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Warrants

At the very end of our meeting last night, I overstated that I had been told “no,” when asking for an item called the warrant.

The reality is, both times I have asked to see them, once in December and again last week, I have been met with several emails asking me to clarify what I am asking for and why I need it. I have also been told that I don't need to see them. The confusion is understandable. As a committee we vote to allow the chair to sign the warrant. However Mass Gen Law makes clear that designating a signatory does not preclude the rest of us from our fiduciary responsibilities.


Knowing that, I asked to see the details that were behind the memo on our agenda. Instead of receiving them, I was reminded that we had already had the conversation was asked to let our chair know if I’d still like to see them. I responded in the affirmative asking for the entire committee to see the warrant. (edited 2/29 10:00 a.m. with added picture below)







No one explicitly told me “no,” but I also never received the documents.




This is slide explains why I will continue to want to see the warrants - signatory or not: 


  • slide from “Charting the Course” - New Member Orientation provided by the Massachusetts Association of School Committees


For Reference:  MGL Ch 41 Sec 56 spells out that “This provision [voting a single member to sign the warrants] shall not limit the responsibility of each member of the board in the event of noncompliance with this section.”


Despite the conflict that was visible last night, there was also resolution. Moving forward, I will be able to see the warrants when they are sent to our Chair and the warrants will most likely move from the consent agenda to the Chair's report. Figuring out nitty gritty procedures, especially when they involve change, is not easy but I am grateful for people who hang in there together and reach an understanding.   

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