while it can be positive and negative for everyone to be there. It's great to have public comment and I invite anyone to come and speak, but there's never ever ever been a time when we have decided to
087not have public comment. And I I'm I'm discouraged by that that I keep hearing people saying, "Well, you don't want that." And it's that's completely irrelevant and it's not ever not going to happen. We are bound to have that happen and it's encouraged. So although I would welcome communication, I received little of any Yeah, we have to we have work to do repairing the damage done in recent meetings. The way to do that is not by trying to restrict further what and how public communicates with us, but to avoid uncomfortable with us to avoid uncomfortable situations. I think I think we've all done a pretty good job as of late taken it. >> We don't necessarily agree, but we've sat there and we've listened to it. We haven't I don't I don't know what else
088we can do besides that. If anybody has a goal to address this, I think we I would like to hear what that might be. Katie, >> I feel like it goes back to what April was saying about understanding because I made a note. Let me find that. Most disagreements are the result of faulty assumptions. That's a quote. So, Mark, it's not mine. >> Say it again, Katie. >> Most disagreements are the result of faulty assumptions. And good decisions are not made in an echo chamber. So, because somebody openly disagrees, and I'll wave my hands in two directions about something, the best thing you can do is not stop talking to that person, but seek to understand. Like, have you ever gone to coffee, thought about going to coffee? I mean, Charlie just said he wants
089to work on it, too, right? So, why aren't you guys reaching across an aisle? Like, Stacey and I haven't talked to each other in 5 years. you blocked my stuff. The other night I was standing a group of people and only one person got like uh greeted good night, that kind of a thing. Like why are we all just ignoring these problems? We're grownups. Frankly, Katie, I will tell you I am afraid that if I were to speak >> and you were on TV, >> if I were to speak to another board member who who has extremely different opinions than I do in private that that conversation would appear on Facebook and I'm not willing to do that. I don't put anything on Facebook, nothing. But I fear that it would be publicized and it
090would create a huge problem for me as a board member. >> I need to trust someone before I have coffee with them and tell them about myself. >> Well, I don't think you're going to get that because >> I'm not >> trust trust doesn't start before the coffee. The coffee is the icebreaker, >> right? And trust trust has been broken in this group. Mhm. for me >> and I can tell you that I reached out to one of our speakers and offered to meet for coffee to see if we could find common ground to solve his to solve the issues that they were concerned about. The answer I got is I'll meet with you if I can record it and use it for future legal. >> Okay. Have you asked James to copy other than
091to talk about censuring him? a while ago. I did. But I gotta tell you, when you're blindsided up there, it doesn't feel very good. >> Well, it doesn't nurture trust. That's for sure. >> Well, I try to bring stuff up, but I keep on going until you can't bring that up now. You can't bring that up now. So, I'm only going to listen to I can't bring this up. I can't bring this up. And I'm just going to bring it up. >> But what if what you want to bring up shouldn't be brought up at a board meeting? What if it shouldn't be brought up? >> Like what? What have I What have I not asked to be brought up at a board meeting that should not be brought up at a board meeting? >>
092What have you brought up at a board meeting that you didn't ask to be brought up at meeting? >> I don't follow this. >> I have asked Mike. >> Let me just say let me just say this. Once the board has voted on a policy, it is the responsibility of all the board members to support the policy. Have I not supported a policy that we voted on? What policy have I not supported? >> Title N. >> I'm saying that we needed to bring it down because it needs to get changed because it violates federal law. >> Do you think that's supporting the policy? It doesn't. >> It's violating the law that needs to be changed. So, I can't support something, Martha, that needs to be changed. >> Then, your obligation of a board member is
093to support it. You don't have to you don't have to say anything then, James. You have an obligation as a board member. And I don't want to get into this because this this isn't appropriate for for a to be televised. I'd be ha if you want to meet for coffee, I'd be happy to explain to you why it isn't against the law. I'd be happy to explain that to you. And that's all I'm going to say at this point about that. >> And I I spoke to that at the last business meeting two times. >> We we we I don't know how many times we've had attorneys say it. I don't know how many times we've done the human rights commission thing. I don't know how many times we've explained that an executive order isn't
094necessarily the law. There have been several of those that have been found to be illegal, unconstitutional, and so we wait for the lawyers and we wait for the DOE to tell us what to do and what not to do. That's how it works and that's what we did and that's why that policy was passed. The only reason why that policy got brought back to the pre2020 is because I had to force it onto the board because you guys refused to take it up at a policy meeting. I asked for it to be brought up at a policy meeting and you said no. >> I didn't say no. I said I wanted to bring it to the committee meeting first and you and you instead brought it to the full board. And what did we decide
095to do, James? We decided to to switch it back and we went with it. So that's a success. I because I had to force it. I tried to bring it up in the policy meeting so we could take care of it not at the >> I'm sorry I don't remember that at all. >> Wow. >> So but ultimately my my again it's going into other things but >> but the obligation the point is the obligation of the board isn't for the board to fight amongst itself at our meetings publicly. That's not our responsibility. It makes us look bad. If we have disagreements or we have different opinions, address the issue appropriately where it belongs. That's all I'm saying. We and we have guidelines. We have the norms you're not liking. Well, we can put those
096aside. But you do have a code of ethics and I already mentioned that where that applies in here and where it's not being followed in here. I will support a decision grac graciously once it has been made by the majority of the board that's in your code of ethics. >> Well, we all have things that we do like I feel like I recall that when the topic came up you said I wish I had voted differently. Do you remember saying that? >> I do. >> Okay. Well, that's we all do things. >> We do. But when it's brought to our attention, you should stop doing the thing that you've been doing. >> Okay? >> If you make a mistake, it's a mistake and it's an oops. But when you hear it and you still don't
097follow it, that's no longer an oops. >> It's a pattern. >> What? >> It's a pattern. >> Yeah. >> Sure. You go ahead. You go ahead and leave April. We're going to sign you up for some more committees. >> I'll get back for volunteering if I'm just saying you have a code of ethics. >> Okay. Do we have a goal that anybody wants to add to this? Too many I think I think the group norm thing will address this hopefully because some of it is too many sidebars at the meeting. Room for improvement by doing well. How we conduct ourselves is important and we must continue to show up to You did that one. So, I think does anybody have anything any other ideas or goals you'd like us to consider? Checking that one off.
098Legislator. I did the code of ethics stuff at the bottom. Board member development. Do you think that's covered by that goal that we have for the January retreat? Thank you. >> I think that the calendar, the expectations too that will help. >> Yeah, I think there's like just some operational things that we can do to streamline some of the like information, the scheduling, the like I on boarding. So, I think there's some good action steps for us in terms of like doing some of that stuff that's going to build our um you know, board is the word I'm thinking like muscle, I guess. And just to let you know for new board member orientation, I offer I meet with every new board member. Mike and I meet with every new board member. We offered to
099meet that if you have any questions about anything, we're more than willing to meet. So if and I'll I'll continue to do that. And that I don't know if you know that goes on, but I think most of you were not Stacy, not Katie. >> Everybody else was a new board member. Yeah, I know one hair people that well that's that was one thing I was going to say like I know in the past I've always been like oh let's advocate for a a mentor but it's hard in January like it's a really hard time and I feel like that's that's just a hard time for someone to come on to the board anyway and I but I don't know how we can make that better like it's hard it's easier to come in June
100than it is in January >> because you're walking in and especially if you've never done it before like where do I sit Right. John, you weren't sure if you set the day or not. You know, he wasn't sure where to go, what, you know, what was expected. So, I think there's a lot >> between But you're limited. You know, you're limited. You can only you can come to the meetings, but you can't be part of the discussion until you're sworn in. And then sometimes we've had meetings the same night. >> Oh, yeah. Sworn in >> for this workshop in January. There'll be several new members on the board. That's why we're planning it for January. >> If we had some part of that be face to face with someone who's been on the board for
101a while, >> lunch, you know, I just all that stuff. I think we want to build it. >> Do it structured right there. >> Trying to find a time in January. >> Yeah. >> So, one thing that we did at a meeting that my first retreat was we did a pairing and you intro you to know each other and you introduced that person to the to the >> the group. talked about you had some key you had some guiding >> guiding thoughts but you had people say okay this is Stacy she likes to do this or this is Charlie he likes to do this something interesting about Charlie is this and it kind of gave >> sort of like a summer camp >> correct >> he likes bread April would like he likes he likes
102>> April and Susan will keep you from going >> might tell you things that you don't believe >> that true doesn't looking >> in looking at the peach the only ones we haven't talked about is the fiscal >> the only peach one that we haven't talked and I think on the fiscal in insight I don't know you might disagree with me and that's fine if you have an idea I don't on the fiscal oversight that I think we're in a new place we have a new business manager Mike's got his feet under him a little bit better we're starting we're not starting the school year in the red. That's good. That's a treat. So, I think if we wait on the financial oversight, it might take care of itself. If anybody has something specific, and
103I guess I can go back and see what the fiscal insight fiscal oversight said. >> I'm excited that you guys honestly the new auditor, you it's going to be great. And I feel bad that we've been stuck. I'll say it out loud stuff with the same auditor who's had issues with getting things done on time that I I really feel like moving forward and I think they were do we have an update on that still remember last week or two weeks ago we were saying it's going to be expected by the end of the month but I'm excited for you auditor >> very good we were I've worked with him before he's yeah through head start he's been on the auditor there too so I think I'm I'm going to be a new way to
104present And I really truly believe that it's a great step forward for us. >> I don't see anything on here to make a goal about read. I was just going to say that um yes to that and part of the desire from what I've heard April speak about does I think also lay into this because in terms of where our responsibility is with the fiscal oversight a real comfortability with the budget and understanding it is probably part of that missing piece so that it's not just Katie with very effective questions that go really specific right all of us need to build that muscle So, I think um that is it's not like that retreat is going to solve all of it, but if we want to be really intentional in January or February about sort
105of like what budget season is and what these presentations are and I know they've done some uniformity with how they show, which is really helpful because finally now we're actually looking at like, you know, real things. But I do think part of that I think part of the oversight is our um our our breath and depth in understanding the budget. We >> I guess we didn't think to explain the budget a lot to you because it has come so far from where it was. We thought it was good. if you'd been here two years ago. >> I have a medical degree, not an accounting degree. You know, maybe just from my point of view, maybe just little study groups of three or four of us, not a meeting, doesn't need to be public, just to
106look at the budget with some a seasoned two, one or two seasoned board members would be very helpful. And that can be done on our own time without official without having to be official. Uh, you know, I have to say I am Katie and I disagree on some things, but I, you know, I am going to miss your uh >> diligence, >> your diligence >> and your intelligence with budget because I still cannot do that. you are you are great at it, >> but I don't you know I don't know where I could get that. I think you're a money and numbers person. You work with money. You work with bonds. So it's stuff you have to know and you bring it here and it's so it's very helpful and it's uh you know something
107that I'm going to miss. So somehow we're going to have to figure it out. We're gonna have to do that ourselves. >> So Katie, would you come to our workshop to help Saturday in January? >> You said you have money now. >> I'll give you $100 of my own. >> That's nice. >> I know. Wait a minute. This is starting to sound better now. >> Like old home. >> So now there's food and money. Okay. Do you know we've covered all the peak areas? >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> And to and to review what we have on here for our goals our per our goals for the board. >> Yeah. >> Goal one, all day board retreat to be organized by the ad hoc committee of Susan, April, and Charlie. Goal two, revisit into
108commit to group norms at a September workshop. Group goal three, attend three to four school events. Announce yourself. I'm going to make a calendar for what happens with the board policy stuff >> and I can add events >> and she'll and Rita will add events and I'm going to mention to Mike to include for us important legislative updates. >> Beautiful. >> And can I ask you something real quick? I'm just asking just only because of like the community piece. So suppose you go to an event and you may not have an opportunity to introduce yourself to that person. Name tags. >> I asked that. >> Do you want name tags? >> Okay. >> They have like the your name >> with the seal. >> The seal. >> Here we go. We >> could be could
109say, you know, I think the city council has >> we want. >> Yes, they do. >> Personal. >> I think I think it just makes I don't know. So, I I'm just going to throw a little one a little side. They need humane tax in my opinion with the city seal. And we need a ribbon below it because no a ribbon below it that says >> um >> at large district school board at large school three or school board because people can flip-flop between positions >> and we want to be able to you know be mindful of what >> Rita is at large but she happens to live in W one doesn't mean she doesn't just do things in W one she does things all over but yes I agree I just think that's I
110mean I think it's sometimes It's hard to >> I'm going to put classy >> classy ones >> but I thinkows it allows us to be approached in a public forum >> event >> in a public event. Yeah. >> You know whether it's whether it's we come to >> you know a girls on the run >> function or we go to a concert >> go to read to a kindergarten class. >> Yeah. Well, >> I mean those things during the day. So, you know, sit at the Y is a perfect place to show up for people, >> you know, and sit with people, talk with people, cheer people on. >> This was this was tough work tonight, you guys. >> And you all did a great job. And I think the stuff that we have here
111is going to help us to move forward. But I encourage all of you to please read policy section B. >> Yes. [Music] >> Uh we've completed the >> Thank you for joining us and good night. Good night is good luck. Is that what you would say? >> I'm from I lived in Wisconsin for a while.