Operating Principles

BOARD OF TRUSTEES
OPERATING PRINCIPLES    
MISSION: Learning today for the possibilities of tomorrow.  
VISION:  The  Pocatello/Chubbuck  School  District  is  a  community  of  children,  parents,  educators  and 
patrons  working  collectively  toward  a  common  purpose  to  graduate  learners  with  the  skills  to  be 
successful contributors in a changing, diverse world.  
For the purpose of promoting, maintaining and enhancing teamwork and collaboration among the members of 
the Board of Trustees and between the Board and administration, we the members of the Pocatello/Chubbuck 
School District No. 25 Board of Trustees publicly commit ourselves collectively and individually to an adopted set 
of Operating Principles.  We also believe that the manner in which we conduct our business sets a professional 
example and a standard for staff, learners, parents and the community. Thus, we commit to model the practices 
outlined in the Operating Principles: 
1. The Board of Trustees will represent the needs and interests of ALL learners in our district.  Their 
educational welfare is the Board’s greatest concern; 
2. The Board will represent the needs and interests of ALL patrons in our district and will be a good steward of 
tax dollars; 
3. The Board values the public’s right to be informed about board decisions and school operations; 
4. The Superintendent is the Chief Executive Officer of the district.  He/she is to advise the Board, provide 
recommendations, and propose options on matters pending before the Board.  The Superintendent shall be 
present at all meetings; 
5. The Board will establish the vision, adopt and revise policy, and assume accountability.  The Superintendent 
will administer board policy and manage the schools. In doing so, the Board will demonstrate its 
understanding of its role and responsibilities; 
6. The Board, with input of the Superintendent, will set clear goals for the district; 
7. The Board Chair or designee is the Board’s spokesperson; 
8. The Board Chair and Superintendent jointly set meeting agendas;  
9. Full participation is expected for all board members at meetings.  Less than full participation of board 
members impacts the ability of the Board to function effectively and efficiently; 
10. Board members will do their homework, be informed, be on time, present a professional appearance, 
attend all regularly scheduled sessions and committee meetings, give notice if members have a need to be 
absent, and participate in all local and State School Board training opportunities; 
11. In preparation for board meetings, board members shall ask questions of the administration in advance of 
meetings; 
12. Board members understand that there are many other time commitments beyond the regular work session 
and meeting schedules.  Thus, board members agree that all are responsible to commit to additional 
obligations but do so by sharing these responsibilities; 
13. Board members will keep abreast of educational trends, research, and best practices through individual 
study, and participate in programs which provide educational information; 
14. Board members understand that individual members do not have authority. Only the Board as a whole has 
authority, and only in a publicly noticed, convened meeting. We agree that individual board members 
cannot take unilateral action; 
15. The Board will conduct its business in accordance with the Open Meeting Law and will deliberate on various 
agenda items inclusive of the election of officers. It is preferred that board members be physically present 
at meetings so as to be highly visible to the public; 
16. The Board recognizes that decisions are made by a majority vote. Once a decision is made, all board 
members will support that decision; 
Adopted – October 17, 2006                            Page 2 of 2 
17. The Board will conduct a yearly self‐evaluation and promptly address individual problems which limit 
teamwork, thus being in conflict with the Operating Principles;
18. Board members will respect the staff, support the employment of those best qualified, and expect that all 
staff are evaluated fairly and regularly; 
19. The Board will lead by example. We agree to avoid words and actions that impact people negatively and 
personally. Prior to making decisions, we expect to debate and have a full  discussion of differing points of 
view in a safe, open, honest and respectful environment; 
20. Communication between staff and the Board is encouraged.  However, requests made of individual board 
members or of the Board as a whole that require extensive study or may have political implications are to 
be directed to the Superintendent; 
21. All staff and student personnel complaints and criticisms received by the Board, as a whole or the individual 
members, will be directed to the Superintendent; 
22. The Board will follow the chain of command referring others to present their issues, problems, or proposals 
to the person who can properly and expeditiously address the issues; 
23. Board members will refrain from communications which create conditions of bias should a problem or 
complaint become the subject matter of a hearing before the Board; 
24. The Board will consider available facts, research, best practices, cost implications, input from 
administration, staff and the public, and individual judgment in its decision making process; 
25. Prior to making a decision that the Board identifies as having major impact on students, staff and/or 
patrons, the Board will use a public hearing process to gather input; 
26. Board members are to refrain from using their position on the Board for personal or family gain or prestige.  
We agree that any board member having a conflict of interest with an agenda item must declare that 
conflict prior to Board action; 
27. When board members are assigned to serve on various district committees, their role shall be defined by 
the Board as a whole, as either a silent observer or an active participant; 
28. Surprises to the Board or the Superintendent will be the exception, not the rule.  Board members agree to 
ask the Board Chair or the Superintendent to place an item on a future agenda rather than bringing an item 
up unexpectedly at a meeting.  Board members having personal criticism of district operations are to 
present that criticism to the Superintendent at a time other than a board meeting; 
29. To be efficient and effective as a Board, long board meetings shall be avoided. If a board member needs 
more information, either the Superintendent or Board Chair is to be contacted prior to the meeting. Public 
comment will be encouraged as a component of board meetings under public comment. Appropriate 
protocol for public comment will be consistently practiced; 
30. The Board will debate or speak only to the issues noticed on the agenda. Facts and information needed 
from the administration will be referred to the Superintendent;
31. Executive sessions will be held only when specific needs arise. Board members must adhere to 
confidentiality in regard to executive sessions realizing the legal ramifications of outside communication 
from these sessions; 
32. Work sessions will be scheduled for in‐depth discussion on one or more topics. 
33. The Board will affirm these Operating Principles annually. 
 
Affirmed: October 20, 2020 
BOARD OF TRUSTEES       SUPERINTENDENT 
Dave Mattson, Chair         Dr. Douglas Howell 
Paul Vitale, Vice Chair 
Jackie Cranor, Asst. Clerk 
Janie Gebhardt, Asst. Treasurer 
Jim Facer, Member