BC 2006 03 21 RECESSED - Laserfiche WebLink

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March 21, 2006 - Recessed Meeting Page 548 . How can we build on what we have accomplished and strengthen our unified front? Mr. Boyle reviewed the goals of the retreat as follows: . Get to know each other better; rediscover a sense of honor I humor, and renewed respect for our governing colleagues. . Increase mutual understanding of county and school roles and responsibilities; legal, statutory, and political obligations and constraints identify information needed to address these issues. . Create consensus around shared roles, responsibilities and interdependency clarify, define and better understand interdependency between boards and its implications opportunities, obligations, benefits, barriers, costs, etc. . Identify ground rules/operating principles to guide communication with the public, the media and with each other. . Identify actions we will take to address these issues - identify what information we need, schedule meetings, etc. Members of the three boards were asked to draw a lifeline chart. They then organized in groups of three to share information and learn about each other. After completion of the lifeline exercise, Mr. Boyle asked the members of the three Boards to identify important elements of board-to-board relationships. The following items were listed: Communication; Trust; Openness; Respect; Look to the Future; Shared vision; and Focus on Problems and Solutions. Mr. Boyle asked the three boards to respond to the following questions and posted a summary of their responses as follows: . What values do public schools add to Cabarrus County? o Building the community (i.e., educated populace, lifelong learners, successful people, enhanced quality of life, etc. ) o Development of the economy (i.e., trainable workforce, economic stimulant, attract good businesses; creates business leaders, promotes economic development, etc.) . What challenges does your board face in adding this value to Cabarrus County? o Revenue for new programs and expanding existing programs o Unfunded mandates; o Recruitment/retention of educators; o Addressing diversity, e.g., ethnicity, language; o Educating the public about revenue needs and expenditures; o Balancing the cost and value - what is the right level of funding; o Fostering parental involvement. Mr. Boyle discussed with the boards what their relationship should look like in order for the boards to address their goals and challenges jointly. Board members identified a number of challenges, obstacles and barriers that should be addressed to build on current relationships and move towards the interdependent relationship. Those items included the following: . Different perceptions of the same issues; . Understanding respective roles and responsibilities; . Political ideology; . Funding equity; . personalities; . Lack of public understanding of board roles; . Lack of joint problem solving; . Communication between federal-state-local government; . Fairness; . All boards knowing and understanding what resources are available.