A Message from Superintendent Jason
Bing
Welcome.
I suppose this
2006-7 Board of Education could be considered my first. I have been a
member of this district since 2003 and have witnessed a tremendous growth in
our Board of Education and community due in large part to an increase in
dialogue and conversation between the two. Effective communication
doesn’t just happen-it evolves from a well-planned and implemented
communication program. Over the past three years our Board of Education and
community have made tremendous strides in building the bridges to
communication. It is my belief, that communication needs to be
formalized for various reasons: (a) the board’s legal and moral obligations to
communicate the reasons for its actions and the way the schools operate (b) the
board’s dual role in representing both the schools and community (c)
accountability (d) the need to understand, clarify, and influence public
opinion about the direction and function of public education.
I have enclosed part our board’s communication policy as it
has developed over the last few years (A Board Member’s Cheat Sheet &
Board Buddies). Our progress as a board and community has been noted in our
recent NJ state monitoring, by County Superintendent Bill King and NJ School
Boards representative Diane Morris.
My expectations
for the community reflect
those I have for members of the Board of Education. As I have discussed with
our board members, we are not in the business of public debate and argument. We
will not always agree on everything; that’s the spice of life. It would be a
very boring world if every person had the same opinion. We allot 15 minutes for
public comment on agenda items and 3 minutes per person for public comment on
new business. This is an abundant amount of time. I can prove it with the
following simple exercise: Please find a timepiece and just sit quietly for
3 minutes. It seems like an eternity doesn’t it? I ask every stakeholder in our
district to utilize his or her time effectively and efficiently. If you are not
a wordsmith, as I am not, have a friend, loved one, or professional (I
understand President Bush’s former speech writer is looking for employment)
help you scribe what you wish to say. Clarity and organization are key
components in public speaking. Just watch me, I am a
work in progress. In fact, I made sure to place “effective oral speaking” in my
goals this year. I believe it is that important! In addition to clarity I urge
board members, community members, administration, teachers and staff to speak
to one another in a professional and respectful manner.
It is my
intention as Superintendent
to ensure productive, effective, and efficient Board of Education meetings. I
believe I have your support in this endeavor. This can only benefit our
children and strengthen our communities.
Again, if you have
any questions please feel free to contact me. Only together we can provide the
best education for our children.
PLEASE ATTEND
BOARD MEETINGS…THE FUTURE OF OUR CHILDREN DEPEND ON IT. I truly appreciate all of your support,
patience, efforts, and time.
Thanks-
Bing