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One of the greatest challenges facing any school board is communication - providing accurate and timely information, dispelling rumors, hearing patron concerns, and engaging the community in the schools. Newsletters, e-mails and other publications play a part, but nothing beats face-to-face communication such as Hillsboro SD's "Superintendent's Community Listening Sessions."
Three years ago, the board and the superintendent committed to engaging in regular face-to-face communication as part of the district's strategic plan. Each listening session, co-hosted by a board member and the superintendent, draws up to 70 people. Other board members usually attend as well.
Their strategy: "We will reignite the community's passion and commitment for our schools in order to build a world-class school system. Informal sessions hosted by a school board member and the superintendent allow community members to raise issues, express concerns and receive accurate information."
Each year, at least seven listening sessions convene in schools, churches, business offices and city halls. Sites are chosen to bring the board and superintendent to diverse and easily accessible community settings. Turnout has also been excellent for sessions that have specifically addressed the needs of the Hispanic community.
During the first year, the sessions focused on introducing the new superintendent, giving him a sense of the community, and improving the community's trust in the district.
Recent topics included parent education and involvement, enrollment and staffing, lunchroom conditions, TAG programs, the district's kindergarten delivery model, boundary adjustments, school construction projects, student achievement, and the district budget. Participants are free to raise any issue concerning the schools and the district.
Parents and patrons attending the listening sessions are invited to sign up to become "key communicators" who then receive regular updates from the district. They are also encouraged to remain engaged in their own children's schools or in other task forces specific to their interests.
The Hillsboro School District believes that parent and community engagement is critical to student achievement, and that nothing promotes that engagement better than listening.
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