The San Marino School Board and its executive cabinet spent this past Saturday at the Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens. But a stroll through its hallowed grounds, visits to iconic works of art and a peek at the historic restoration of Blue Boy were not on the official agenda as the group spent over seven hours ensconced in the President’s Conference Room addressing topics of governance.
The board—comprised of President Lisa Link, Vice President Chris Norgaard, Clerk C. Joseph Chang and Board members Shelley Ryan and Corey Barberie—engaged in dialogue with several seasoned professional.
Dr. Kegham Tashjian presented information on the foundation of effective board governance, Dennis Popka provided information and training relating to sexual harassment and Title IX issues, Leslee Sherrill provided a primer on communications and public relations guidelines and Scott Huber discussed issues and requirements relating to the Fair Political Practices Commission, conflicts of interest, compliance forms, gifts and the Ralph M. Brown Act, which calls for open meetings.
The board also assigned a wide range of responsibilities for the upcoming year.
“I thought it was a productive meeting and I appreciated the willingness and commitment of our board members and cabinet to give up their Saturday to participate in the board governance study session,” said Link. “I scheduled the meeting for a Saturday because we have so many important subjects to cover and simply can’t get that much done before or after one of our Tuesday meetings.”
Also in attendance were Superintendent Loren Kleinrock and Assistant Superintendents Julie Boucher (Business Service), Linda de la Torre Human Resources), Director of Technology Stephen Choi and Director of Curriculum and Instruction Jason Kurtenbach.
“I also feel it is important that our community know that we take serious the training we received on Saturday,” Link said. “We came away much more knowledgeable on Title IX, the Brown Act, sexual harassment and the do’s and don’ts of communication.”
The board also doled out its many official positions:
Academics Advisory Committee: Lisa Link and Chris Norgaard
Base Funding Coalition: Joseph Chang and Norgaard
Board Policy Representative: Link
Cell Tower Advisory Committee: Norgaard
Facilities Advisory Committee: Corey Barberie
Health Benefits Committee: Chang
Legislative Action Committee: Norgaard
Legislative Representative: Norgaard
PTA Council Representative: Link
San Marino Recreation Committee Representative: Barberie
Safety & Wellness Committee: Chang and Ryan
San Marino Schools Foundation: Link
