LEADERSHIP & ADVOCACY

The Art of Compromise: Why Character Matters

Lon Garrison, AASB Executive Director

As the 34th Legislature’s work continues to advance slowly, I’ve observed an increasing prioritization of party politics, personal agendas, and electoral strategies over truly serving the best interests of our students, families, and communities. Alaska stands at a critical juncture, facing potential structural and cultural collapse.

Meanwhile, our state leadership has not yet identified a viable strategy that adequately funds public education, generates new revenue streams, and leverages our state's rich natural resources for the long-term benefit of future generations. Reaching an agreement on education funding will be essential to this effort. It is vital to protect the opportunities of future generations by ensuring Alaska has a strong and effective public education system accessible to all students.

The current impasse has made me wonder about two things that I believe are essential for achieving success: moral character and the art of compromise. In an era of polarization, compromise is often seen as weakness. Yet, in truth, compromise—rooted in strong character—remains one of the highest expressions of public leadership.

BOARD DEVELOPMENT

Strengthening Governance Through a Policy Audit

Katie Oliver, Associate Executive Director

As I have worked with school boards this year, I often hear the question: how can we better make sure our board policies are updated, aligned, and relevant to our district?

Policymaking is one of a school board’s most important duties, and through policy, a board defines its vision for the district and establishes a structure for accomplishing its goals.

This month, I’m offering guidance on best practices for policy review and highlighting how a policy audit can support boards in maintaining an effective and legally sound governance framework.

Alaska Public Records Act – Do You Mind If I Get A Copy of Your Notes?

Clinton Campion & John Sedor of Sedor, Wendlandt, Evans & Filippi, LLC

Part 9 of the series Back to Basics

This is our ninth installment of our “Back to the Basics” commentaries. This commentary highlights the Alaska’s Public Records Act (APRA), AS 40.25, with regard to school districts across the state.

Every school district has received a request for release of its records. Most, if not all, school districts have policies that provide guidance on responding to these requests. Access to school district’s records is governed by state law, the APRA.

Every year we receive more than a few calls saying that a District has a question as to whether a document is subject to FOIA. In virtually every case the question is really about the State law – the APRA. It is important to note that the APRA is not the federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. § 552. FOIA is the law that governs the release of documents and information controlled by the U.S. Government. FOIA does not generally apply to public records requests received by school districts.

Robert’s Rules succeed in high school classroom

Ann Macfarlane, Professional Parliamentarian

We live in a democracy, and schools must train students for active adult roles, with students learning that complexity, differing views, and thoughtful consideration can shape better decisions.

Students learn, for example, to delegate responsibility to subcommittees for researching, preparing findings, and making recommendations for the main body’s consideration. They learn to parse intricate issues and to arrive at a range of solutions.

How many school board members can be on

a committee of the board?

Answer: According to BB 9130, “the membership of these committees is limited to less than a majority of the whole School Board;” meaning that any committee should have less board members than would make a quorum.

For example, if your board has 9 members, a committee should only have 5 or less school board members. The committee can have more than 5 members if the additional members are not on the board. 

Committees may (and are encouraged) to also seek input and participation from parents/guardians, staff, community and students, and may consult with local public boards and agencies.

Got a question? Email Jenni Lefing or Katie Oliver

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