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Dr. Reynolds unveils draft two-part onboarding program for new DeSoto board members
Summary
Dr. Reynolds presented a draft onboarding program that includes an online, module-based platform and a booklet with eight modules, a 90-day checklist, bylaws excerpts, and financial- and data-oriented guidance; the board provided feedback and requested FSBA and BoardDocs specifics be included.
Dr. Reynolds presented a draft two-part onboarding program for new board members that pairs a website with a companion booklet to guide members through their first 90 days and beyond. "So it's 2 parts. There's a website, and then there's a booklet," he said, explaining the approach would let new members engage online and then meet in person for deeper, small-group orientation.
The materials are organized into roughly eight modules covering district history, bylaws excerpts, the district's strategic plan and goals through 2029, department overviews, an organizational chart and funding sources, financial reports (including the AFR and fund-balance calculations), and instructional frameworks for K–12. Dr. Reynolds noted several placeholders — including a fuller history of DeSoto County and a QR code linking to the site — and asked board members for feedback and suggested edits.
Board members praised the draft's thoroughness and suggested additions. One member urged the inclusion of Florida School Boards Association (FSBA) expectations and committee participation guidance, plus practical platform notes such as how to use BoardDocs and how to communicate with the superintendent without 'surprising' them. Dr. Reynolds said the paper booklet would be available quickly and the electronic platform would follow.
