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I. UNITING BELIEFS
We believe that teachers, administrators, and school boards have a common goal ─ that of
providing the best possible schools for the pupils of the district. We believe that for
effective communication classroom teachers, administrators, and school boards must
together seek pathways for mutual development of policies and practices. We believe that
the provision of learning opportunities is paramount in the operation of the schools.
II. GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Present Practices as Basis
Effective teacher-administrator-board relationships should be developed by utilizing and
improving any procedures of communication which in the current practice of a school
system are useful in development of school policy on matters of common concern.
Contribution by Teachers
Professionally prepared teachers may make important contributions to the formulation of
recommendations for school policies which are related to the work of teachers.
Involvement of Teachers
The legal responsibility for the adoption of school policies belongs to the Board
exclusively. However, before arriving at a decision about policies that affect the work of
teachers, the Board should give teachers an opportunity to participate in preparing
recommendations for the Board's consideration.
Policies in Writing
A cooperatively developed written school board policy can foster good board-staff
relationships. Written policies shall be revised regularly, shall be made available to the
school staff, and shall continue to be used by the Board of Education as the basis for its
action.
Role of Superintendent
The role of the superintendent of schools is of utmost importance. The superintendent not
only functions as the chief administrator for the Board, but also provides leadership to the
professional staff. In this dual role, the superintendent should provide leadership in
developing mutual respect between the Board and the professional staff, and in developing
steps by which differences can be resolved.
Scope
Only matters of broad professional concern are within the scope of cooperative planning
as used in the context of this statement. Although the proper handling of personal
grievances of teachers is of utmost importance to the maintenance of staff morale, such
grievances are not within the scope of such professional planning unless they have been
evaluated by a responsible committee of the Community Teachers Association or other
representative organization and found to be of such broad significance that such association
or organization, by official action, decides to make common cause with the teacher in
question.
III. PROCEDURES FOR COMMUNICATION
Board Recognition
The Jefferson City Community Teachers Association/Missouri National Education
Association and the Jefferson City Community Teachers Association/Missouri State
Teachers Association are hereby recognized as the official agencies representing those
teachers who are members. This does not preclude the right of other groups or individuals
to be heard by the Board of Education.
Responsibility of the Community Teachers Association
The associations should have a well-informed, responsible membership. They should have
competent research committees to compile evidence as the basis for whatever the
associations present as the needs and desires of the teachers. The associations have a duty
to educate their membership with respect to those realities of school system operation to
which their proposals are related. The association shall file a copy of current constitutions
and bylaws with the Board, and shall also file promptly any subsequent changes.
Requests for Conferences
When an association wishes to discuss a matter or make a proposal, it shall make its
request to the superintendent or his or her representative. Accompanying the request for
a conference will be a written statement setting forth the nature of the concern of the
professional staff. Such a request shall result in discussion between the superintendent and
representatives of the Community Teachers Association within a reasonable length of time.
Conference
Facts, opinions, and proposals shall be exchanged freely during the conferences in an
effort to reach mutual understanding. Participants in these conferences may wish to utilize
the services of consultants.
Policy
If the participants reach an understanding, such understanding shall become a
recommendation for policy action by the Board.
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Note: The reader is encouraged to check the index located at the beginning of this
section for other pertinent policies and to review administrative procedures
and/or forms for related information.
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Adopted: 09/10/1990
Revised: 07/18/1991
Jefferson City School District, Jefferson City, Missouri
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