The following student report was submitted by Ambassador League Agent Katie P. during the 2008-2009 League.
Mission: Observe - Local Community Meeting
I had never been to a school board meeting before, though I had heard all about them. For several years, the local school board has been full of discord. But new members were appointed this year, as well as a new president, VP, Secretary and Treasurer and from what I saw, things look to be much calmer.
The first meeting in January was probably not the best or most entertaining meeting to attend. It focused mainly on the board's schedule and procedures. They spent a good half hour deciding how many meetings they would have in the summer months, finally choosing to have one official meeting and a second tentative that could be called off if not necessary.
It was obvious to me and other members of the audience that several of the board members were not on the best of terms. Some discourteous comments were exchanged between two members in particular. But it appeared to be kept under control by the new President, who seemed very official and business like.
We heard a statement given by a student council member from the high school about the school's charity week plan as well as a woman representing the FEE. (Foundation for Educational Excellence) Both gave impressive reports on how much money they had been able to earn to go toward charity, as well as some good plans for the coming year.
After a short break, the board discussed the need for a set of guide rules. In their policy it states that their guide should be Roberts Rule of Order but over the past year or so, they have not been followed. Several board members gave their ideas and reasons for the rules to be used and they eventually decided in favor of their utilization.
Besides some slight tension and several Lord of the Rings comments, the whole meeting was fairly dry and formal. But it appears that under new leadership, the board will be much more effective and the meetings smoother.
