'Board of Distinction ' Publishes Handbook

The Berlin Board of Education recently adopted a Member Handbook. The 22-page booklet sets forth policies, procedures, guidelines and expectations for the nine elected members of the Board.

The Handbook is the first of its kind for the Berlin Board, supplementing existing policies and procedures. 

“The Board spends considerable time and effort striving to function as a professional governance board,” said Board of Education President, Gary Brochu.  “The Handbook is way of the Board formally putting forth, not just information, but expectations as to how the Board will act.”

Examples of some of these expectations include Board members reading professional articles on education, dressing professional for all meetings, modeling behavior for the district and always acting so that they are beyond reproach.

The impact of this new Member Handbook has already been felt beyond the borders of Berlin. Board President Brochu and Superintendent David Erwin recently presented the Handbook at the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education’s annual convention. School districts from around the state have requested copies of the Handbook or have asked for Board members to give presentations to their boards of education.

“The fact that the Berlin Board of Education is increasingly seen as an example to other communities as how an effective and professional board of education should operate is flattering,” said Brochu, “but the goal with this Handbook is create a legacy of professionalism and excellence in Board leadership.” 

Or in the words of the Handbook, “always strive to act in the interest of what is best for students, believing that all students can learn and succeed at a high level.”