Communication Covenants
Communications with Each Other:
- Educational Focus – Children First
- Honesty
- Transparency
- Listen/Seek to Understand
- Respect Diversity of Opinion of Others (e.g. Board Members, Cabinet)
- What We Say in Private is What We Say in Public
- Speak Up - Need to Know What You Are Thinking
- Show Sensitivity
- Share Information with Appropriate Person(s)
- Validate What You Heard Is What Was Said
- Remain Objective
- Constructive Feedback
- Timely Response
- Share Information (Articles)
- Sense of Humor/Fun
- Written Comments Are Helpful When Appropriate
- Asking Questions Is Expected
- KISS (Keep It Simple Simon)
- Common Sense
- Attempt to Minimize Surprises
- Don’t Assume That Everyone Knows What You Know - Share Information
Communications with Parents, Patrons & Community:
- Honesty
- Direct It Back into the System
- Listen/Seek to Understand
- Compassion
- No Surprises - Involve in Planning
- Respect for People
- Clarity of Vision
- Value Diversity
- Teach/Don’t Preach
- Apologize When Errors Are Made
- No Smoke Screens
- Provide Environment That Promotes Discussion
- Public Forums Encouraged as a Part of Communications with Community
- Provide Full Information
- Administration Always Responds ASAP with Resolutions
- Involve Community in Process
- Praise/Encourage Community Involvement
- Visible/Accessible
- Public Support of Staff
- Unified Support of Board Decisions Public/Private
- Limit Jargon
- Ensure Process to Allow Public Comments at Board of Education Meetings
- At Board Meetings, Mention Advance Information Was Provided and Members Are Informed for Making Decisions without Lengthy Discussions (When Appropriate for Consent Items, etc.)
Communications with Administrators:
- Mutual Honesty/Respect/Trust
- Listen/Seek to Understand
- Create an Environment of Openness (Administrators Realize Questions Are for Information, Not Criticism)
- Praise Directly. Raise Concerns to Superintendent
- Administrators Treat Board of Education Members Equally
- Board of Education Members Treat Administrators Equally (Information, Respect and General Treatment)
- Board of Education Clarifies Vision
- Conduct Input Sessions with Administrative Groups
- Demonstrate Support
- Provide Opportunities to Know Each Other Personally
- Accessibility/Visibility
- Don’t Assume the Superintendent Knows What You Know - Share Information
- High Expectations
- Communicate Issue(s) Directed to Administrators to Superintendent
- Accountable for Actions
Communications with Associations, Teachers & Staff:
- Honest
- Listen
- Seek to Understand
- Operate with Sincerity
- Seek Win/Win Solutions
- Build Mutual Trust
- Written Communications Deserve Written Responses
- Request Communications for All Board Members
- Praise/Recognize Contributions
- Clearly Communicate Role Definition
- Build Relationships Constantly
- Include Associations in Decision-making with an Understanding They Share in the Responsibility for Success
- Encourage Participation at District Level
- Encourage Representatives to Attend Board of Education Meeting
- Board Must Be Accessible - Take First Step to Build Relationship
- Communicate Resolution to Problem
