BOARD-STAFF COMMUNICATIONS

The Meriden Board of Education desires to maintain open channels of communication between itself and the staff. The basic line of communication will, however, be through the Superintendent.

Staff Communications to the Board
All communications or reports to the Meriden Board of Education or any Board committee from principals, supervisors, teachers, or other staff members will be submitted with the knowledge of the Superintendent.

Board Communications to Staff
All official communications, policies, and directives of staff interest and concern will be communicated to staff members with the knowledge of the Superintendent, and the Superintendent will employ all such means as are appropriate to keep staff informed of the Board’s problems, concerns, and actions.

Visits to Schools
Individual Board members interested in visiting schools or classrooms will make the principal(s) aware of such visitation. Such visits will be regarded as informal expressions of interest in school affairs and not as “inspections” or visits for supervisory or administrative purposes. Board members shall comply with all applicable procedures regarding visitors to the schools. Official visits by Board members will be carried on only under Board authorization and with the full knowledge of staff, including the Superintendent and principals.

Social Interaction
Staff and Board members share a keen interest in the schools and in education generally, and it is to be expected that when they meet at social affairs and other functions, they may informally discuss such matters as education trends, issues, and innovations and general school district problems. However, staff members are reminded that individual Board members have no special authority except when they are convened at a legal meeting of the Board or vested with special authority by Board action. Therefore, staff and Board members shall refrain from discussions by either party of personalities or personnel grievances.

Date Adopted:  April 28, 1981