South Colonie’s nine-member Board has implemented the following eight committees:

1. Accountability & Board Operations (4 meetings/yr)
2. Facilities & Transportation (3 meetings/yr)
3. Audit-Finance (3 meetings/yr)
4. Information Systems (3 meetings/yr)
5. Policy (8 meetings/yr)
6. School, Community & Governmental Communications (3 meetings/yr)
7. Strategic Planning (2 meetings/yr)
8. Graduation (2-3 meetings/yr)

Most committees meet 2-3 times a year and they are assigned three board members as part of an annual process where members express their preference for committee work. The Board President and Superintendent are ex-officio members on all committees.

President Tim Ryan told the audience that increased efficiency in their meetings also made for improved recruitment and retention of board members. “We would not get the same quality people on the board if our meetings went on and on,” said Ryan. “If you have folks that want to move things along [in a meeting], this would be a good system for your Board to look at.”

Ryan highlighted the following advantages to board committees:

1. Involves all Board of Education Members
2. Involves Superintendent in All Aspects
3. Provides Opportunity for input of All Board members
4. Divides district operation into manageable pieces

Superintendent Michael Marcelle said he sees Board committees as having a very positive role in his district and that members are not micromanaging the operations of the division.

The board gets committee meeting agendas in advance and brief reports of the results of each meeting. Look for their complete presentation on the South Colonie website.

Brian Wheeler
Albemarle County School Board (VA)