HomeMy WebLinkAbout03 Director's Introductory Remarks
1. Call to Order
Good evening and thanks for being here. I would like to call this meeting to order.
I understand that Trustee Scott will be joining us directly upon arrival from the airport.
Assuming her flight is on time, we expect her before 8 p.m.
That will allow each of you the opportunity to discuss the committee mandate and work plan
without the burden of chairing the meeting. We will hold the election for Chair at the end of the
evening.
You should have all received an agenda and binder in your Friday package.
2. Approval of Agenda
I would now like to ask for approval of the agenda.
3. Director
the committee.
I know that all of you understand the importance of good governance. I also know that you
understand the unique complexities of the governance challenges that face this school district.
It is my hope that this Task Force will be an important first step in addressing some of the
structural and procedural issues which often seem to be a barrier to decision making. As an
organization, we spend a considerable amount of time in meetings. Without question, the work
that we do is important and complex, but unfortunately, much of the debate does not centre on
what we want to do, but how we should do it.
This Task Force has been struck to review and rewrite the rules of procedure. This is a large
undertaking and our timelines are tight. As we embark on this task, I think it is important to keep
three rules in mind:
i) The purpose of the rules of procedure is to facilitate the conduct of meetings not to
restrain or obstruct meetings.
ii) The purpose of this Task Force is to discuss the issues and to provide guidance to the
staff who will undertake the research, summarize our discussions and prepare drafts of
new rules for our consideration. We will not succeed at our task if we attempt to group
write new rules of procedure.
iii) The purpose of having a Task Force is to bring together a small group with the
knowledge, skill and interest required to complete the task at hand. Each of you is very
knowledgeable about governance and procedural matters. I encourage every one of us to
remain focused on the task at hand.
While I appreciate there may be much debate in the months ahead, we must not use this
time as a debating forum. Our task is to develop new rules of procedure.
4. Review of the Task Force Mandate
The mandate of the Task Force has been approved by the Board and a copy is in your binder.
The Task Force has two responsibilities:
i) Review the board and committee structure; and
ii) Review the Rules of Procedure.
The board and committee structure is intentionally the first item listed. The rules of procedure
are intended to guide the work of the Board and its committees. Therefore, the operating
structure of the Board and committees must be understood before the rules can be drafted.
committee mandate, keeping in mind that our next topic is the development of a task force work
plan.
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Possible questions that could be asked to invite comment:
i) What are your expectations for this Task Force?
ii) How do you see the Task Force operating?
iii) What 3 factors are critical to success of the Task Force achieving the mandate?
iv) How will you contribute to success of the Task Force?
Then summarize the discussion.
5. Development of a Task Force Work plan
This might be a good opportunity for us to move to our next item of business, development of the
task force work plan.
6. Meeting Schedule/Frequency
7. Appointment or Election of Task Force Chair
8. New Business
9. Adjournment