Littleton Public Schools Policy

Policy Code    BIBA Policy Name     Board Member Training and             Continuing Education: Conferences,            Conventions, Workshops Adoption             October 9, 2008 Revised

The Board of Education faces a difficult set of challenges including:

Developing a quality educational program relevant to a global 21^st century for all students.

Deciding complex policy.

Overseeing the prudent management of District resources and facilities.

Community leadership.

Expanding and changing educational responsibilities legislated by state and federal government for an increasingly diverse student population.

Remaining current with local, state, federal, and international trends.

The public expects its elected Board of Education members to demonstrate high qualities of leadership and effectiveness as they deal with affairs of the public schools. In turn, the Board of Education expects public support for training and continuing education to expand the knowledge and abilities of its members.

The Board of Education places a high priority on the importance of planned and continuing education for its members appropriate for implementing this policy. The central purpose of training and continuing education is to enhance the quality and effectiveness of public school governance, expand the Board of Education’s knowledge of contemporary issues and new ideas affecting the continued welfare of local schools, and to deepen Board of Education members’ insights into the nature of leadership.

The Board of Education regards the following examples of activities and services appropriate for implementing this policy:

Participation in state and national school board and school executive conferences, workshops, and conventions, including such topics as student achievement, accountability, legislative topics, health, special education, technology, English language learners, gifted and talented.

District-sponsored training sessions for Board of Education members (examples: effective Board of Education training, governing by policy, new Board of Education member training, integrating technology).

Subscriptions to print or electronic sources which address the concerns and needs of Board of Education members.

Membership in committees which address the concerns and needs of Board of Education members.

Board of Education members shall receive no compensation for their service. However, upon submitting vouchers and supporting receipts for expenses incurred in carrying out specific services previously authorized by the Board of Education, members may be reimbursed from District funds.

Whenever Board of Education members accept, in advance, District expense money, they will be held fully accountable for all funds, whether lost or stolen.

The District shall provide liability insurance and errors and omissions insurance to protect its Board of Education members, individually and collectively, for claims made against them as a result of their membership on the Board of Education.