Parent and Community Input is Valued

By Scott H. Finley

A Board member must consider the opinions of parents and community members. Open and free communication is essential to building trust in the decison-making process.

I believe that one of the most important apsects of my job as a board member is to try to understand a parent's or a community member's concern about an issue involving the District. At the same time, however, it is often the case that there will be conflicting or even diametrically opposed opinions. Furthermore, a board member must factor into his or her decision information he or she obtains from all sources, including that presented by District staff.

It has always been my policy that my ears and mind are open to any parent or constituent who wishes to express a concern about District activities. My telephone number and e-mail address are, and have been for the time I have been appointed to the Board, a matter of public record. I welcome input either personally or at Board members. I have raised issues of parent concern to the Board and believe that one of the roles of a board member is to do so when appropriate. I have supported full public participation on District working committees and the school site based committee process of assessing site priorities.

Decision-making is a collaborative enterprise. Ultimately, I believe that a Board member must make his or her opinion based upon what is in the best interests of the children, given all of the information as his or her disposal. I welcome and encourage constructive input and criticism, and will continue to keep the lines of communication open with all of the interested parties in our District.