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Board debates handbook language after members push for easier school visits; action tabled
Summary
Board members and Superintendent Nancy Magee disagreed over whether board members should contact principals directly for site visits; the Board tabled action on handbook language to allow staff to draft revisions.
Board members and county office leadership on Feb. 19 debated proposed language in the draft Board Governance Handbook about how board members arrange visits to County Office school programs.
Board Member Chelsea Bonini said the handbook's current provision—requiring Superintendent permission—could hinder board members’ ability to visit and suggested principals should be able to grant permission directly. Several board members described past difficulties scheduling visits and urged more flexibility. In response, Superintendent Nancy Magee explained program principals at County Office sites manage specialized, multi‑site operations and recommended initial outreach go to Associate Superintendent Kris Shouse and Executive Director Sarah Notch, who would coordinate with principals. Magee said she would not agree to direct scheduling with principals and emphasized that the superintendent office should manage the process to protect principals’ time and ensure safety and efficiency.
Youth Commission Liaison Bethany Zhao questioned why board members could not contact principals directly, and Magee confirmed Associate Superintendent Kris Shouse and Executive Director Sarah Notch would coordinate visits and communicate with principals. Board Member Alvaro requested a few sentences be amended in the handbook to reflect the discussion. The Board agreed to table final action on the draft handbook until the next meeting to allow for revised language and review.
