Primary Objectives

In a school it is imperative that teachers, the Board of Education and administrators establish a means of communication that will aid in the mutual development of policies and practices that will further the primary goal of all. The primary goal is, of course, that of providing the best possible education for the children and youth of the West County R-IV School District.

Each member of the educational staff offers unique contributions.

Teachers and the Local Association

Professionally prepared teachers are uniquely qualified to make important contributions to the formulation of recommendations for school policies which are related to their work as teachers. Professional teachers are interested in the comprehensive development of the school system's total educational program.

Administrators

The role of the superintendent of schools and other members of the administrative staff is an important one.  Since the superintendent knows the problems and thinking of both the teachers and the Board of Education, his or her leadership should result in mutual respect between the Board and the professional staff.  The superintendent maintains a dual role as chief administrator for the Board and as head of the professional staff. In discussing items of mutual interest, the superintendent's role is a central one.  He or she is in possession of many facts about school revenue and school needs. In the initial data-gathering stages, the Board of Education may delegate to the superintendent the responsibility of working with the association committee or committees.

Board of Education

The legal responsibility for the adoption of school policies belongs to the Board of Education whose members are duly elected by the patrons of the West County R-IV School District. However, the Board of Education does recognize that certain matters of school policy are of broad professional concern.

Implementation of Cooperative Policy Formulation

The West County R-IV School District Board of Education recognizes the Community Teachers Association (CTA) as the sale professional body representing the teaching staff in the West. County Public Schools.

The superintendent or his/her representative will meet with the Executive Committee of the Community Teachers Association at their regular meeting time to discuss policies of mutual interest.  The Executive Committee may commission a special committee or one of the standing committees to collect data on, or to study, a problem of mutual interest.  Recommendations may also arise from the special or standing committees of the West County R-IV Community Teachers Association concerning school policy.

The superintendent will cooperate in keeping the West County R-IV Board of Education informed of the official recommendations of the Executive Committee of the CTA.