MSSA director tells RSU 38 board to focus on policy, confidentiality and limits of individual authority

Eileen King, executive director of the Maine School Superintendents Association, told the RSU 38 school committee that board members took an oath to uphold the state constitution and statutory duties and must focus on policymaking, oversight and ethical conduct. "You did swear that you would faithfully discharge to the best of your abilities the duties incumbent upon you as a school director of our RSU 38," King said.

King told the board she prepared a packet aligning district policy with state statute and court guidance and walked members through the six core roles of a school board: legislative and policymaking, personnel actions (including hiring the superintendent), judicial duties such as expulsions, budget and finance oversight, facilities planning, and public communication. She repeatedly underscored that the superintendent is the district's single employee and the board's role is to set policy while the superintendent manages day-to-day operations.

King highlighted specific district policies the committee has adopted and the need to watch cross-references when revising policy. She noted the code of ethics (policy BCA) and reminded members that executive-session materials and hiring interviews remain confidential indefinitely. On social media she advised that posting meeting notices is appropriate but warned against sharing personnel or confidential details online.

Board members asked follow-up questions; King encouraged members to attend MSMA trainings and board-chair sessions the association offers. She said principals and administrators should present policy- or program-level requests for the board to consider rather than individual complaints directed at members outside of meetings.

The presentation concluded after a general question period and the board moved on to a district data briefing from administrators.