Review Agenda Item

Meeting Date:

6/2/2023 - 7:00 PM

Category:

Policies and Regulations

Type:

Info

Subject:

Update on Staggered Terms

ACPS 2025 Strategic Plan Goal:

Goal 1: Systemic Alignment

ACPS will build a culture of continuous improvement and design equitable systems for school and instructional improvement.

Goal 2: Instructional Excellence

ACPS will ensure that all students have access to and engagement with high-quality instruction.

Goal 3: Student Accessibility and Support

ACPS will ensure students have equitable access to and engagement with programs and supports that reduce barriers to learning.

Goal 4: Strategic Resource Allocation

ACPS will strategically provide differentiated resources and supports to schools and departments.

Goal 5: Family and Community Engagement

ACPS will ensure that all families and community members feel welcomed, respected, and valued.

Policy:

BB - School Board Legal Status

Funding Source or Fiscal Impact (where applicable)

File Attachment:

230602_Board Brief_Staggered_Terms_v2.pdf

Agenda Item Summary:

In 2018 and 2019 the Board discussed the possibility of altering the election cycle. The discussion included concepts of staggered terms and altering the length of the term. The work was paused due to COVID-19. The Board has decided to proceed with the exploration of staggering terms and has conducted three work sessions, a survey, and a public hearing to inform their deliberations. Additional input is necessary to ensure the Board makes an informed decision.

Background:

The feedback received through the survey has shown support for staggering terms, with neutral feedback for other possible changes such as lengthening the terms to four years. No changes being considered had more than 50% of respondents disagreeing/strongly disagreeing with the change.

In order to ensure stakeholders are given ample opportunities to inform the Board’s decision, the following additional listening sessions are recommended.

● Hold a panel discussion of current and former members from other public body governance boards who are currently following practices the ACPS board is considering, and subject matter experts in the field.

● Conduct targeted listening sessions. The Board members from each of the three districts would develop and implement a plan for how they will listen to the residents of their district. The exact details of each plan would be developed by the Board members based on the unique characteristics of their district. General informational resources would be made available to all board members to support the work. The Board members would report out their findings at the July 20, 2023 Board Meeting.

If the Board chooses to proceed based on this additional information, a resolution would be presented for information on August 31, 2023 and would be considered on September 14, 2023 for action.

The Alexandria City Council would need to decide to act on the resolution, including a holding public hearing, by the end of October 2023.

Recommendation:

The Superintendent recommends the School Board review the proposal.

Approvals:

Recommended By:
Signed By:
	Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt - Interim Superintendent