By Stu Salkeld The Stettler Independent
If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed at work, some of the trustees of Clearview Public Schools sympathize with you.
The issue came up as superintendent Peter Barron presented an agenda item to trustees labeled “Board Learning Workshop” at the regular meeting of the board of trustees Aug. 31. Barron stated the workshop would be even more important as the October municipal election means there will be new trustees on the board.
He said he wanted to get trustee input on what should be included in the workshop, likely to be held near the end of January 2018.
Trustee Karen Holloway said she felt the Clearview workshop should focus on Clearview issues, as other training resources are available for general trustee benefit.
Deputy chair Dave Goodwin concurred, saying when he was first elected he wasn’t as well versed with division policies and felt it’s a good idea to let trustees know policies are there.
Trustee Ken Checkel also agreed. “It can be quite overwhelming when you start,” said Checkel. Checkel said everyone should know school board trustee is a job with plenty of responsibility.
Checkel said he felt trustees should take a closer look at principles and priorities in order to help the division move in a more unified direction.
Barron said, with the election looming, it’s difficult to predict what, if any, changes new trustees could desire.
Trustee Holloway noted that new trustees have to learn so many parts of the school board operation that they may lose sight of how the parts fit and work together.
School board chair Cheri Neitz stated she felt new trustees should have as much training as possible before they tackle the three year plan or the division budget.
Stu.Salkeld@pipestoneflyer.ca