New Liberty board members attend district-specific orientation and governance training

The Liberty Elementary School District governing board gathered for a study session and new-board orientation on Jan. 13, 2025, with consultant Amy Castellanos leading a discussion about board roles, open meeting law, and community engagement.

Amy Castellanos, the district’s governing board consultant, told new and returning board members the board’s primary responsibilities are strategic oversight and policy-making, while day-to-day operations are the superintendent’s responsibility. “We are here for the kids,” Castellanos said, framing the discussion around the district’s stated core values of respect, accountability, integrity, student-centered decision-making and high standards.

Board members described personal motivations for serving. Board member Chris Kenyon said he wanted to continue community service after military duty. Board member Sarah Schmidt said she ran to bring voices not present on the board into public discussion, especially for special education students and teachers; member Kelly Zimmerman spoke about being a parent and wanting to support district children. Superintendent Dr. Monroe (present for the session) said his driving purpose is service to students and staff after more than three decades in education.

Castellanos reviewed common pitfalls for governing boards, including violating open meeting law by discussing district business in private emails or at public events when a quorum is present. She and board members urged caution about responding to public complaints, encouraging board members to redirect constituents to the superintendent or follow established complaint protocols so the administration can investigate. “If you follow up, make sure you let me know,” Castellanos told board members, urging a single point of contact for follow-up.

The group also covered transparency standards and records management, noting that written communications about school business, including text messages and some social media content, can become public records. The session included practical advice for public appearances (wear a board badge when representing the board), and a reminder that student and personnel records are subject to privacy protections.

(Ending) The board scheduled follow-up training, tours of district schools and an annual self-evaluation; members said they welcomed a continuing orientation plan for newly elected members.