Jon Gruenberg, Eastpointe Community Schools BOE president (left); and Deb Macon, WON Foundation (right) | eastpointeschools.org; Women Officials Network/Facebook
Jon Gruenberg, Eastpointe Community Schools BOE president (left); and Deb Macon, WON Foundation (right) | eastpointeschools.org; Women Officials Network/Facebook
The Eastpointe Community Schools Board of Education will host renowned professional facilitator Deb Macon to help improve the workings and standards of their board.
During its May 8 meeting, the board set a date for Macon to come appraise its systems, policies and efficacy.
"I want to tap into the knowledge of this board to improve how we do our business," board President Jon Gruenberg said in the meeting.
Gruenberg brought up the issue after a summary of the recent meeting and budget. He noted that the board was close to being a Master Board, meaning that all the members have their certifications. That would not only would be a significant accomplishment but also a rarity among school boards in the state.
Gruenberg identified that as being the reason why he has been thinking of ways to improve the quality of the board and its actions through the experience and expertise of its members. One area he wants to improve in is new board member orientation.
“Looking at our committee structure because we really have no standing committees other than reinstatement committee," Gruenberg said. That is not the normal structures of boards in the state, which often have several specialized committees. Additionally, in the background information of the board policy, there is an expectation to draft and sign a code of ethics at each new board term, which the board has not done. it also has not set individual and whole group goals and objectives.
In order to conduct some of these restructuring conversations, Gruenberg suggested having a facilitator. He recommended a specific facilitator—Deb Macon—who works with the state school board and other organizations across the state.
Macon has a long history in public service and education. When contacted by Superintendent Christina Gibson, Macon shared some available dates when she could come and work with the board. Prior to welcoming Macon to a board meeting, all members will take the Michigan Association of School Boards' self assessment tool.
The board planned to have their first meeting with Macon on Monday afternoon before the regular board meeting.
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