Roles And Responsibilites

The strength of the Panel's policy decisions, budget strategy, research, outreah and monitoring practices is a function of the collective efforts exerted by member organizations and the staff. In the interest of expediency and simplification, roles nd responsibilities of each of the parties are described separately. However, it is recognized that the Panel's work must be truly collaborative in nature.

Underlying principles guide the work of the Panel. Those integral to its functioning include: open and frank exchange of ideas and information among Panel members and staff; respect for another's point of view; a willingness to give consideration to an alternative perspctive; a committment to existing policies and procedures and a committment o work toward consensus with expediency, enabling the work of the Panel to proceed in a timely and relevant fashion.

STRUCTURE:

The Educational Priorities Panel is a coalition of organizations with a strong interest in public education.

Each member organization may appoint up to two delegaes (a regular and an alternate) to represent the organization at weekly meetings and on committees.

Each agency has one vote in the election of officers and the selection of the agenda at the retreat.

The coalition elects a chairperson who is a representative of one of the member agencies. The chairperson is elected for a one-year term. There is no limit on the number of terms. In May, the Executive Committee will be convened as the Nominating Commitee to review criteria, solicit names, circulate the chairperson's roles and responsibilities, meet with the candidates and propose nominees. The EPP will elect the chairperson by written, secret ballot that June. If the chairperson needs to leave the position before the end of a given term, this process will be initiated at that time.

RESPONSIBILITIES

MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS

The expertise of each organization is well recognized as a critical component in the strength of the Panel's work. Therefore, each member organization is encouraged to participate fully in the formulation and execution of the EPP agenda. To that end, it is essential that member organizations facilitate an easy exchange of information among member organization, its representative and the Panel. This is to enable the Panel to carry out its agenda, taking into consideration the work of each organization, in a timely way that is responsive to current educational activities. Organzations agree to:

• Choose up to two delegates (a regular and an alternate) to represent the organization at monthly meetings.
• Formulate and articulate one clear position on EPP issues within a reasonable and delineated time frame.
• Inform the Panel of organizational timelines for policy decisions.
• Provide the Panel with relevant information on the organization's educational projects to the extent possible.
• Make a good faith effort to achieve consensus on pending EPP policy issues.
• Assist in promoting EPP policies with constituents.
• Keep the Panel informed of specific work with the Department of Education when possible.
• Review EPP policies yearly being sure to inform the Panel immediately of new information or change in policy so that the issue can be discussed.

REPRESENTATIVES OF MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS

Taking into account the policies and positions of their organizations, the representatives will work to ensure that the EPP's yearly agenda, as set at the June Retreat, is carried out in an effective and efficient manner. Representatives will be prepared to facilitate the Panel's participation in management, policy and budget decisions related to the Department of Education. Representatives are responsible to:

• Attend monthly meetings regularly.
• Serve as liaison between their agency and the Panel.
• Keep the member organization informed of EPP work.
• Represent their organization's point of view at Panel meetings.
• Keep the Panel informed of the work of their organization where applicable.
• Notify member organization of issues which may require a policy decision and identify and inform the Panel of any potential conflicts in policy or positions in a timely fashion.
• Share with chairperson, Panel members and/or staff information relevant to the Panel's agenda.
• Suggest items for the monthly agenda.
• raise issues or concerns at meetings.
• Read minutes, correct and/or accept them.
• Recognize the work and contributions of other Panel member organizations and/or representatives.
• Be prepared to discuss the reports and agenda items.
• Participate on a Task Force.