MSA to hold free training for newly elected select board members

The Massachusetts Select Board Association will hold a free training for newly elected select board members on Friday, June 7, in Devens.

Meeting topics include:
• An introduction to the open meeting and public records laws, presented by attorney Janelle Austin, a shareholder at KP Law, who will cover the key components of these key laws and discuss how they affect the work of select board members.
• A Municipal Finance 101 workshop led by Jessica Sizer, a town councillor in Palmer and a project manager at the Division of Local Services’ Financial Management Resources Bureau. Sizer will discuss the role of select boards in municipal finance, and provide budgeting tips and organizational skills. She will also discuss the resources available to municipalities through the Division of Local Services.
• A workshop on public speaking and civility led by Easton Select Board Chair Dottie Fulginiti.
• An introduction to public engagement for Select Boards, led by Wellesley Public Information Officer Stephanie Hawkinson.

Attendees will also have opportunities to network with colleagues and hear from a panel of veteran select board members and town managers/administrators.

Registration and breakfast will begin at 8:30 a.m. The program will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude at 3:30 p.m. Lunch will be served.

The full agenda is available at www.mma.org and will be emailed to registrants in the coming weeks.

The training is targeted to newly elected select board members, but any select board member is welcome to attend for a refresher.

Newly elected select board members are encouraged to share their contact information with the MMA (by email to database@mma.org) in order to receive information about Select Board Association events.