Communication with the Board of Education and the District

Dear Families,  

As we work to improve communication with our community, I would like to take a moment to clarify the appropriate channels of communication when reaching out to the Board of Education and the District.

On Thursday, May 8, 2025, I had the opportunity to attend a School Law Conference facilitated by the Monroe County School Boards Association (MCSBA). One of the most relevant sessions focused on understanding the legal roles and responsibilities of Board members, particularly in the area of community communication. The session, Understanding the School Board’s Role in Governance: Learn about the board’s roles and responsibilities under the law, the board’s role vis-à-vis the superintendent of schools, and the confidentiality and ethical responsibilities of board members, was led by legal experts Sara E. Colacino of Bond Schoeneck & King, PLLC, and Michael P. Leone of Ferrara Fiorenza. Attached is the PowerPoint presentation. 

A key takeaway from the session and one that was later confirmed through follow-up discussion with legal counsel, is that it is not the responsibility of individual Board members and is generally not the role of the Board President to respond directly to community concerns. Rather, communications should follow the established "Chain of Command" (please reference slide 14), which places the Superintendent as the primary point of contact for all community inquiries. To that end, if a community member reaches out to the Board with a concern, the appropriate response from any Board member should be along the lines of the following: 

“Thank you for sharing your concern(s). The Board appreciates hearing from the community. We are copying Dr. Potter, and she will follow up with you.” 

This approach ensures that responses are accurate, consistent, and provided by the person most equipped to address the concern, the Superintendent of Schools. As the district’s sole employee of the Board, the Superintendent has the responsibility and authority to manage day-to-day operations and respond to inquiries that may involve detailed knowledge of policies, personnel, or procedures. 

Additionally, this protocol helps ensure that the valuable time and volunteer service of our Board members are respected. Board members serve in a governance capacity, not in an operational one, and should not be tasked with addressing matters that fall outside the scope of their role. 

Finally, I would like to remind you that if you have specific concerns or questions related to your child or educational program, please access our Who do I call with a question, concern, or compliment? flyer for the appropriate chain of communication. This communication protocol starts with the staff member closest to the situation, as that person will usually have the most information. At times, additional personnel are required to resolve specific situations. This flyer is available on our website and is also included in the Calendar/Handbook mailed to families earlier this year.  

We thank you for your understanding and continued engagement with our school district. Maintaining clear roles and communication pathways allows us to function effectively, respectfully, and within the bounds of ethical and legal guidance. 

Tasha Potter, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools