Communication is key

By Alan J Van Nevel

Lack of communication has eroded trust in the current board members. I plan on restoring that trust through strong efforts to build clear channels of communication between parents, teachers and staff.

To begin building open channels of communications, I personally will take several actions, and encourage other Board members and members of the administration to join me in these endeavors. One current district practice is to hold community forums, inviting the parents of one school to have an open discussion with board members, administrators and school staff. This practice will continue, with more emphasis on generating greater community involvement. Options to consider would include radio and television public service announcements, more local newspaper coverage, and a larger internet web presence. In addition to community forums, I would like to hold teacher forums. This would either be with a small group (6-10) of teachers and a few board members, or along similar lines as the community forums where larger groups of teachers can participate.

As all the schools become connected to the internet, educators, administrators, and board members should make their e-mail addresses available to all. E-mail has become the communication mode of choice for many people, offering convenience and often rapid response. My personal e-mail address is frog@ridgenet.net, and I will promise that every email will be read and acknowledged within 24 hours.

Another current board practice that I will continue and expand upon is `walkabouts'. Visiting school sites to talk with teachers in the lounge, possibly visiting classrooms if disruptions can be minimized, will allow teachers greater access and often will lead to discussions about the `issues of the day', the little things that matter . The walkabouts also will include visits to as many school events as possible, to meet with students and parents as well as staff members participating in those school events.

Building clear communication channels, trust and respect is not something that will happen overnight. If elected, I will listen to all sides on any issue. I will ask questions to gain the knowledge and insight necessary to make the best decision possible . No student, parent, administrator or educator will leave a conversation feeling that I did not give them the time, attention and respect that they deserve.