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CalSTRS governance committee codifies board chair as official board spokesperson
Summary
The CalSTRS Governance Committee approved a policy update to the governance manual that designates the board chair as the board’s official spokesperson when speaking on behalf of the board; vice chair steps in if chair is unavailable.
The California State Teachers’ Retirement System Governance Committee voted to adopt a policy update that codifies the board chair as the official spokesperson for statements made on behalf of the board.
The change, presented by Brian Barto, staff member, formalizes existing practice by adding language to the board governance manual that says the chair should “speak on behalf of the board” in situations where the board is taking an official position. Barto told the committee the update “aligns with best governance practices and helps the board speak with one voice, ensure timely accurate information is shared.”
The update also notes that if the chair is unavailable the vice chair may step into the chair’s role. Barto said the proposed text “dovetails with the ethical conduct portion of our governance manual in that it states that board members shouldn't make statements to the media that the board hasn't taken a position on,” and that the change does not prevent members from speaking in a private capacity.
Chairperson Gunning moved the committee to a vote after members discussed the proposal; there was no public comment on the item. A roll-call vote recorded all voting members as “Aye,” and the committee approved the change.
The committee directed that the new language be inserted into the governance manual; no additional implementation steps or timelines were specified during the meeting.
