Don Severson forwarded his presentation to the Madison School Board Thursday evening:

Inasmuch as the BOE and district administration are engaged in the leadership of an educational enterprise this is a good time to reflect on our experiences in the operation of the system and its processes. Let me suggest a �lesson plan�. This lesson plan has been prepared for the BOE and administrative leadership of the district and intended for their collaborative planning and implementation with teachers, parents, students and the community.

OBJECTIVES:

• Develop a base line of trust and respect among selves and others significant to the processes
• Facilitate the efforts and skills of those who are learners, those who are teachers, those who support the processes, as well as parents and citizens
• Adhere to decision-making processes without disruption to the educational processes
• Apply policies and processes equitably with all groups/persons involved, but differently according to needs when appropriate
• Demonstrate leadership for systemic change based upon adequate research, performance indicators and value to the community
• Undertake initiatives for making the system work more effectively
• Balance social services with educational performance for all students

EXERCISES:

• Functional role and responsibility development as a Board and in relationships with administration and the unions
• Skill development in strategic, long-term planning
• The art of shared communications and listening among selves and with constituencies
• Collaborations and partnerships with other stakeholders

RESOLVE:

• Muster the political will, fortitude and abilities to make a difference for the reasons appropriate for educational needs and outcomes
• Accept accountability and responsibility for those actions under local control
• To change the �ain�t it awful� syndrome in assigning blame to others for the fix we are in
• Add value and significance with leadership and vision

THANK YOU.