Legacy and Agreements

BOARD OF EDUCATION LEGACY & AGREEMENTS

2019-2021

Every odd numbered year the Avoca community typically elects three or four community members to serve on the Board of Education (BOE). That unique Board will stay intact for two full calendar years barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Early in each new cycle the Avoca Board of Education and the Superintendent meet together with a facilitator from the Illinois State Board of Education to generate a legacy document representing the values and priorities of the seven BOE members and the Superintendent.


 

LEGACY

The seven statements listed below represent the legacy that the 2019-21 Avoca Board of Education aims to accomplish during their tenure.

  • We valued children foremost and supported the practices and services to further their academic, social, emotional and physical well-being, including our community’s racial, ethnic, linguistic, gender, and learner diversity.
  • We promoted the adoption of scientifically-based curricula and instructional practices.
  • We maintained fiscal responsibility while ensuring funding was adequate to fulfill our mission and strategic goals.
  • We focused on a “Whole Child” viewpoint - balancing academics, arts, athletics and social/emotional education as all key components to each student’s success. 
  • We improved district-wide communication in a deliberate and systematic manner to transparently inform and engage all parties.
  • We were an imaginative board with creative solutions to the district’s complex issues.
  • We adopted a new Strategic Plan based on our community’s values that established Avoca as a model for other districts to emulate.



AGREEMENTS

 

The following represents agreements Board members and the Superintendent have made with each other regarding the character their collaboration and the beliefs underlying it.

Unity of Purpose

We affirm the unique role of public education, whereby each community collectively pools its resources for the common good through the education of its students. Therefore, we seek to uphold and improve public education for our community. 

Speaking with one voice

  • No Board member has the authority to act or speak on behalf of the Board without the consent of the Board.
  • Board members have an obligation to express their opinions and respect others’ opinions; however Board members understand the importance of ultimately speaking with one clear voice and supporting the decision of the majority.

 Communications

  • Board members will listen respectfully to any stakeholder’s concerns
    • Board members will then direct that person to the most appropriate administrator able to help address the concern.
    • Board members handling concerns in this manner will clarify that one board member has no individual authority to fix a problem.
    • After redirecting the concerned stakeholder, a Board member will call the superintendent to simply notify him of the conversation.
  • Superintendent and Board member alike will make every attempt to make sure communications are proactive, so that neither raises an issue in public without first notifying each other of the concern.
  • Requests for information from Board members should be made for the purpose of clarifying for the whole Board information being presented or a concern that has been raised (by a Board member or stakeholder) - without causing an undue burden on District operations. In other words, if one member requests information, all Board members receive that information.
  • Whenever possible, board members will call the superintendent prior to the Board meeting with questions.
  • Board members are encouraged to avoid social media as a communication platform for addressing concerns related to the District.
  • Board members will be judicious in their use of email, understanding that such communications are subject to the Freedom of Information Act and can be made public.

 Board meeting preparation

  • Board members expect to receive the board packet by the Friday before the Thursday board meeting, and one week prior to the Committee of the Whole meeting. Board members understand that at times there may be extenuating circumstances that delay the distribution of the board packet.
  • Board members will read the board packet and supporting documentation before the board meeting.

 Behavioral expectations at Board meetings

  • Start with the common belief that everyone has good intentions.
  • Create a safe environment for the productive exchange of ideas.
  • Sincerely listen and seek to understand the viewpoints of others.
  • Solve problems through a collaborative process where all participants support the decision and actively work toward its implementation.

Voting Method

  • Each board member respects the right of the other members to vote “no” on an issue.
  • Board members are encouraged to explain the reason(s) for a “no” vote either during deliberation or before casting the vote.