The complexity of Board of Education membership demands opportunities for development, study and training for Board members.  The Board of Education places a high priority on the importance of a planned and continuing program of in-service education for its members. 

In order to develop leadership capabilities, become informed about current issues in education, and improve their skills as members of a policy-making body, Board members should participate in opportunities for development that may include, but not be limited to, the following: 

• In-service activities planned by the Board and by the administration for staff members, as appropriate; 
• Participation in conferences, workshops and conventions held by state and national school boards associations and other educational organizations; 
• Subscriptions to publications addressing Board member concerns. 

Recognizing the need for continuing training and development of its members, the Board of Education encourages the participation of all members in appropriate conferences, conventions and workshops.  To control both the investment of time and funds necessary to implement this policy, the Board establishes these principles and procedures for its guidance: 

The Superintendent of Schools will inform Board members, in a timely manner, of upcoming conferences, conventions and workshops.  The Board will decide which meetings appear to be most likely to produce the greatest benefit to the Board and the district; 

Funds for participation at such meetings will be budgeted.  When funds are limited, the Board will designate which members would be most appropriate to participate at a given meeting; 

If authorized to attend, and reimbursement is approved by the entire Board, Board members will be reimbursed, upon request, for reasonable and necessary expenses actually incurred;

When a conference, convention or workshop is not attended by the full Board, those who do participate will be requested to share, by means of written or oral reports, information, recommendations and materials acquired at the meeting. 

Bylaw adopted by the Board: October 14, 1997 

Hamden Public Schools     Hamden, Connecticut