Decisionmaking and Governance

Following the lead of planning team members, the entire school staff adopted a shared decisionmaking process that included five action steps. In all group meetings, staff members use a consensus strategy called the "five-finger vote" and protocols associated with the Critical Friends Groups model for structuring discussions. In a five-finger vote, individuals show the degree of their approval with a show of fingers—five being the highest level of approval and one being the lowest. A closed fist indicates unwillingness to accept the proposal as written and a desire to present a new alternative. At the time a proposal is submitted, staff members and students can ask clarifying and probing questions, and offer warm (positive) and cool (negative) feedback, in that order.

To support shared decisionmaking and ensure that neighborhoods are integrated into the larger context of the whole school, staff members unanimously approved a governance model that included the following:

Site council. The council—consisting of parents, school staff members, and community members—serves as school-community liaison on matters of school reform, improvement, and fiscal management of grants.

Flight council. Representatives from school administration and each neighborhood work together to moderate neighborhood autonomy and schoolwide interests.

Task force. Task forces are formed as needed to address specific needs (e.g., Small Schools Task Force).

Standing committee. These are long-term committees organized to address the school's vision (e.g., Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Committee; School Culture Committee).

Administrative team. This team, comprising the principal, vice principals, athletic director, and teacher leaders, addresses schoolwide issues.