Lexington Select Board Seeks Candidates As Representative To Minuteman School Committee

Press release from the Town of Lexington:

May 19, 2020

The Lexington Select Board seeks candidates for consideration for appointment as Lexington’s Representative to the Minuteman School Committee for a 3 year term to start July 1, 2020.

Each Minuteman High School member Town appoints one representative to the Minuteman School Committee. This representative will have a proportional vote, based on the Regional Agreement, on matters that come before the Committee, including the budget, Superintendent and teacher contracts, and District policies. The Minuteman School Committee’s thoughtful oversight and support are critical to maintaining the school’s position as one of the most respected, innovative vocational technical schools.

Ideal Characteristics of a Minuteman School Committee Member:

Experience working in Town Committees or Boards, Knowledge of MA educational issues, Leadership experience and willingness to speak in public; Focus on serving students, and Comfortable with municipal financial issue

Submission of resume to Lexington Select Board for Consideration

Interested candidates should submit a letter and resume to Selectboard@lexingtonma.gov by May 29, 2020 for consideration.

Minuteman School Committee Member Responsibilities

• Prepare for and attend all full School Committee meetings (about 6 hours per month).
• Participate in at least one subcommittee of the School Committee and become knowledgeable in that subcommittee’s area of responsibility (about 6 hours per month).
• Become familiar with Massachusetts legal and statutory responsibilities of School Committee members.
• Become familiar with the School Committee’s bylaws, practices, and procedures.
• Keep up to date with School activities and events by reviewing www.minuteman.org site regularly, particularly the Superintendent section.
• Be prepared in order to express meaningful views during deliberations.
• Understand that once an issue is voted, even if you disagree with the result, it is your responsibility to follow the vote of the Committee.
• Learn about school issues, including budget issues, so that you can contribute to the deliberations and advocate for Minuteman within your community.
• Attend one 8 hour MASC professional development session as required by Ch. 17, Sec36A of the General Laws of MA.
• Attend professional development as appropriate (School Committee/Administration proposed opportunities).
• Be active in your community. Know, or introduce yourself to, the major players including: Town Moderator, Select Board, Town Manager, Finance Committees Members, School Administrators, especially High School and Middle School Principals.
• In conjunction with the Minuteman Administration’s presentation, be confident enough in the materials and issues to be able to support the administration and defend the Minuteman budget request at Town Meeting.
• Show visible support of your Town’s Minuteman students by attending student events, open houses, or your town’s school visit to Minuteman, and by communicating directly with parents or students, as you feel appropriate for your town.

This press release was produced by the Town of Lexington. The views expressed here are the author’s own.