Policy

Policy 2905 - New Trustee Orientation

Recognizing the fact that the role of a school trustee is complex and demanding, the board and management will make every effort to assist new board members to become fully informed about the board’s policies and procedures and with educational programs and services in the school district. Because the Surrey Board of Education, as the policy-making authority of the School District No. 36 (Surrey), is responsible to the public for the successful operation of the school system, and because that success is directly dependent upon each board member’s ability to participate meaningfully in the decision-making process which governs the system, it shall be the policy of the board to provide, as soon as practicable, for the orientation of newly-elected trustees.

Following the filing of nomination papers and during the period of their candidacy, the superintendent will cooperate impartially with all candidates in providing them with information about the school system.

Once elected, the board chairman, with the assistance of the superintendent, will arrange for a series of meetings with trustees, the superintendent and other district staff for the purpose of acquainting the newly-elected trustees with:

a)	The roles of the board and individual trustees.
b)	The management organizational structure and the roles and functions of the superintendent and other district staff.
c)	The policy and regulation development process.
d)	The budget process.
e)	The board meeting agenda development process.
f)	Programs and services in the district.
g)	Other areas as required or requested.

Newly-elected trustees will also be encouraged and authorized to participate in the New Trustees’ Seminar organized by the British Columbia School Trustees’ Association.

Reference: 1985-12-12