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Three board members raise inclusion and conduct concerns; board adds code-of-ethics goal and agrees to training
Summary
During a lengthy Aug. 26 discussion, three board members described feeling dismissed or marginalized at prior meetings. The board discussed nonverbal behavior, listening and meeting procedures and agreed to add a focus on the board code of ethics to the adopted goals and to pursue trainings (parliamentary procedure and MSBA board-team offerings).
Three Lakeville Area School Board members used the Aug. 26 meeting to raise concerns about board culture and inclusion, prompting an extended discussion about behavior, meeting procedures and next steps.
Director Kim Baker delivered a detailed statement describing repeated experiences of being ignored and silenced and urging the board to make inclusion tangible rather than assumed. Baker said, in part: "True inclusion means more than simply being present, it means having a seat at the table and a genuine voice in the conversation...I will not pretend it has been easy. There have been tears, but my convictions keep me steadfast." (remarks made on the record.)
Directors Carly Anderson and Amber Cameron both described incidents and patterns they felt diminished the participation and contributions of women on the board. Anderson urged the board to take concrete steps to improve operations and internal training; Cameron described the board as "dysfunctional" and urged active-listening and behavioral change.
Several members acknowledged frustration and said they would work to change nonverbal comportment and tone. Director Thomas Thompson and other board members replied that they did not intend to silence colleagues and suggested that following meeting procedure more closely and improving governance training could help.
As a result of the discussion the board amended its package of goals to add a specific, year-long focus on the code of ethics and agreed to pursue training opportunities, including parliamentary-procedure refreshers and MSBA board-team training. Board members said they would also undertake the regular board-evaluation process so the board can measure changes over time.
Ending: The board agreed to add the code-of-ethics goal and to follow up with targeted training and the next evaluation cycle; members asked chair and vice chair to coordinate next steps.
