LM board addresses working relationships at work sesson
by Cynthia Petersen Correspondent · September 6th, 2018


Linn-Mar school board members had the opportunity to learn a little more about each other, when they attended the regular board meeting Aug. 27, at the Learning Resource Center.

Joe Crozier, retired Grant Wood Area Education Agency chief administrator, facilitated a learning session with board members and district administrators. Crozier explained that the reasons for the learning session was to lay the foundation for a positive and productive working relationship between the superintendent and board members.

Crozier posed questions to the group that included how long they have served on the board, what they do outside of their board obligations, and what they thought was the most rewarding thing about serving on the school board.

Linn-Mar superintendent Shannon Bisgard was asked by Crozier to present his plans and goals for the school district, after which the board members were encouraged to give comments and feedback. Members were also asked to give their opinions regarding Bisgard's progress since becoming superintendent.

Crozier also asked the members to think about what the roles of the board members are, how they can better complement each other,

and how they can better handle conflict. He asked what they thought the role of the superintendent is, giving all those involved a better perspective on what is expected of them.

Crozier concluded the learning session with a recap of what the group had discussed, citing that trust and communication were top priorities for the board as they move forward and work together to find solutions to problems that arise in the district.

After the break, Superintendent Bisgard discussed the lock-out that took place earlier that day. He commented that everyone did as they were taught, to remain calm and act swiftly, and said, "We were pretty quick, but we found out that it's never fast enough."

He commended the Marion Police Department for the way they handled the situation, which was later determined was a precaution due to a social media post.

The board also discussed the upcoming bond vote Sept. 11. They agreed the district is providing more information than they did for last year's bond issue vote; two open houses were held earlier this month to answer questions, more signs were placed in high traffic areas around the district, and more mailings were distributed.

The next board meeting will be held Sept. 10 at 5 pm. The work session has been cancelled and the regular meeting will take place at 5 instead of 7 pm.