Over the past few years, the Park Rag has been critical of our Park City School District for a few different reasons. One of those reasons is that historically the school board has voted in unison on major issues.<\/p>\n
We have taken umbrage at that. It all seemed too programmed and processed. We would hope that in our schools\u00a0all ideas are vigorously discussed and vetted in public.<\/p>\n
Last Summer we had a chance to visit with School Board leader Phil Kaplan about the topic. Below is a response from Mr. Kaplan on the subject.<\/p>\n
You have often pointed out that certain elected bodies function better than others because they split votes more frequently and don\u2019t make unanimous decisions, as if that is a virtue by itself. The theory seems to be that the split vote represents dissent and debate, with officials sticking to their guns and the better choice ruling the vote. I would like to point out that a true consensus-based decision process can often yield better decisions, with greater downstream results and implications more thought out.<\/p>\n
The consensus-based decision process hit American business hard in the 1970s, when it seemed like the manufacturing base was all going to Japan. It works with managers leading a team, with every voice having input, the best idea for the organization winning, and thorough implementation plans and process developed before the go decision is made. So, decision-making moves slower, but execution can be much faster and crisper. The American technology and manufacturing sectors have embraced this model to great effect.<\/p>\n
Taking my thesis back to local elected bodies, we can use the consensus-based model, successfully, in our institutions. So, I would not just look at a 3-2 vote vs. a 5-0 vote as a quality determinant. I would look hard at the thought process that led up to the vote being taken. That would better reflect the quality of the ultimate decision.<\/p>\n
All the best,<\/p>\n
Philip N Kaplan
\nMember, Board of Education
\nPark City School District<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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