Board workshop on operating procedures emphasizes 'no surprises,' training and chain-of-command

Trustees and facilitators used a Team of 8 workshop to review and discuss proposed board operating procedures designed to align governance with the district mission and avoid "no surprises." Facilitator Taiji Jones framed the session around the district mission to "provide our students with excellence in education so that all students achieve their full potential." He described the workbook-based exercise and the "expert on a page" activity used to ensure trustees could summarize key sections.

The workshop covered multiple governance topics: required training schedules for new and experienced trustees (Open Meetings Act, Public Information Act training, student-safety topics), travel and reimbursement rules (equal per-member travel budgets, 50-mile rule for hotel reimbursement, required receipts), school-visit protocols (trustees should notify the superintendent and follow campus security procedures), and the chain-of-command for constituent complaints (listen, verify, and refer to Superintendent McFarlane for handling). "If we get into the weeds on a particular situation, you risk having to recuse yourself later," one facilitator warned, urging trustees to provide "just enough information to call Dr. McFarlane."

On communications, facilitators and legal counsel advised that the board president serve as the official board spokesperson while the chief communications officer handles district media relations; trustees were urged to defer media inquiries and be cautious about personal social-media posts that could be construed as board statements. Legal counsel also highlighted Public Information Act concerns tied to personal devices and recommended keeping district communications on district accounts where feasible.

Facilitators said staff will compile the board’s notes and return a draft of revised operating procedures for further review across upcoming meetings.