BIA-NEW BOARD MEMBER ORIENTATION

File: BIA

NEW BOARD MEMBER ORIENTATION

In order that newly elected MSAD #11 Board members may cast informed votes and function effectively as board members, the MSAD #11 Board and Superintendent will extend to them the fullest measures of courtesy and cooperation, and will make every reasonable effort to assist newly elected MSAD #11 Board members (OR: members-elect) in understanding the Board’s functions, policies, procedures and current issues.

A. In the interim between a new member’s election or appointment and his/her
assuming office, the MSAD #11 Board, through the Superintendent, will invite newly elected members (OR: members-elect) to attend meetings, except those held in executive session, and provide newly elected members (OR: members-elect) with agenda, minutes and reports applicable to those meetings. During the time between election or appointment and the assumption of office, the status of the future-member remains that of a private citizen and not that of an elected or appointment official.

B. The MSAD #11 Board through the Superintendent, will provide new members
with copies of appropriate publications, such as the MSAD #11 Board policy manual, student handbook(s), collective bargaining agreements, and current budget documents.

C. The MSAD #11 Board Chair or Superintendent will remind MSAD #11 Board
Members of their obligation to complete, not later than the 120th day after the date of taking the oath of office, training on the requirements of Maine’s Freedom of Access Law. The Chair or Superintendent will provide MSAD #11 Board members with information regarding available training options. Each MSAD #11 Board member shall attest by means of a written or electronic record that he/she has completed the training and provide a copy of such record to the Superintendent’s Office. To facilitate documentation of training, the Superintendent will make available to MSAD #11 Board members copies of the State’s sample Certification of Completion of Access Training form.

D. The MSAD #11 Board will encourage new members to attend appropriate in-district
and out-of-district orientation and/or boardsmanship workshops. Reimbursement
for such activities must be approved in advance by the MSAD #11 Board Chair, in
consultation with the Superintendent, and is subject to the availability of funds.
E. The MSAD #11 Chair and Superintendent will schedule and arrange for an
orientation session for new MSAD #11 Board members as soon as practicable
after election or appointment. A reasonable amount of time will be provided for
discussion of:

1. The roles and responsibilities of the MSAD #11 Board and individual members;
2. Basic operational procedures of the MSAD #11 Board;
3. Placement of items on the agenda;
4. The role of committees, subcommittees and advisory committees;
5. How and why executive sessions may be held;
6. What is considered confidential or privileged information;
7. Appropriate responses of an individual member when a request or complaint
is made directly to him/her by a student, parent or member of the community;
8. How the MSAD #11 Board responds to complaints involving personnel;
9. General information about the school system and its resources;
10. How MSAD #11 Board members, in fulfilling their duties, may request
information concerning schools and District operations, finances and personnel;
11. How MSAD #11 Board members may make arrangements to visit schools and
the protocol for such visits;
12. Protocol for dealing with the media; and
13. Other relevant topics.

All MSAD #11 Board members will be invited to the orientation session and encouraged to attend. The orientation is intended to serve as a useful review of basic boardsmanship concepts for experienced members, as well as an opportunity to provide information and counsel to new MSAD #11 Board members.

Legal reference: 1 MRSA § 412

Cross reference: BIC – Board Member Freedom of Access Law Training

Adopted: November 6, 2008

Page 2 of 2