My name is Dr. Trudy Jermanovich.

Scrap what’s presented here and COLLABORATE with the volunteers which you are hoping to keep active in the district.

Look over the presentation which was given to you by the Task Force. They gave you invaluable input and they should look over any work BEFORE it is presented to the Board. Do not have staff make up training modules alone. Most staff have not even had any experience being a volunteer on a committee.

“•Improve Communication and Transparency. Centralize committee information (meeting schedules, agendas, minutes, member lists, and policy references) on a public-facing website or dashboard. Encourage the sharing of essential information in a timely manner when requested.

•Invest in Training. Develop a manual outlining expectations, responsibilities, timelines, templates, and shared definitions. Host collaborative training sessions with chairs and liaisons.

•Utilize the official name of all committees across all District materials--including District website, advertising form, calendar events, and documents.

•During the first School Board Workshop of the year, include an introduction of all committees, their purpose, leadership and a discussion of objectives for the year.

•It is critical to create a strong, collaborative, and transparent relationship between committees, the District, and School Board. In order to establish alignment between committee work and District goals, the Task Force recommends that committee chairs meet with relevant department heads at the beginning of the school year and as needed throughout the year.

•Welcome all constructive feedback and input, including those which identify areas in need of improvement. Some committees are more issue centered, and, therefore, the feedback can be uncomfortable. We encourage the District to approach all committee concerns as an opportunity to grow and strengthen services, rather than receiving the input as contentious or negative.”

We have to start the year right with many of these suggestions being implemented in the next few months. Let’s make volunteers welcome and appreciated in order to build better public schools and be inviting for parents to also be instrumental in our success.