Lauren Layman, a member of the Republic R-III Board of Education, completed 18.5 hours of training required by state law. The New Board Member training, sponsored by the Missouri School Boards' Association, combined online independent study with live interactive sessions, and was held via Zoom on May 3 and 4, 2024.
The new board member training places a strong emphasis on improving student achievement by providing guidance to board members on effective school board leadership. Some of the topics addressed include effective board operations including information on the role of the school board in providing oversight of a school district, important school laws, establishing school district policies, fundamentals of school finance, protecting students from sexual misconduct, and the important role the school board plays in establishing school district goals and monitoring progress.