Operating Protocol
Student learning is the Board’s priority. Student achievement is improved when the Board and
administration collaborate with each other and listen to the community. For the purpose of
enhancing teamwork among members of the Board and between the Board and the
administration, we, the members of the Olympia School Board, do hereby publicly commit
ourselves collectively and individually to the following operating protocol.
Regarding Board functions, we agree:
The Board represents the needs and interests of all the students in our District and is
accountable to the entire community to ensure a safe and equitable school environment for all
students and staff.
Only the Board as a whole has authority: individual Board members do not. The Board
President communicates the position of the Board on specific issues. Board members clarify the
intent of their participation when they serve on various school committees.
The Board emphasizes planning, policy-making and community relations rather than becoming
directly involved in the management of the schools.
The Board welcomes feedback. Each inquiry is referred to the person who can appropriately
and expeditiously address the issue. The Board encourages individuals and groups to present
their own issues, concerns or proposals to the Board whenever possible. The board commits to
consider diverse perspectives before making decisions.
The Board will provide onboarding materials and conduct an orientation for new members of the
Board and student representatives.
Regarding the relationship with the Superintendent and staff, we agree:
Communication between staff and the Board is encouraged. However, Board requests which
will likely require considerable time or are sensitive and/or controversial are directed to the
Superintendent. All personnel complaints and criticisms received by the Board or its individual
members are directed to the Superintendent or designee.
The Superintendent is the chief executive officer and recommends, proposes, suggests on most
business before the Board.
Surprises to the Board or the Superintendent are the exception, not the rule. Board
members agree to ask the Board President or the Superintendent to place an item on the
agenda instead of bringing it up unexpectedly at the Board meeting.
The Board conducts an annual evaluation of the Superintendent.
Regarding Board meetings, we agree:
Board members come to Board meetings prepared. If a Board member believes they don’t have
enough information or has questions, they contact either the Superintendent or the Board
President before the Board meetings to obtain the necessary information. Board members are
encouraged to notify staff of questions before meetings whenever possible.
Board meetings are governed by Robert’s Rules to ensure they remain efficient and effective.
Board meetings are for information, discussion, and action.
Conduct at a Board meeting is important. Board members agree to avoid words and actions that
create a negative impression of an individual, the Board, or the District. While we encourage
debate and differing points of view, we debate and differ with care and respect.
During Board meetings, Board members agree to speak to the issues on the agenda and to
listen respectfully to those who address the Board and to fellow Board members.
Board members follow the legal requirements for Board meetings and they respect confidential
information.
Only items discussed in Executive Session will be brought forward for discussion and/or action
following that session.
Regarding board evaluation, we agree:
The Board addresses problems regarding inappropriate behavior or non-performance by an
individual Board member.
The Board sets annual Board goals and conducts a yearly self-evaluation of its performance in
completing these goals.
Reaffirmed by the Board on August 24, 2023.