I agree with Jim Condos' statement completely.  Keeping the chain of command is a fine line, but many Selectboard members in Milton spend time with the departments.  To the point of even riding with the police during their shifts, or riding with the road crew during winter storms.

Since I've been on the Selectboard we have been at both extremes with a board that didn't talk to the employees at all, and with one that made great effort to find out what the employees' jobs entailed.  I would have to say that the more open approach works MUCH MUCH better.  Not only by giving the board members valuable insight into the effects their decisions will have, but by improving employee morale - because they feel their input and efforts are appreciated.

The trick is having a free flow of information between the board and employees, while maintaining the chain of command for the reporting of problems and requests for action.  To make it work the board and manager (or superintendent) must have a good working relationship, but it can be done.  Personally, I think it is worth the effort.

Ken Nolan
Milton Selectboard Chair

>>> [log in to unmask] 04/13/00 04:11PM >>>
A new school board director asks the chair about spending some time working
with and getting to know the staff at the school.  She is discouraged to do
so.

What are your thoughts, folks?  How do you see the relationship between
school boards and school employees?  Should there be an atmosphere of
employer/employee with no "fraternizing"... or should board members have
the opportunity to see for themselves the staff in action (so to speak)?


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Funny, how we parents think our children never
listen, only to see them mimic our actions.....
What kind of a role model have you been today?

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