Trenton Public School District


	Trenton Public School District NEW JERSEY QUALITY SINGLE ACCOUNTABILITY CONTINUUM 2008-2009
	GOVERNANCE

A. STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
*The school board conveys clearly and concretely, through the policies it adopts and the information it seeks, that student achievement is the highest priority.*

INDICATORS

RESPONSE/EVIDENCE

1. The school board or advisory board has a clearly articulated district mission statement incorporating the expectation that all students achieve the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards (NJCCCS) at all grade levels.

2. The school board or advisory board complies with all of the requirements of N.J.A.C. 6A:8, concerning curriculum and instruction and professional development.

Board Minutes:

3. The school board or advisory board establishes policies and procedures for the provision of educational programs and services for all students as set forth in Chapter 7, Managing for Equality and Equity in Education of Volume 6A of N.J.A.C. 6A:7-1.1, et seq.

Comprehensive Equity Plan:

4. The school board directs the Chief School Administrator to take appropriate action concerning professional development, purchase of materials and curriculum development. The board also directs the Chief School Administrator to report back to the school board concerning the action(s) taken.

Prof Development:

B. BOARD TRAINING, DISCLOSURE AND OPERATION

The school board and the administration comply with training, disclosure and operational requirements.

INDICATORS

RESPONSE/EVIDENCE

1. The school board or advisory board upholds and enforces all applicable rules and regulations of the State Board of Education and the Commissioner. (N.J.S.A. 18A:11-1)

2. Each school board or advisory board member completes the New Jersey School Boards training program regarding the skills and knowledge necessary to serve as a local school board member N.J.S.A.18A:12-33 and to evaluate the Chief School Administrator. (N.J.S.A.18A:17-20.3)

3. Each school board or advisory board member and administrator, as defined in N.J.S.A. 18A:12-23, files a timely and properly completed financial and personal/relative disclosure statement each year. (N.J.S.A. 18A:12-26)

Financial Disclosure forms are on file in the Board Secretary's office.

4. The school board or advisory board has a travel and related expense reimbursement policy in place and the school board and Chief School Administrator operate in accordance with that policy. (N.J.S.A. 18A:11-12

Travel Policy:

5. No school board or advisory board member misses more than three consecutive meetings each year without good cause. (N.J.S.A. 18A:12-3)

Board Member Meeting Attendance: Bylaw:

C. ETHICS COMPLIANCE

The school board and the administration comply with all ethical standards.

INDICATORS

RESPONSE/EVIDENCE

1. Neither the school board or advisory board nor any of its members has been found in violation of the School Ethics Act. (N.J.S.A. 18A:12-21, et seq.)

2. No school administrator has been found in violation of the School Ethics Act. (N.J.S.A. 18A:12-24)

3. The school board or advisory board annually discusses the Code of Ethics for School Board Members and school board meeting minutes memorialize that discussion (N.J.S.A.18A:12-24.1).

Conference Minutes:

4. When a school board or advisory board member is required to, and recuses himself or herself from deliberations and a vote on a particular matter, the minutes of the board meeting reflect that recusal. (N.J.S.A.10:4-6, et seq.)

5. The school board or advisory board has a nepotism policy in place that complies with N.J.A.C. 6A:23A-6.2 and takes action in accordance with that policy.

Board Policy:

6. The school board or advisory board has a policy in place to ensure that the district shall maintain honest and ethical relations with vendors and shall guard against favoritism, improvidence, extravagance and corruption in its contracting processes and practices and takes action in accordance with that policy (N.J.A.C. 6A:23A-6.2)

D. POLICIES, PROCEDURES AND BYLAWS

The school board establishes and annually updates by-laws, policies and procedures reflective of current regulatory and statutory authority and best practices.

INDICATORS

RESPONSE/EVIDENCE

1-3. At least annually, and more frequently if required by changes in law or regulation, the school board or advisory board reviews, updates and, by resolution, adopts policies reflective of current regulatory and statutory authority. (N.J.S.A.18A:11-1)

4. The school board or advisory board annually reviews and approves policies, procedures, mechanisms and programs for the health and safety of students as set forth in N.J.A.C. 6A:16-1.4.

5. The school board or advisory board complies with all of the requirements for the annual organization meeting. (N.J.S.A. 18A:10-3, et seq.; N.J.S.A. 18A:15-1, et seq.)

Reorganization Minutes:

E. STANDARD SCHOOL BOARD PRACTICES

The school board operates in accordance with standard board practices.

INDICATORS

RESPONSE/EVIDENCE

1. Each school board or advisory board meeting is conducted in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act. (N.J.S.A. 10:4-6, et seq.)

Annual Meeting:

Conference Minutes:

2. Each member of the school board or advisory board confines his or her board action to policy making, planning, and appraisal. (N.J.S.A. 18A:12-24.1(c))

3. School board or advisory board meetings are conducted in accordance with the board’s by-laws.

4. Individual board and advisory board members recognize that authority rests with the Board of Education and do not make personal promises or take any private action that may compromise the board. (N.J.S.A.18A:12-24.1(e))

5. Meeting minutes, including minutes of executive sessions, reflect all board actions and are publicly available within two weeks or by the next board meeting of the meeting or of final board action. (N.J.S.A.10:4-6, et seq.)

Board Minutes:

6. The school board or advisory board meets at least once every two months, and all meetings are open to the public. (N.J.S.A. 18A:10-6)

Board Meetings:

7. All board members acknowledge that they have read and are familiar with all of the terms of all negotiated employment contracts in the district, including by not limited to collective bargaining agreements.

Contracts:

F. ANNUAL EVALUATIVE PROCESS

The school board engages in an annual and ongoing evaluative process.

INDICATORS

RESPONSE/EVIDENCE

1. The school board has a policy in place to evaluate the CSA on an annual basis. (N.J.S.A. 18A:17-20.3)
Advisory Board OnlyThe advisory board has a procedure in place to review the performance of the CSA on an annual basis and to communicate its findings with the CSA.

2. The school board annually reviews and revises, as necessary, an evaluative instrument used in the evaluation of the CSA, based on the goals and objectives of the district. (N.J.A.C. 18A:17-20.3)
Advisory Board Only The advisory board annually reviews and revises, as necessary, an evaluative instrument used in their annual review of the CSA, based on the goals and objectives of the district.

Superintendent Evaluation:

3. The school board annually evaluates the CSA and complies with all requirements of N.J.S.A. 18A: 17-20.3(a).
Advisory Board Only the advisory board annually reviews the performance of the CSA.

4. The school board’s annual evaluation of the Chief School Administrator is based on the adoption of goals and performance measurement that reflect that highest priority is given to student achievement and attention to subgroup achievement.
Advisory Board Only The advisory board’s annual review of the CSA is based on the adoption of goals and performance measurement that reflect that highest priority is given to student achievement and attention to subgroup achievement.

5. The school board has a contract with the CSA that provides for an annual evaluation that includes evaluation criteria and procedures and that explicitly states that in the event that the certificate of the superintendent is revoked the contract is null and void as of the date of revocation. (N.J.S.A. 18A:17-15, N.J.S.A. 18A: 15.1; N.J.S.A. 18A:17-20.3)
Advisory Board Only
Not applicable to advisory boards.

6. The school board or advisory board annually undertakes a self-evaluation process which reflects that highest priority is given to student achievement.

Board Self Evaluation:

Board Minutes:
Board Self Evaluation:

7. The school board or advisory board self-evaluation process includes a professional development improvement plan directed towards increasing knowledge and skills in policy making and governance for members of the board.

Board Self Evaluation:

Board Minutes:
Board Self Evaluation:

8. The school board submits new, renegotiated, amended, altered or extended contracts for all superintendents, deputy superintendents assistant superintendents, and school business administrators to the Executive County Superintendent for review and takes no formal action to approve or implement such contracts prior to such review. (N.J.S.A. 18A:7-8; N.J.A.C. 6A: 23A-3.1)

Contracts 2009-2010:

G. SCHOOL BOARD/ADMINISTRATION COLLABORATION

The school board and administration work in partnership to ensure the integrity and effectiveness of the organization through oversight of leadership.

INDICATORS

RESPONSE/EVIDENCE

1. The school board or advisory board annually adopts a functional organizational chart showing reporting responsibilities of board and administrative personnel.

2. The CSA has a calendar system and makes timely personnel recommendations to the school board concerning the proposed appointment, transfer, removal or renewal of tenured and non-tenured, certificated and non-certificated personnel in compliance with contractual and/or statutory requirements.
Advisory Board Only The advisory board reviews and comments, as appropriate, on the personnel recommendations by the CSA. The advisory board communicates its expectation that such recommendations are made on a timely basis and include the proposed appointment, transfer, removal or renewal of tenured and non-tenured, certificated and non-certificated personnel in compliance with contractual and/or statutory requirements.

Observations/Evaluation:
Observation/Evaluation:
Request for Recommendations:
Reminder for Recommendations:
Recommendations for Tenure:
Non Tenure:
Employment Contract:
Weekly Personnel Updates:
Annual Work Plan:
Relative Documentation of Non-Re-employment communication is on file in Evidence Room

3. The school board approves appointments and transfers and removes or renews certificated and non-certificated officers and employees only by a roll call majority vote of the full membership of the board upon the recommendation of the CSA, and the board acts within 60 days of the CSA’s recommendation. (N.J.S.A.18A:27-4.1)
Advisory Board Only The advisory board reviews appointments, transfers, removal or renewal of certificated and non-certificated officers and employees.

4. The school board or advisory board supports and protects school personnel in the proper performance of their duties. (N.J.S.A. 18A:12-24.1(i))

5. The school board or advisory board refers all complaints to the CSA and acts on the complaints at public meetings only after failure of an administrative solution. (N.J.S.A. 18A:12-24.1(j))

6. School board or advisory board members carry out their responsibility not to administer the schools, but together as a whole, the board ensures the schools are well run. (N.J.S.A. 18A:12-24.1(d))

H. BUDGET PRIORITIES

The school board adopts a budget that sets student achievement as its highest priority and allocates sufficient resources to address instructional and operational needs to ensure every student has the opportunity to receive a thorough and efficient education.

INDICATORS

RESPONSE/EVIDENCE

1. The CSA identifies problems impacting on subgroup performance, necessary instructional and curriculum needs and presents to the school board or advisory board a budget which addresses these priorities.

Special Meeting Minutes:

BOSE Minutes:

2. The school board holds a public hearing on its proposed budget and formally adopts the budget at a public meeting. (N.J.S.A. 18A:22-1, et seq.)
Advisory Board OnlyThe advisory board holds a public hearing on the district’s proposed budget and registers its support for the budget at a public hearing.

Board Minutes:

3. The school board’s adopted budget includes sufficient resources to address all board-approved corrective measures, as applicable, in response to annual audits and other programmatic and fiscal monitoring reports.
Advisory Board Only The advisory board’s approved budget includes sufficient resources to address all board-approved corrective measures, as applicable, in response to annual audits and other programmatic and fiscal monitoring reports.

Meeting Minutes:

Special Meeting Minutes:

4. The school board makes decisions consistent with the adopted budget and approves budget transfers and awards contracts consistent with law and with the board’s established priorities. (N.J.S.A.18A:22-8.1; 8.2)
Advisory Board Only The advisory board makes recommendations consistent with the district’s adopted budget and reviews budget transfers and contracts to ensure consistency with the law and with the district’s established priorities.

Board Minutes:

5. The school board approves the monthly Board Secretary’s and Treasurer’s Reports within 60 days of month end and certifies in the minutes that the major funds (general fund, special revenue and capital projects fund) have not been over-expended in accordance with the procedures under N.J.A.C. 6A:23-2.11. Advisory Board Only The advisory board reviews and expresses its support for the monthly Board Secretary’s and Treasure’s Reports within 60 days of month end and certifies in the minutes that the major funds (general fund, special revenue and capital projects fund) have not been over expended.

Board Minutes:

6. Each board member has reviewed all audit recommendations and, if required, the school board approves and submits an acceptable corrective action plan to any audit finding and recommendation, or other compliance-related report (e.g. Title I audits, special education monitoring reports, etc.).
Advisory Board Only Each advisory board member has reviewed any audit recommendations and, if necessary, the advisory board reviews and registers its support for an acceptable corrective action plan to any audit findings and recommendation, or other compliance-related report (e.g., Title I audits, special education monitoring reports, etc.).

Audit 07-08:

I. COMMUNICATIONS

The school board has a uniform and effective process for obtaining and disseminating information and decisions within the district, with the parents, and with the community.

INDICATORS

RESPONSE/EVIDENCE

1. The school board or advisory board has established and implements policies and procedures for handling public comments.

Public and Executive Sessions:

2. The school board or advisory board maintains the confidentiality of all matters pertaining to the schools which, if disclosed, would needlessly injure individuals or the schools. N.J.S.A. 18A:12-24.1(g).

Public and Executive Sessions:

3. The school board or advisory board provides accurate information and, together with fellow board members, interprets to the staff the aspirations of the community for its school. (N.J.S.A. 18A:12-24.1(g))

Parent/Student Handbook:

4. The school board or advisory board has established a policy to implement the Open Public Records Act and requires appropriate maintenance of public records and requires that such records be made available to the public. (N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1 et. seq.)

OPRA 08-09:

Board Minutes:

Business Office:

5. The school board or advisory board has developed and implements a policy for obtaining citizen input in policy development and implementation.

Participation by the Public:

6. School board or advisory board policy is in place and implemented to assure communication among parents, schools, teachers, and community members.

Refer to District Website:

7. School board or advisory board member and administrator disclosure statements are made available to the public (N.J.S.A. 18A:12-25 and 26)

Financial Disclosure forms are on file in the Board Secretary's office.

     8. The school board provides public notice prior to renegotiating, extending, amending or
         otherwise altering the terms of contracts for all superintendents, deputy superintendents,
         assistant superintendents, and school business administrators (N.J.S.A. 18A:11-11,
         N.J.A.C. 6A:23A-3.1(c)).

9. The school board submits a user-friendly budget and publishes key budget provisions, including the salaries of all district employees earning over $75,000.00 per year who are not members of collective bargaining units (N.J.S.A. 18A:22-8a, N.J.S.A. 18A:7F-5.3)

Confidential Salaries: