Head of School Advisory Board

A Head of School Advisory Board is comprised of Heads of School from a local Community of Concern. Their purpose is to establish and recognize substance abuse prevention as an institutional priority for their school. More specifically:

Why should Heads of School form an Advisory Board for the Community of Concern and prioritize substance abuse prevention in their schools?

1. To have an open exchange of concerns/issues facing schools and Heads of Schools regarding substance abuse prevention
   
   
2. A shared understanding/agreement of the scope and nature of the problem
   
   
3. Agreement that this problem crosses all schools and can not be solved solo
   
   
4. Agreement that we need a collaborative effort
   
   
5. Agreement that we need a communication system- networking system
   
   
6. Agreement/discussion on the booklet for all parents every year
   
   
7. To understand current challenges (alcohol/drugs) Heads are facing
   
   
8. To begin to develop a vision of what this group would like to see happening several years from now
   
   
9. Above all else, find a shared vision of how we can create a united force among the schools

(This document was put together by the Washington Metropolitan Community of Concern)

This Board is important because it provides leadership from the top. Heads of Schools can further refine priorities gathered from the Leadership Symposium, develop "Best Practices" for educating parents and students about the dangers of underage use of alcohol or other drugs and, create a Common Statements of shared goals and expectations.

To help set up such a Board, please see the sample invitation, sample thank you for agreeing to serve letter, and sample meeting plan. After a Board meeting, it is a good idea to send out minutes the very next day to be sure that everyone will keep on task.

Advisory Board- invitation
Advisory Board- Thank you for agreeing to serve letter
Advisory Board- Meeting Plan
Advisory Board- questions for small groups