AMHERST SCHOOL DISTRICT

Transcription

1 AMHERST SCHOOL DISTRICT SECTION B: SCHOOL BOARD GOVERNANCE AND OPERATIONS Section B of the NEPN/NSBA classification system contains policies, regulations, and exhibits on the School Board - how it is appointed or elected; how it is organized; how it conducts meetings, and how the Board operates. This section includes bylaws and policies establishing the School Boards internal operating procedures. NUMBER POLICY NAME DATE ADOPTED BA SCHOOL BOARD SELF-EVALUATION AND GOAL SETTING February 16, 2017 rev. September 11, 1990 BAAA SCHOOL BOARD POLICIES AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES June 7, 2007 BBA SCHOOL BOARD POWERS AND RESPONSIBILITIES September 11, 1990 BBAA BOARD MEMBER AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBLITIES September 11, 1990 BBBC BOARD MEMBER OR DISTRICT OFFICER RESIGNATION September 11, 1990 BCA SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER CODE OF ETHICS January 5, 2016 rev. BCB SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER CONFLICT OF INTEREST November 1994 BDA BOARD ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING September 11, 1990 BDB SCHOOL BOARD OFFICERS September 11, 1990 BDC ELECTED AND APPOINTED BOARD OFFICIALS April 23, 2003 BDD BOARD-SUPERINTENDENT RELATIONSHIP September 11, 1990 BDE COMMITTEES AND DELEGATES January 3, 2017 BDF ADVISORY COMMITTEES TO THE BOARD September 11, 1990 BEA REGULAR BOARD MEETINGS February 16, 2017 BEB EMERGENCY BOARD MEETINGS April 18, 2013

2 BEC NON-PUBLIC SESSIONS December 21, 2017 BEDA SCHOOL BOARD AGENDA PREPARATION AND DISSEMINATION September 11, 1990 BEDC QUORUM December 21, 2017 BEDG SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES September 11, 1990 BEDH PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AT SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS October 19, 2017 rev September 24, 2001 rev September 11, 1990 BFE ADMINISTRATION IN POLICY ABSENCE June 7, 2007 BG BOARD POLICY PROCESS February 16, 2017 rev June 7, 2007 BGA POLICY DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM June 7, 2007 BGB POLICY ADOPTION June 7, 2007 BGC BGD POLICY REVIEW AND EVALUATION/MANUAL ACCURACY CHECK June 7, 2007 BOARD REVIEW OF ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS February 16, 2017 rev June 7, 2007 BGE POLICY DISSEMINATION June 7, 2007 BGF SUSPENSION OF POLICIES June 7, 2007 BHC BOARD STAFF COMMUNICATIONS September 11, 1990 BHE SCHOOL BOARD USE OF February 16, 2017 BIA NEW BOARD MEMBER ORIENTATION September 11, 1990 BIBA SCHOOL BOARD CONFERENCES, CONVENTIONS, AND WORKSHOPS April 20, 2017 BID BOARD REVIEW AND SIGNING OF MANIFESTS May 8, 1995 BIE SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER INDEMNIFICATION September 11, 1990

3 BK SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERSHIPS December 21, 2017 September 11, 1990

4 AMHERST Policy BA - SCHOOL BOARD SELF-EVALUATION AND GOAL SETTING The Board will attempt to conduct an annual self-evaluation. Co-extensive with the Board s self-evaluation, the Board will attempt to establish annual goals and objectives. The Board believes that establishing annual goals and objectives will serve as a benchmark and criteria for the annual self-evaluation. The following areas of Board operations and relationships are representative of those in which objectives may be set and progress appraised: 1. Relationship with the Superintendent 2. Community relations 3. Board meetings 4. Staff and Personnel Relationships 5. Relationship to Instructional Program 6. Financial Management of Schools 7. Policy development 8. Risk management 9. Other areas the Board determines should be evaluated While the board may decide to do so, it is not expected that every area listed above will necessarily be annually reviewed. The Board desires that the annual self-evaluation and goal setting will clarify the Board s role within the school community, address areas for the Board to improve, and address areas for which the Board should be commended. Legal References: NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section ED (g), Substantive Duties of School Boards REVISED: February 16, 2017 ADOPTED: September 11, 1990

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11 AMHERST POLICY BCA - SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER ETHICS Each board member shall comply with the following ethical provisions: 1. A Board member s greatest concern must be the educational welfare of the students attending the public schools. 2. Attend all regularly scheduled Board meetings, insofar as possible, and become informed concerning issues to be considered at those meetings. 3. Make decisions only after full discussion at public Board meetings; render all decisions based on the available facts and independent judgment. 4. Seek communications with students, staff, and members of the community. 5. Work respectfully with other Board members to achieve the educational goals of the school district by encouraging the free expression of opinions by all Board members. 6. Communicate to other Board members and the Superintendent expressions of public reaction to Board policies and school programs. 7. Be informed about current educational issues by individual study and through participation in programs providing needed information, such as those sponsored by state and national school board associations. 8. Support the employment of those persons best qualified to serve as school staff, and insist on a regular and impartial evaluation of all staff. 9. Respect the confidentiality of information that is privileged under applicable law or is received in confidence or executive session (non-public). 10. Recognize that no individual member has authority to speak or act for the entire Board, except as specifically designated to do so by Board action. 11. Recognize that final Board actions will be supported by all members of the Board; take no private action that will compromise the Board or administration; and refrain from private actions which undermine or compromise official Board action. 12. Display and demonstrate courtesy and decorum toward fellow Board members at all public meetings and in all public statements. 13. Avoid being placed in a position of conflict of interest and refrain from using board position for personal or partisan gain. 14. Work with other board members to establish effective Board policies and to delegate authority for the administration of the schools to the Superintendent of Schools. Revised: November 2015 January 5, 2015

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18 AMHERST Policy BDE - COMMITTEES AND DELEGATES Standing and special committees and delegations shall be appointed by the Chairperson of the Board and approved by vote of a majority of the Board. Committees will meet as needed on problems pertaining to said committee and will make recommendations for action by the full Board. Reviewed: February 2004 Revised: July, 1998 ADOPTED: January 3, 2017

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20 AMHERST Policy BEA - REGULAR BOARD MEETINGS Category: Recommended Notice of all board meetings will be posted in accordance with the provisions of RSA 91-A. The Superintendent is authorized to post notice of the meeting on the District website. Minutes of all meetings will be taken and provided in accordance with the provisions of RSA 91-A. All meetings shall be open to the public. Agendas will be established per Board Policy BEDH. The Board reserves the right to amend the agenda during the meeting, upon majority vote. Public comments will be allowed per Board Policy BEDH. Additional meetings may be scheduled at the call of the Chair. Emergency meetings may be called in accordance with the provisions of RSA 91-A:2 and Board Policy BEB. A majority of the Board shall constitute a quorum. Provisions for meeting a quorum are established in Board Policy BEDC. The School Board recognizes that the consistent attendance of Board Members at Board Meetings is essential for the efficient, effective operation of the Board's duties as well as fulfilling our individual obligations as elected officials. Legal References: RSA 91-A, Access to Public Records and Meetings N.H. Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed (f), Substantive Duties of School Boards ADOPTED: February 16, 2017

21 AMHERST POLICY BEB - EMERGENCY BOARD MEETINGS Emergency meetings may be called by the Chairperson or by a majority of the Board. For the purposes of this policy, an emergency is defined as a situation where immediate undelayed action is deemed to be imperative by the Chairperson or by a majority of the Board. In the event of an emergency meeting, the Board will post notice of time and place of the emergency meeting as soon as possible and will also use other reasonable means to inform the public that an emergency meeting is to be held. Minutes of an emergency meeting will clearly state the need and purpose for the emergency meeting. Legal Reference: RSA 91-A:2, II, Meetings Open to the Public Adopted April 18, 2013

22 AMHERST POLICY BEC - NON-PUBLIC SESSIONS The Board may meet in non-public session for any of the purposes set out in RSA 91-A:3. Upon motion, the vote to enter non-public session will be a recorded roll-call vote made in public session. The motion calling for a non-public session will state the matter(s) to be discussed and will state the statutory reason(s) for entering non-public session. The Board shall record minutes of all non-public sessions. Non-public session minutes will be made publicly available within 72 hours of the non-public session, unless the Board votes to seal the minutes. The Board may seal minutes of a non-public session only by a two-thirds vote. The Board will only vote to seal minutes of non-public sessions if divulging such information would: 1. Adversely affect the reputation of a person other than a member of the Board; 2. Render a proposed board action ineffective; or 3. Thwart safety considerations pertaining to terrorism or other emergency functions of the Board. Board members will not publicly discuss matters that were discussed in a non-public session. The Superintendent or his/her designated representative may attend all non-public sessions at the pleasure of the Board, except those non-public sessions that pertain to the Superintendent s employment. Legal References: RSA 91-A:3, Non-Public Sessions RSA 91-A:4, Minutes and Records Available for Public Inspection RSA 42:1-a, Oaths of Town Officers: Manner of Dismissal; Breach of Confidentiality ADOPTED: December 21, 2017

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24 AMHERST POLICY BEDC - QUORUM Board members unable to attend a meeting in person may communicate via electronic means in accordance with Policy BEA and RSA 91-A:2, III. However, in all circumstances, a quorum shall only be met when a quorum of the Board is physically present at the meeting. Legal References: RSA 91-A2, Meetings Open to the Public ADOPTED: December 21, 2017

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26 AMHERST POLICY B E D H - P U B L I C P A R T I C I P A T I O N A T S C H O O L B O A R D M E E T I N G S The School Board encourages and welcomes public attendance and participation of all board meetings: 1. All meetings of the board, for the official transaction of business, shall be open to the public; however, the board may, by majority vote, meet in nonpublic session per RSA 91 -A. 2. Portions of the open meeting will be allotted to receive comments from citizens as noted on the meeting agenda. Issues which require an extended period of time may be deferred to the next business meeting, or to a special meeting called by the board. The Chairperson may set a time limit on the length of the public comments portion of the meeting. 3. Citizens who wish to address the board are encouraged to notify the Chairperson, or Superintendent, at least 48 hours prior to the meeting so that the board may be better prepared to offer assistance or to respond to the comment, question, or concern. 4. Public comments on agenda items may be allowed or terminated as follows: A. A member of the board may request the Chairperson to determine whether the board wishes to hear from citizens on the subject. The Board will neither hear personal complaints about school personnel nor complaints regarding any person connected with the school system. B. The Chairperson may rule that adequate discussion has been heard. If the ruling of the Chairperson is challenged by a member, the board must be polled with the vote of the majority prevailing. Legal Reference: RSA 91-A:3, Public Records and Meeting; Non-Public Sessions REVISED: October 19, 2017 REVISED: September 24, 2001 ADOPTED: September 11, 1990

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28 AMHERST Policy BG - BOARD POLICY PROCESS Category R The Board will develop policies and put them in writing so that they may serve as guidelines and goals for the successful and efficient functioning of our public schools. The Board considers policy development its chief function, along with providing the resources such as personnel, buildings, materials, and equipment for the successful interpretation and evaluation of its policies. Policies are principles adopted by the Board to chart a course of action. They tell what is wanted; they may include why and how much. Policies should be broad enough to indicate a line of action to be followed by the administration in meeting a number of problems; narrow enough to give clear guidance. Policies are guides for action by the administration, who then sets the rules and regulations to provide specific directions to School District personnel. It is the Board s intention that its policies serve as sources of information and guidance for all people who are interested in, or connected with, the public schools. Changes in needs, conditions, purposes, and objectives will require revisions, deletions, and additions to the policies of present and future Boards. The Board will welcome suggestions for ongoing policy development from citizens, students, and staff in the District. Action on such proposals, whatever their source, is taken finally by the Board after receiving the recommendation of the Superintendent. The Superintendent bases his/her recommendations upon the outcomes of study and upon the judgment of the professional staff and appropriate study committees. The Superintendent shall seek counsel of the School Attorney when there may be a question of legality or proper legal procedure in the development of a proposed School Board policy. Revised: February 16, 2017 Adopted: June 7, 2007

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32 AMHERST Policy BGD - BOARD REVIEW OF ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS Category R Also CHB The Board reserves the right to review, revise or rescind administrative regulations should they, in the Board s judgment, be inconsistent with the policies adopted by the Board. REVISED: February 16, 2017 ADOPTED: June 7, 2007

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36 AMHERST Policy BHE - SCHOOL BOARD USE OF (Download policy) Category R The Board encourages its members to not communicate to each other via electronic communication ( ) regarding official school district business. The Board will not use as a substitute for deliberations at board meetings, for other communications, or for business properly confined to board meetings. Communications via of private or confidential school district matters is strictly prohibited. If an is originated by a Board member, is communicated to a quorum of the Board, and discusses official school district business, the will be considered a public document for purposes of the Right to Know Law, RSA 91-A. As such, the contents of the communication will be publicly disclosed and included in the minutes of the next regularly scheduled Board meeting. Legal references: RSA 91-A:2-a, Communications Outside Meetings RSA 189:29-a, Records Retention and Disposition Miller v. Fremont School Board, Rockingham County Superior Court, No. 03-E-152 (2003) ADOPTED: February 16, 2017

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38 AMHERST POLICY BIBA - SCHOOL BOARD CONFERENCES, CONVENTIONS, AND WORKSHOPS Category R The Board encourages the participation of all members at School Board conferences, workshops, and conventions. In order to control both the investment of time and funds necessary to implement this policy, the Board establishes these principles and procedures: 1. The Board will periodically decide which meetings appear to be most promising in terms of producing direct and indirect benefits to the School District. School board members are encouraged to attend workshops presented by the state and national school boards associations. 2. Funds for participation at such meetings will be budgeted for on an annual basis. When funds are limited, the Board will designate which of its members would be the most appropriate to participate at a given meeting. 3. Reimbursement to Board members for their travel expenses will comply with the travel expense policy for staff members. 4. When a conference, convention, or workshop is not attended by the full Board, those who do participate will be requested to share information, recommendations, and materials acquired at the meeting. ADOPTED: April 20, 2017

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41 AMHERST POLICY BK - SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERSHIPS It is the policy of the School Board to be a dues-paying member of the New Hampshire School Boards Association. The Board shall seek to participate as fully as possible in the activities of the New Hampshire and National School Boards Associations. The Chairman of the Board shall keep these organizations informed of the Board's concerns and official positions on matters of common interest and concern. It will be represented at meetings of the state association by a duly elected delegate who must be a member of the School Board. ADOPTED: December 21, 2017