Stevensville School District

THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Board/Staff Communications

Every reasonable means of communication is encouraged throughout the education community.  Nevertheless, an organization must maintain some order and structure to promote efficient and effective communications.

Staff Communications to the Board

All official communications or reports to the Board, from principals, supervisors, teachers, or other staff members, shall be submitted through the Superintendent.  This procedure shall not deny any staff member the right to appeal to the Board from administrative decisions, provided that the Superintendent shall have been notified of the forthcoming appeal and that it is processed according to the applicable procedures for complaints and grievances.

Board Communications to Staff

All official communications, policies, and directives of staff interest and concern will be communicated to staff members through the Superintendent.  The Superintendent will employ all such media as are appropriate to keep staff fully informed of Board concerns and actions.

Visits to Schools

In accordance with Montana statutes, each trustee shall visit every school of the District at least once each school fiscal year to examine its condition and needs.  As a courtesy, individual Board members interested in visiting schools should make arrangements for visitations through the principals of the various schools.  Such visits shall be regarded as informal expressions of interest in school affairs and not as “inspections” or visits for supervisory or administrative purposes.

Social Interaction

Staff and Board members share a keen interest in schools and education.  When they meet at social affairs and other functions, informal discussion about such matters as educational trends, issues, and innovations and general District problems can be anticipated.  Discussions of personalities or staff grievances are not appropriate.

Legal Reference:
§ 20-3-324(21), MCA Powers and duties

Policy History:
Adopted on: February 12, 2002
Reviewed on: February 12, 2013; March 12, 2013; October 10, 2022