Board candidate filing is right around the corner. The role of a Board Member is very important, and specifically outlined in District Policy G-100-P, School Board's Role and Responsibilities.
The role of the District’s Board is to govern the community’s public schools by making the major decisions for the District. For the District to operate efficiently and effectively, the Board as a whole will perform its role by working together as a governance team with the Superintendent in the best interest of the District’s students.
This role is provided to the Board as a whole and not to any Board member individually, or to the Superintendent individually.
As the elected governing body, the Board will be accountable to the public by faithfully fulfilling the following five responsibilities:
Setting the Strategic Direction
The Board sets the strategic direction for the District by establishing and maintaining the District’s strategic or long-term plan that includes District priorities, goals and objectives. The Board allocates the resources and oversees the employment of the Superintendent to ensure this plan is accomplished.
Establishing a System of District Policies and Rules
The Board establishes the major District policies and rules, and delegates the authority to make any other rules to the administration under the Superintendent’s direction.
Overseeing the Employment of the Superintendent
The Board hires, directs and evaluates the performance of the Superintendent.
Exercising Final Decision-Making Authority for Board Matters
The Board exercises final decision-making authority for matters that:
Are identified by law as exclusively within the province of the Board;
Have potential significant impact on the District as a whole;
Have important financial consequences for the District; or
Are reserved for the Board to decide, either through District policy or Board action.
Serving as a Liaison between the District and the community.
The Board acts as a liaison between the District and the community by promoting school programs in the community and channeling concerns from community members to the appropriate District points of contact.
Being a Board Member is a significant, voluntary time commitment. New Board members must successfully complete 18.5 hours of orientation and training, followed by an hour of annual refresher training each year in office. All members are required to file Financial Disclosure Statements with the Missouri Ethics Commission.
The Board may meet in regular meetings, special meetings, and work sessions.
In addition, the
Board President, or the Board, may appoint annual committees or committees for special purposes.
Prior to each meeting, members must review the agenda and Board packet information, and come prepared to discuss issues. Board members are expected to come to the table without personal agenda and make all decisions in the best interest of students.
The District appreciates that community members are dedicated to serving in this vital role for our students.