The Board of Education shall review the effectiveness of its internal operations at least once annually. This appraisal shall be based on a broad realm of relationships and activities. The Board recognizes that destructive criticism serves no purpose, therefore, evaluation will be based on a constructive and positive approach. Consequently, the evaluation will indicate the strengths of the Board and areas of needed improvement. The Superintendent of Schools shall be asked to participate in this review and to suggest ways by which the Board can improve its functioning as a deliberative and legislative body. Such evaluation instruments for this appraisal may be used as the committee considers desirable. In addition, upon Board approval, an outside consultant may be brought in to develop and lead the appraisal session or sessions.

The Board shall set forth the standards by which it will evaluate itself, taking into account the following:

1. the district's needs and the Board's ability to meet such needs;
2. the district's goals for its instructional programs;
3. the Board's relationship with the Superintendent of Schools and district staff;
4. the Board's relationship with its supervisory district (BOCES); and
5. the community's perception of Board members as educational leaders.

The evaluation should meet local needs and provide for objective examination. The goals of this evaluation will be reached in the most effective manner by using the following procedure:

1. Board member involvement in the development of standards by which they will evaluate themselves.
2. Holding the evaluation at a scheduled time and place with no other items on the agenda. Also, the evaluation should be conducted at a regular meeting and, if possible, with all Board members present.
3. Developing a composite of individual Board members' opinions and discussion of the results by the whole Board.
4. Supporting each judgement with as much rational and objective evidence as possible.

Upon final discussion of the results, the Board will develop both short-range and long-range priorities to ensure continued proficiency in its areas of excellence, to strengthen its inadequate or weak areas and to eliminate those areas no longer applicable to its performance. All judgments are to be supported by as much objective evidence as possible. Implied in this approach is an assumption that a school board is capable of improvement. The chances that the improvement will result are enhanced if evaluation is carried out systematically in accordance with good planning, conscientious follow-through, and careful assessment of results.

Adoption date

November 12, 1992

11 Boice Road
P. O. Box 2033
Hyde Park, NY 12538
(845) 229-4000
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