TABLE OF CONTENTS Welcome Letter Page 3 Purpose of the Handbook Page 4 D9-R Contact Information Page 4 School Accountability Committee Duties Page 5 School Accountability Committee Roles Page 6 School Accountability Committee Membership Page 7 Consensus Decision Making Model Page 8 School Accountability Committee Best Practices Page 10 Helpful Templates and Documents Page 11 D9-R SAC Bylaws Page 12 SAC Best Practices and Guidelines Page 23 SAC Questionnaire Page 27 Sample Calendar Page 28 Sample Agenda Template Page 30 Sample Meeting Minutes Template Page 31 Meeting Minutes Dos and Don’ts Page 32 UIP Processes Page 33 Spending Priorities Page 34 Sample Recruitment Letter Page 35 Notes Page 37
CONSENSUS Consensus Decision Making Model Consensus decision making is a model that fosters group collaboration to generate as much agreement as possible. It offers clear and direct communication enabling all SAC members to work together to make a final decision regarding their input to the principal. The consensus process is based on the assumption that every member of the group has a valid perspective that is crucial to making good decisions. It requires everyone in the group to be committed to common goals that are clearly understood, and to be able to differentiate between their personal preferences and what will help the group achieve its goals. As a decision making process, Consensus decision making aims to be: Agreement Seeking: A consensus decision making process attempts to help participants reach as much agreement as possible. Collaborative: Participants contribute to a shared proposal and shape it into a decision that meets the concerns of all group members as much as possible. Cooperative: Participants in the consensus process should strive to reach the best possible decision for the group and all of its members. Egalitarian: All members of a consensus decision making body should be afforded, equal input into the process. All members have the opportunity to present, and amend proposals. Inclusive: As many stakeholders as possible should be involved in the consensus decision-making process. Participatory: The consensus process should actively solicit the input and participation of all decision-makers. In most variations of consensus, once you reach the decision point there are three possible responses to a proposal: Consent: Expressing general agreement, support for and willingness to abide by the proposal. Stand-aside: Expressing significant concerns or disagreement, along with (perhaps reluctant) willingness for the group to proceed with the proposal. Block: Expressing serious concerns that either the proposal does not align with group values or would cause a catastrophe for the organization. It is essential to make every attempt to not use a block like you would a “no” vote. The sentiment attached to voting against a proposal in a voting situation translates to something more akin to standing-aside in a consensus setting. Blocks should only be used in extreme circumstances, in which the proposal may endanger the organization or its participants, or violate the mission of the organization. If a block is used, or if there is an inability to reach consensus, use 9-R SAC Bylaws Article VIII Decision Making Process and refer to Robert’s Rules of Order.
Collaborates with the chairperson and vice-chairperson to set the meeting agenda. Assures the agenda and minutes, after being reviewed by the committee, are posted. Assures that the SAC complies with the Bylaws. Assistant Principal: Attends SAC meetings as an ad-hoc member, if needed. Assumes the role of the Principal in the Principal’s absence. Election and Term of Office. Officers shall be elected by a simple majority of the voting members of the SAC for a term of one year. Individuals may be re-elected for one additional term by a simple majority of the voting members of the SAC. Vacancy. A vacancy occurring in any office shall be filled for the unexpired term by a person elected by a simple majority of the voting members of the SAC, notice of such election having been given. Resignation. Any officer may resign by giving written notice to the Chairperson or Recorder of the SAC. The resignation of any officer shall take effect upon receipt of notice thereof or at such later time as shall be specified in such notice; and, unless otherwise specified therein, the acceptance of such resignation by the SAC shall not be necessary to make it effective. Removal. Any officer may be removed from office by vote of a simple majority of the voting members of the SAC at any meting whenever in the SAC’s judgment the best interests of the SAC will be served thereby. Article VII Meetings Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of the SAC shall be held monthly. A meeting schedule will be established during the first SAC meeting of the school year. Meetings shall be scheduled at a time to allow for maximum parent and community involvement. Because the meetings are open to the public, no confidential information shall be discussed (e.g. disciplinary policy may be discussed, but a specific instance or enforcement of the policy may not be discussed).
RECRUITMENT Sample Recruitment Letter Our School Needs You Do you want the community to know what’s great about our school and why their kids should attend here? Have you ever had a concern or frustration about our school but didn’t know what you could do to address it or change it? Do you know how to have a voice in what’s going on in our school? Do you know how to actually make a difference in our school? The School Accountability Committee may be the place for you! The purpose of SAC is to inform, encourage and provide opportunities for parent and community members to be involved in the planning and evaluation of the school’s instructional program and quality improvement processes. What does that mean exactly? It means we discuss things like: Budget Priorities Technology Community Concerns and Opinions Unified Improvement Plans (the school’s academic goals and action plans) Safety Issues Calendars Other items that may be impacting our school The SAC reports information as required to the District Accountability Advisory Committee (DAAC). The DAAC meets monthly and provides input to the Durango School District 9-R Administration regarding spending district money, charter school applications, school improvement plans and issues for study. This is how we can impact what happens in our school. We help influence the decisions that ultimately impact every student in the school, and possibly the district. We need parent representatives that reflect our school’s amazing diversity to be a part of the SAC. That means you! Becoming a member of the SAC means: attending the SAC meeting which must happen quarterly, but may happen monthly if needed. The time and dates of the meetings will be decided by the SAC in order to accommodate the schedules of our community to ensure the greatest opportunity to attend. becoming informed about school programs and budgets - specialists may be invited to SAC meetings to help educate the members. becoming a voice for our school. We are currently assembling our SAC Committee for the next school year. Nominations and an election are required to fill the four parent voting positions: Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Recorder and/or DAAC Liaison. Information about what each of these positions entails can be found at Scroll down to ‘Common Documents’ and click ‘SAC Handbook. You don’t need to be in one of the four voting positions to be a part of the SAC - the more parents involved, the better!