Higley school board gets crash course on duties

Choose words carefully when speaking in public. Stress positive aspects of the district. Take steps to have more efficient and shorter meetings.

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That was just some of the advice given Tuesday to the Higley Unified School District governing board in a workshop led by Karen Beckvar, a leadership development specialist with the Arizona School Boards Association.

"You're there to ensure the district is well run. You're not there to run the district," said Beckvar, who is also president of the Scottsdale Unified School District governing board.

The meeting was the first for new board members Greg Land and Paul Howell and the first since Denise Birdwell was named interim superintendent.

Former superintendent Joyce Lutrey asked for and received an early release from her contract last month. Lutrey has declined an interview request.

The workshop was a chance for board members to learn about their roles and responsibilities, how to better communicate, and a reminder to follow the district's written policies or change them to what's actually being done.

Beckvar also stressed the importance of annual board self-evaluations, following the chain of command with any complaints, and having administrators stick to a firm cut-off date with submitted agenda items.

The latter concern has been a problem for board member Kim Anderson, who has said she has been handed important papers sometimes right before board meetings and didn't have time to fully understand the issues before they were voted on.

"There should be no surprises in the boardroom," Beckvar said.

The workshop was also a chance for district administrators to introduce themselves and get everyone up to speed on what lies in store for the Higley community.

Within the past year, the district has hired several new administrators to handle curriculum, research and assessment, and teaching support.

"In my 27 years (of working in schools), this is the finest group I've ever worked with," Birdwell said.

Birdwell handed out resource notebooks with contact information, staff organizational charts, state data and the high school curriculum guide. She said she will e-mail updates on district happenings, calendar items and business updates on nonboard meeting weeks to keep the school board apprised of any issues.

Administrators talked about teacher training opportunities, expanding dual enrollment courses in academics, and career and technological education available with community colleges and Grand Canyon University.

They also discussed updating and expanding gifted programs, and redesigning teacher programs and a new kindergarten transition program.

The district expects to update the handbook that addresses athletics and other extracurricular activities to make it more consistent.