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Board asks for draft language to give policy director a formal dotted-line to board
Summary
Board members discussed making the policy director report to the board via a formal dotted line, clarifying responsibilities and the job description so the position can act on board-directed policy tasks without requiring superintendent permission for board-directed initiatives.
Board members discussed whether the district’s policy director should have a formal dotted-line reporting relationship to the board and asked staff to draft job-description language for the board to review.
The discussion matters because policy is a board responsibility; a formal reporting line could change how policy tasks are prioritized and how the policy director responds to board directions.
“If we by a vote say we want you to bring us back a policy on, ... that person then does not have to have the permission of the superintendent to do it,” Dr. Nicholas said, describing why a dotted-line reporting relationship could clarify responsibilities when the board directs policy work.
Board members and staff discussed practical ramifications, including job-description language, whether the policy director’s annual review would change, and how to prioritize policy requests. Staff noted that many policies are in various stages of revision and that a tracking system (BoardDocs/diligent) could improve transparency but would not replace the need to prioritize work. Dr. Nicholas offered to draft proposed job-description language for the board to consider.
The board did not adopt language at the meeting; members asked staff and Dr. Nicholas to return with a draft and supporting recommendations on changes to the policy director’s description and workflow.
