Board of Education Goals
Board goals are the priorities that outline what the board will accomplish. They can be both operational and aspirational, meaning they can relate to the core annual tasks or the long-term vision of the board. They help the board stay focused on the desired outcomes and avoid distractions. They also involve a critical review of systems and programs, and a culture of accountability that relies on data and evaluation.
Adopted April 5, 2023
I. Fiscal Responsibility
Review and request changes necessary to formulate and adopt a budget that provides academic resources, supports, services and personnel for all students, incorporating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) concepts while presenting an attainable and fiscally responsible budget that responds to taxpayers. The BOE will encourage and support a participatory budget process in the 2023-2024 School Year to pursue additional input from stakeholders.
The Board will:
Support programs that are grounded in high expectations, evidence-based "best practices," that activate authentic engagement, rigor, and equity in every building, while maintaining a transparent and responsible financial stewardship of district resources;
Collaborate with the superintendent and their staff to provide opportunities for the community to participate in the formulation of the budget;
Discuss and ask probing questions during budget development presentation sessions;
Schedule two professional development work sessions for Board members around school budgets.
II. Excellence in Student Learning, Support and Equity
Continue to identify, and support ways to overcome barriers to equity that exist in our district and develop policies and procedures that advance learning.
The Board will:
Develop policies to encourage equitable practices around teaching and learning, school culture and climate and adopt a policy to address Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion*;
Support the superintendent’s efforts to provide evidence-based prevention and intervention programs to reduce suspension;
Advocate for an inclusive recruitment and hiring process that encourages staff retention initiatives and supports new hires;
Review and monitor equity audits, as well as engage with leadership to implement strategies for structural improvement that benefit our students learning, growth, and retention.
III. Partnerships & Communication with Families, Community and Staff
The Board will promote and encourage a trusting environment that engages our families, community, and staff to build partnerships that support the vision, district goals, strategic plan, and the college and career readiness of all students. The Board believes every attempt should be made to form “partnerships” among the schools, staff, families, and community.
The Board will:
Create a welcoming public-comment opportunity during Board meetings, or by way of written comments to the BOE district clerk for students, families, community, and staff to share feedback and thoughts around areas of district strengths, growth, and concern;
Engage and build relationships with stakeholders at functions, meetings, in schools (i.e., as school liaison representatives) and events in our communities to act as a link between residents and the Superintendent;
Conduct Board business openly according to Board Education Law.
The Schenectady City School District Board of Education serves the students and families in our community through our commitment to leadership and excellence.
IV. BOE Governance Guide Task Force Committee - New!
The Task Force will work on developing a resource guide for BOE members that details effective governance - the roles and responsibilities of board members and our role as policy makers. When necessary, the committee will convene to update and revise the BOE 101 Governance Handbook, a resource that provides information to support and assist new board members in their new role.
