Dec. 5th Board Meeting Summary - Theory of Action

December 7, 2011

In Board Watch Blog

Monday evening's Board meeting was a study session that focused on the proposed Theory of Action document that will go before the Board at next week's meeting.  The Board focused on the macro-level framework articulated in the bullet points at the end of the document.  The Theory of Action document is meant to align with the strategic plan and guide Board and District policies.

 

In particular, the Board focused on the bullet point dealing with providing high quality options for students. 

• AND to ensure high quality options in every neighborhood, we partner with diverse providers in alignment with our criteria.

 

Much of the Board's discussion the proper scope of the document and as well as defining and discussing the possibility of partnering with a "diverse provider." 

 

• Link of Director Yee, London, and Hodge discussing if a charter school could be a "diverse provider."
  

 

While the Board did not reach a consensus, they discussed the role of charter schools within this framework, including the two District schools (ASCEND and Learning Without Limits) looking to leave the District and become a charter.

 

• Directors Kakishiba,  Yee, and London discussing how the district could think about whether or not, the board believes that establishing a relationship with another entity is a worthwhile strategy for achieving high quality schools.
  

• Director Yee addresses the need to have these discussions to be centered around quality rather than just the collective bargaining agreements.  Director Hodge discusses the need for leadership on establishing partnership.

 

Additionally, the Board discussed prioritizing the following bullet points at the end of the document:

• [High Quality Instruction] - AND we ensure that there is high-quality and effective instruction in every classroom that results in high-quality learning for every student,

See Human Resources Director Brigitte Marshall address the need for a comprehensive system which supports OUSD staff.

• [Site-based decision making] - AND in service of high and equitable standards and outcomes for students, we maximize school site-based decision-making regarding staffing, finances, calendars, and programs,
• [Diverse Providers] - AND to ensure high quality options in every neighborhood, we partner with diverse providers in alignment with our criteria,
• [Facilities] - AND we ensure that all facilities are used in service of quality outcomes for students, including constructing and maintaining facilities in accordance with principles of sustainability,
• [Central Office and Schools Portfolio] AND we apply those criteria in ways that maximize fiscal and academic opportunities by operating a central office and the number and type of schools that we can sustain over time,

 

Only five of the seven board members were present Monday night (Directors Gallo and Spearman were absent), and the Board will continue their discussion at the December 14 meeting, and possibly vote on the Theory of Action.  District staff will likely make some changes to the document prior to the next meeting.

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Tags: ASCEND, Budget, Charter Schools, Facilities, Learning Without Limits, theory of action