NEW SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEMBER ORIENTATION

Each new School Committee member elected to the School Committee is recommended to complete, within one year of their election or appointment, at least six hours of orientation training. This orientation shall include, but is not limited to, a review of school finance, the Open Meeting Law, Public Records Law (APRA), ethics, special education law, collective bargaining, and the roles and responsibilities of School Committee members.

The School Committee chairperson and Superintendent shall assist each new member to understand the Committee's functions, policies and procedures as soon after election as possible. Each new member shall be given or provided direct online access to the following materials:

A. The School Committee policy manual

B. The Open Meeting Law

C. Regulations regarding ethics/conflict of Interest

D. The district's budget

E. Collective bargaining agreements and contracts

F. Student and staff handbooks

G. The strategic plan

H. Other materials as deemed appropriate by the Chair and/or the Superintendent determine.

The Chair and/or Superintendent shall also clarify policies regarding:

A. visits to schools or administrative offices

B. requesting information regarding school district operations

C. responding to community requests/complaints concerning staff or programs

D. handling confidential information

SOURCE: Adapted from MASC

ADOPTED: April 26, 2021