Most trustees with Prairie South School Division strongly agree that they are accountable to the community, based on a self-evaluation that the board conducted in the fall.
The trustees were asked to anonymously complete several surveys in October as part of a yearly self-assessment process. Seven of 10 trustees completed the surveys. Four trustees did not run for re-election in November; only one of those four participated in the evaluation.
Trustees had to rate their performance, rate their working relationships with other trustees, and rate their relationship with the education director.
“The board of education for Prairie South School Division has been challenged to provide educational services during a worldwide pandemic. This has meant shifting focus to responding to the pandemic, rather than following a more typical board work plan,” said the report, which trustees received during the January board meeting.
Role of the board
Some of the trustees' responses to the questions showed the following:
Four trustees strongly agreed and three agreed that they are accountable to the community. While engagement with school community councils and reporting to communities have been good, some trustees believed this area lacks since annual public board meetings have been eliminated.
One trustee strongly agreed and six agreed that board-director relations are positive, the report said. Most trustees believed that the director of education is approachable, although there has been “some discontent” with him lately. Moreover, the pandemic has revealed some weaknesses in the relationship.
One trustee strongly agreed, five agreed and one disagreed that the board performs well with political advocacy, although some feel the board’s actions in this area need to be reviewed. Some trustees expressed frustration that MLAs throughout the school division’s region have not been as willing or able to meet.
“Can always improve. Cannot remember the last time we met face-to-face with MLAs as a board,” one trustee said.
The board has invited MLAs to speak over the years, but the politicians have shown little interest, the report said. Meanwhile, the relationship with Moose Jaw city council “has been strained.”
Four trustees strongly agreed and three agreed that they are fiscally accountable. “Great effort” is made to spend money wisely and appropriately, said the report, while budget and efficient operations have been excellent despite “significant funding challenges.”
While two members strongly agreed and three agreed that the board does well in recognizing and celebrating staff, two disagreed with the statement. Some trustees said more could be done, especially after the staff appreciation event was eliminated. Monthly recognition would be positive, while year-end superannuates (retirements) of teachers needs to improve.
“Our priority has been the classroom, which doesn’t leave many resources for recognition/celebration,” said one trustee.
Interpersonal relationships
Trustees identified several areas of strength, such as respect for each other, respect for the board chairman, support of new members, voting on motions based on the issue, and being patient and tolerant of others who voice concerns or identify issues.
Some areas for growth included supporting the corporate position, speaking favourably about the division and its staff, eliminating cliques within the board, sharing information even when it doesn’t support a personal position, following the chain of command when dealing with staff issues, and treating staff with respect.
Board/director relations
Trustees were asked to comment on two questions related to the director of education, Tony Baldwin.
When asked what the board does that makes the director’s job easier, trustees said they encourage, speak truthfully, choose a good chairman, ensure policies allow for easy interpretation, provide budgetary resources to run the division, trust the director to do his job, and ensure important tasks are delegated to the chair and vice-chair to establish direction.
“For the most part, the board is pretty easy-going and respects the work the director does,” one trustee said.
“I hope that for the majority of the issues, we have been supportive of the quick decisions that needed to be made (in light of the pandemic),” another said.
When asked what the board does that makes the director’s job more difficult, trustees said some members have personal agendas or work behind the director’s back, varying views made it difficult for the director to interpret the board’s will, some members refuse to compromise, unrealistic expectations hampered timely communication and involvement in administrative decisions, and the pandemic has created less trust.
Board chair performance
Feedback about board chair Robert Bachmann was positive, the report said. Some comments from trustees about Bachmann indicated he maintains his cool, runs the meetings well, is patient, is well-spoken, is compassionate but steadfast, is professional and respected, understands governance and administrative roles and “asks uncomfortable questions.”
The next PSSD board meeting is Tuesday, Feb. 2.
