Operating Protocols Subcommittee charts course on board conduct and public comment.
The Board of Education's Operating Protocols Subcommittee decided to hold off introducing new governance protocols until after a January 13 Regional School Committee retreat. Subcommittee chair Tim Shores and Sarahbess Kenney are preparing updated public comment procedures and new-member onboarding
Board of Education · Meeting of January 7, 2026
AMHERST — The Board of Education's Operating Protocols Subcommittee decided to hold off introducing new governance protocols until after a January 13 Regional School Committee retreat. Subcommittee chair Tim Shores and Sarahbess Kenney are preparing updated public comment procedures and new-member onboarding materials, with draft language on public participation going to legal counsel and existing district policies reviewed to avoid duplication. The subcommittee concluded that clearly outlining expectations is more valuable than formal enforcement mechanisms for improving board effectiveness.
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Source: the Board of Education meeting of January 7, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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