Board of Education works toward standards

By Lisa Gagnon

Blue Ridge–The Fannin County Board of Education met January 21 to evaluate its progress toward meeting Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA) voluntary standards. Although Fannin County schools have been standards-based for a number of years, last year, board Chair Terry Bramlett urged the board to meet state standards. Since then, the board has been evaluating its present status compared to the GSBA standards.

The GSBA evaluates school boards based on eight areas: vision/philosophy/goals, systematic improvement, organizational structure, policy development, board meetings, personnel, financial management, and board/staff/community relations. To meet the voluntary standards, all of the 61 elements that make up the eight areas must be performed.

For example, under the Vision/Philosophy/Goals standard, the board, with the superintendent’s assistance, must “review and re-adopt the district’s mission statement,” according to the GSBA Web site.

Assistant Superintendent Cynthia Panter reported that a recent review comparing Fannin’s board to the standards was very positive. She said that there were only seven elements out of 61 that needed improvement, according to two or more reviewers. However, she added, the GSBA committee’s review could differ.

Panter said that a GSBA evaluation performed a few years ago is probably why Fannin County is so close to meeting GSBA standards. “A few years ago, GSBA went through our policies and weeded out those that were unneeded,” she said.

“Our policies are so close, we’re not going to see that much of a shift,” commented Henson.

In order to meet GSBA standards, the board then proceeded to discuss appointing a Standards Review Committee to review compliance with the standards.

Henson said that the GSBA recommended the committee be comprised of two board members, one school system administrator and two community leaders. However, the administration suggested two board members, three administrators and three laypeople.

Terry Bramlett and Junior Farmer immediately volunteered for the committee.

Henson then advised that Panter, Director of Finance Susan Jackson and one of the newer principals comprise the administrator portion of the committee.

Henson suggested that the three laypeople on the committee could be a business person, a parent or someone with the chamber of commerce.

Board member Emily Dunn agreed with increasing the number of laypeople on the committee. “The more people who know how the school system works, I think it increases visibility,” she said.

“The board should choose people according to what they have to do,” Bobby Bearden added.

The board then proceeded to review the district’s vision and mission statements, approve goals and review the activities calendar. “Our whole strategic plan is based on our mission and vision,” explained Henson.

The vision statement is: The Fannin County School System will be recognized as a world class school system that holds a vision of excellence for all students with a 100 percent graduation rate with successful student progression at each level.

Henson noted that 100 percent graduation is a lofty goal. Board members agreed to keep the present vision statement.

The mission statement is: Developing Young Futures…Learning for Tomorrow Today.

Board member Emily Dunn said that she believed the mission statement was complete and concise and comparable to those of other school districts. The board opted to retain the vision statement.

The board also evaluated the district’s strategic goals. The goals are attaining a high level of student achievement, developing organizational effectiveness, and ensuring stakeholder engagement and satisfaction.

Goals and the activity calendar were approved by the board.

“This is a better business practices model,” Bramlett commented.