Upcoming Board Development Training

The MSU Extension Service in Daniels, Richland, Roosevelt and Sheridan Counties is sponsoring a Board Development Training for all members of local boards on Thurs., April 21. The training is being conducted in four different local locations by Dan Clark and Blake Christensen of the MSU Extension Local Government Center, Bozeman.

The free workshop will be held simultaneously in Culbertson at the RC Complex meeting room, 307 Broadway and in Plentywood at the Courthouse Jubilee Room, 100 West Laurel Avenue from 1-4 p.m.

The same workshop will also be held concurrently in Sidney at the MSU Extension/Eastern Ag Research Center, 1499 North Central Avenue and in Scobey at the Extension/Ambulance Training Room, 106 Railroad Ave from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

There are many different public boards, districts, and committees in our surrounding counties, each with varying responsibilities and powers. There is, however, little consistency and often misunderstanding regarding the authority, responsibility and jurisdictions of the boards.

While it is not possible to avoid all controversy, board members can minimize disagreement and ineffectiveness in procedure, process and outcome through familiarity with the Montana Code Annotated, or other governing by-laws, and by being knowledgeable of techniques to improve interactions on a board or with the public.

The objectives of this workshop are to describe and clarify many of the complex issues confronting boards and board membership in counties. The training will introduce board members and interested citizens to various concepts and techniques for successful board meetings. It will assist board members in acquiring knowledge, skills and abilities through interactive workshop sessions.

Topics include, but are not limited to: Principles of Good Governance, Roles and Responsibilities of Board Members, MT Open Meeting Laws, MT Citizens Right to Participate Laws, Executive Session or Closing a Meeting, Board Member Liability, Effective Meetings, Meeting agenda and Managing Public Comment, Montana’s Code of Ethics and Meeting Minutes.

Come learn how you can be an effective board member and provide essential leadership in your community. For more information contact the MSU Extension Office in Daniels County at 487-2861, Richland County at 433-1206, Roosevelt County at 787-5312 and Sheridan County at 765-3406.