The Carver Model™ of running the Governing Board questioned by Representative Filardo
At the August 12 Board meeting, Third District Community College Governing Board Representative Al Filardo raised questions about the use by the Board of the Carver™ Policy Governance model. Citing a detailed study of the model by Bobby Chandler, he urged the Board to reconsider continuing to use this model (or portions of it) at a meeting after January, 2015. (There may be two new Board members by then.)
Chandler argues that the governance model, which is purchased from salespeople who market it nationally, acts as a rubber stamp for an administration. He contends that “if one wishes to see the end of local control, the erosion of democratic practices, and more shifting to authorities in far away places,” then Policy Governance has much to offer.
Under Yavapai College Governing Board procedures, there are no committees of any kind, a Board member cannot criticize the College President in public, and Board members must obtain information about the Community College only from the President via her staff at a Board meeting. Board members who disagree with Board decisions are not to share that disagreement outside a Board meeting. Discussions with anyone related to the Community College by a Board member are also forbidden. For example discussions with the Verde Dean about how the campus is doing by a Board representative are strictly forbidden under this policy.
To listen to the comments by Mr. Filardo and view that portion of the Board meeting, please click here.