Policy Manual
Table of Contents
Organization of the Board of Education
Nomination and Election of Board of Education Members
The Role of the Board of Education
Meetings of the Board of Education
Public Order on School Property
Central Office and Building Administration
Compensation and Related Benefits
Non-Instructional/Business
Operations
Fiscal Accounting and Reporting
Compensation and Related Benefits
Elementary and Secondary Instruction
Contained
herein are the policy statements formulated by the Board of Education of the
Policy is defined as a basic plan of action. It establishes limits within which freedom of judgment can be exercised.
Policy is a governing principle of management. It is a statement that has an effect on the interests of those who come under its jurisdiction. A policy may originate from the constitution, from statute, from local determinations and/or from customary patterns of formal behavior.
Policy should accomplish the following:
a) State a position taken by the District;
b) Grant the authority to act;
c) Be sufficiently detailed to give adequate direction;
d) Be achievable within the real environment of the school and community;
e) Provide for impartial procedures.
In addition to the adopted policies, the operation of the School District is governed by and subject to all applicable Laws, Regulations of the Commissioner of Education, Civil Service requirements, Board of Education Resolutions, School Administrative Regulations and Contracts of Agreement.
If
any part of this manual is made invalid by judicial decision or legislative or
administrative enactment, all other parts shall remain in full effect unless
and until they are amended or repealed by the Board of Education. The official record of the adoption,
amendment, or repeal of the by-laws and policies of the
In preparing individuals to develop their fullest potential for living in the society of today and tomorrow, the Board of Education and the staff of the School District:
I. Recognize their responsibility to help meet the physical, intellectual and emotional needs of children; particularly the needs to inquire, learn, think, and create; to establish aesthetic, moral and ethical values; and to relate satisfactorily to others in social situations involving family, work, government and recreation.
II. Accept primary responsibility for giving students a mastery of the basic skills of learning, thinking and problem-solving; for teaching them to use the various media of self-expression; for instilling in them a knowledge of the social and natural sciences; for acquainting them with the richness of our heritage; and for stimulating them to productive work in the various areas of human endeavor.
III. Acknowledge the importance of their supplemental role to the home and other social agencies in developing habits and attitudes which make for effective personal living, the maintenance of optimum physical and mental health, and the establishment of sound moral, ethical, and aesthetic values.
Realizing that education, as here defined, is a lifelong process, the School System seeks to orient its graduates toward various types of post-secondary education and further formal training and study of many types; and to provide educational opportunities particularly suited to the needs of adults, both as individuals and as citizens in a democracy.
2003 1000
By-Laws
(Section 1000)
ORGANIZATION OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
1.1
1.2 Board of Education Authority....................................................................................... 1120
1.3 Number of Members and Terms of Office.................................................................... 1130
NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS
2.1 Board of Education Members: Qualifications............................................................... 1210
2.2 Board of Education Members: Nomination and Election.............................................. 1220
2.3 Reporting of Expenditures............................................................................................ 1230
2.4 Resignation and Dismissal............................................................................................ 1240
THE ROLE OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
3.1 Powers and Duties of the Board................................................................................... 1310
3.2 Nomination and Election of Board Officers................................................................... 1320
3.2.1 Duties of the President of the Board of Education............................................. 1321
3.2.2 Duties of the Vice President of the Board of Education..................................... 1322
3.3 Appointments and Designations by the Board of Education........................................... 1330
3.3.1 Duties of the District Clerk............................................................................... 1331
3.3.2 Duties of the
3.3.3 Duties of the Tax Collector.............................................................................. 1333
3.3.4 Duties of the Independent Auditor.................................................................... 1334
3.3.5 Appointment and Duties of the Internal Claims Auditor..................................... 1335
3.3.6 Duties of the Extraclassroom Activities Funds Treasurer(s)............................... 1336
3.3.7 Duties of the School Attorney.......................................................................... 1337
3.3.8 Duties of the School Physician.......................................................................... 1338
3.3.9 Duties of the School Purchasing Agent............................................................. 1339
2003 1000
By-Laws
BY-LAWS
(Cont'd.) NUMBER
(Section 1000)
4.1 Policy ....................................................................................................................... 1410
4.2 Execution of Policy: Administrative Regulations............................................................ 1420
MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
5.1 Regular Board Meetings.............................................................................................. 1510
5.1.1 Agenda Format............................................................................................... 1511
5.2 Special Meetings of the Board of Education................................................................. 1520
6.1 Annual District Meeting and Election/Budget Vote........................................................ 1610
6.1.1 Business of the Annual District Election............................................................ 1611
6.2 Annual Organizational Meeting..................................................................................... 1620
6.3 Legal
Qualifications of Voters at
6.4 Absentee Ballots.......................................................................................................... 1640
6.5 Submission of Questions and Propositions at Annual Elections and
Special District Meetings.............................................................................................. 1650
7.1 Quorum....................................................................................................................... 1710
7.2 Minutes....................................................................................................................... 1720
7.3 Executive Sessions....................................................................................................... 1730
2003 1110
By-Laws
SUBJECT:
The Constitution of New York State, as amended in 1894, instructs the Legislature to provide for a system of free common schools wherein all children of the State may be educated.
The Legislature of the State has implemented this constitutional mandate through the creation of school districts of various types. The Bolivar-Richburg Central School District is governed by the laws set forth for Central School Districts in Article 37 of the Education Law, and by-laws relating to, or affecting, Union Free School Districts as set forth in Article 35 of the Education Law.
The
The
Constitution of the State of
Education Law Articles 35 and 37
Adopted:
2003 1120
By-Laws
SUBJECT: BOARD OF EDUCATION AUTHORITY
As a body created under the Education Law of New York State, the Board of Education of the Bolivar-Richburg Central School District has full authority, within the limitations of federal and state laws and the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education and interpretations of them, to carry out the will of the people of its District in matters of education.
In all cases where laws or regulations of the State Commissioner of Education do not provide, permit, or prohibit, the Board shall consider itself the agent responsible for establishing and appraising educational matters and activities.
Board members have no authority over school affairs as individuals. They have authority only when acting as a body duly called in session.
Education Law Sections 1604, 1701, 1709, 1804,
and 1805
Adopted:
2003 1130
By-Laws
SUBJECT: NUMBER OF MEMBERS AND TERMS OF OFFICE
The
Board of Education of the
Members of the Board of Education shall serve for three (3) years beginning July 1 following their election and each term shall expire on the thirtieth day of June of the third year.
Education Law Sections 1602, 1702(1), 1804(1) and 2105
Adopted:
2003 1210
By-Laws
SUBJECT: BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS: QUALIFICATIONS
A Board of Education member of the
a)
A citizen of the
b) Eighteen (18) years of age or older;
c) Able to read and write;
d) A legal resident one (1) year prior to the election;
e)
Cannot be an employee of the
f) The only member of his/her family (that is, cannot be a member of the same household) on the Bolivar-Richburg Central School District Board;
g) May not simultaneously hold another, incompatible public office;
h) Must not have been removed from a school district office within one (1) year preceding the date of election to the Board.
Education Law Sections 2102, 2103, 2103-a,
and 2502(7)
Public Officers Law Section 3
Adopted:
2003 1220
By-Laws
SUBJECT: BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS: NOMINATION AND ELECTION
a)
Candidates for the office of member of the Board of
Education shall be nominated by a petition directed to the Clerk of the
b) The notice of the annual District meeting must state that petitions nominating candidates for the Board of Education must be filed with the Clerk of the District not later than the thirtieth (30) day preceding the election at which time the candidates so nominated are to be elected.
c) Voting will be by machine, and provision shall be made for the election by "write-in-vote" of any candidate not previously nominated. The position of candidates on ballots shall be determined by lot at a drawing conducted by the District Clerk on the day after the last filing. Candidates or their proxies may be present for the drawing.
d) The hours of voting shall be as indicated by Board resolution.
e) The candidates receiving the largest number of votes shall be declared elected in accordance with Education Law.
f) At least ten (10) days prior to the election, the Board shall appoint at least two (2) inspectors of election for each voting machine, and set their salary.
g) The District Clerk shall attend the election and record the name and legal residence of each voter. The Clerk shall give notice immediately to each person declared elected to the Board, informing him/her of the election and his/her term of office.
h) Only qualified voters as determined by Education Law (Section 2012) may vote at any District meeting or election.
i) No electioneering will be allowed within one hundred (100) feet of the polling place.
j) When a term of office expires at the end of a school year and the office has become vacant at the time of election, the person elected to fill the new full term vacancy also fills the remaining days of the previous term, beginning his/her term of office immediately upon election.
Education Law Sections 2004, 2013, 2018, 2025,
2029, 2031-a, 2032, 2034(7)(d), 2105(14), and 2121
Adopted:
2003 1230
By-Laws
SUBJECT: REPORTING OF EXPENDITURES
Each
candidate for the position of member of the Board of Education whose expenses
exceed five hundred dollars ($500) must file a statement accounting for his/her
campaign expenditures and contributions with the District Clerk and an
additional statement with the Commissioner of Education. In the event the
expenses do not exceed five hundred dollars ($500), then a sworn statement to
that effect must be filed with the District Clerk. The first statement shall be
filed ten (10) days before the election.
The second statement shall be filed within twenty (20) days after the
election. All statements must be sworn
before a notary public, a commissioner of deeds, a lawyer or a public official
authorized by
Education Law Sections 1528 and 1529
Adopted:
2003 1240
1 of 2
By-Laws
SUBJECT: RESIGNATION AND DISMISSAL
Board members may resign at a district meeting of residents (i.e.; the annual meeting, not a regular Board of Education meeting) or by filing a written resignation with the District Superintendent of the Supervisory District who must endorse his approval and file the resignation with the District Clerk.
Alternatively, a board member may resign under Public Officers Law Section 31 by filing a written resignation with the District Clerk. The Clerk must then notify the school board and the State Board of Elections.
A resignation may be withdrawn only with the consent of the person to whom the resignation was delivered (i.e., the District Clerk or BOCES District Superintendent). The school board has no authority to act upon a request to withdraw a resignation.
The resignation shall take effect upon the date specified in the letter of resignation; however, if no effective date is specified, it shall take effect on the date of delivery to or filing with the District Clerk. If an effective date is specified in the letter of resignation, such date shall not be more than thirty (30) days subsequent to the date of its delivery or filing.
It shall be the duty of each member of the Board of Education to attend all meetings of the Board and, if any member shall refuse to attend three (3) consecutive meetings of the Board after having been regularly notified and a satisfactory cause for each non-attendance is not shown, the Board will proceed to declare that office vacant.
A Board member may be removed from office by the Commissioner of Education for willful violation of any provision of law, neglect of duty, or willfully disobeying any decision, order or regulation of the Commissioner.
In
the event of death, resignation, removal from office or from the
The Board, at its own option, may also elect to call a special election within ninety (90) days to fill the unexpired term. If not so filled, the District Superintendent of the Supervisory District may appoint a competent person to fill the vacancy until the next annual election of the District. The Commissioner of Education may order a special election for filling a vacancy. When such special election is ordered the vacancy shall not be filled otherwise.
(Continued)
2003 1240
2 of 2
By-Laws
SUBJECT: RESIGNATION AND DISMISSAL (Cont'd.)
A Board member who has been removed from office shall be ineligible to appointment or election to any office in the District for a period of one (1) year from the date of such removal.
Education Law Sections 306, 1607, 1706,
1709(17)(18), 1804(1), 2103(2), 2109, 2111, 2112, 2113, 2502, and 2553
Public Officers Law Sections 30, 31 and 35
Adopted:
2003 1310
By-Laws
SUBJECT: POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE BOARD
The Board of Education shall have powers and duties as set forth in New York State Education Law, principally Articles 35 and 37, and other applicable Federal and State laws and regulations. In general, the Board shall have in all respects the superintendence, management and control of the educational affairs of the District and shall have all the powers necessary to exercise these powers expressly granted to it by the laws of New York State and the Commissioner of Education.
Education Law Sections 1604, 1709 and 1804
NOTE: Refer also to Policy #6540
-- Defense and Indemnification of Board Members and
Employees
Adopted:
2003 1320
By-Laws
SUBJECT: NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF BOARD OFFICERS
Officers of the Board of Education shall be nominated and elected by the simple majority of the Board at its Annual Organizational Meeting for a term of one (1) year. They will take their oath as officers at this meeting along with newly elected members.
The elected officers of the Board of Education are:
a) President;
b) Vice President.
Education Law Sections 1701 and 2105(6)
Adopted:
2003 1321
By-Laws
SUBJECT: DUTIES OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
The President's duties include the following:
a) Presides at all meetings of the Board;
b) Calls special meetings as necessary or on request;
c) Appoints members to all committees of the Board;
d) Serves ex-officio as a member of all committees;
e) Executes documents on behalf of the Board;
f) Performs the usual and ordinary duties of the office.
Education Law Section 1701
Adopted:
2003 1322
By-Laws
SUBJECT: DUTIES OF THE VICE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
The Board of Education may, in its discretion, elect one (1) of its members Vice President who shall have the power to exercise the duties of the President in case of the absence or disability of the President. In case of vacancy in the office of the President, the Vice President shall act as President until a President is elected.
Education Law Section 1701
Adopted:
2003 1330
1 of 2
By-Laws
SUBJECT: APPOINTMENTS AND DESIGNATIONS BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
Appointments
The Board is authorized to appoint individuals to positions which will facilitate the meeting of its responsibilities to the State, the School System, and the community. These appointments usually take place at the Annual Organizational Meeting.
The
following shall be appointed annually:
a) District Clerk;
b) District Treasurer;
c) Tax Collector;
d) District Auditor (independent);
e) Treasurer, Extraclassroom Activities Funds.
The
following must be appointed but need not be reappointed annually:
a) Census Enumerator;
b) School Physician;
c) Supervisors of Attendance;
d) Committee on Special Education and Committee on Preschool Special Education;
e) Records Access Officer;
f) Records Retention and Disposition Officer;
g) AHERA Local Educational Agency (L.E.A.) designee;
h) Title IX/Section 504/ADA Compliance Officer;
i) Liaison for Homeless Children and Youth.
The
following may also be appointed:
a) School Attorney;
b) Internal Claims Auditor;
c) Insurance Advisor;
d) Board Committees.
(Continued)
2003 1330
2 of 2
By-Laws
SUBJECT: APPOINTMENTS
AND DESIGNATIONS BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
(Cont'd.)
Designations
The following designations shall be made by the Board of Education at the Annual Organizational Meeting in July:
a) Petty Cash Fund(s);
b) Official Newspaper(s);
c) Official Bank Depositories;
d) Official Bank Signatories;
e) Purchasing Agent;
f) Certifier of Payrolls;
g) Designated Educational Official to receive court notification regarding a student's sentence/adjudication in certain criminal cases and juvenile delinquency proceedings;
h) Date, time and place of regular Board meetings;
i) Official radio and television stations (school closings).
Authorizations
a) Approval of attendance at conferences, conventions, workshops, and the like;
b) Superintendent to approve budget transfers within limits prescribed by Commissioner's Regulation Section 170.2 and Board guidelines;
c) Superintendent to apply for Grants in Aid (State and Federal) as appropriate;
d) Establish mileage reimbursement rate;
e) Establish per diem rates for various programs/employees;
f) Other(s) as deemed appropriate/necessary.
Education Law Sections 305(31) and 1709
Section 722, as reauthorized by the No
Child Left Behind Act of 2001
Adopted:
2003 1331
By-Laws
SUBJECT: DUTIES OF THE DISTRICT CLERK
The District Clerk will be appointed by the Board at its Annual Organizational Meeting and will serve for a period of one (1) year. The Clerk's duties include the following:
a) Attends all meetings of the Board and keeps a record of its proceedings and records, by name, those in attendance;
b) Prepares minutes of the meetings of the Board, obtains approval of the minutes by the Board at the next meeting, signs the minutes to signify their official standing and forwards copies of the minutes to each member of the Board of Education;
c) Sends notices of special meetings to members of the Board; contacts and communicates with members as required;
d) Sees that the proper legal notices and announcements are published on all specifications and items out on bid, in accordance with state law;
e) Maintains an up-to-date record of Board policies and by-laws;
f) Delivers to, and collects from, the President (or Vice President) such papers for signature as may be necessary;
g) Distributes notices to the public announcing availability of copies of the budget to be presented at the annual District meeting in compliance with the requirements of the State Education Law;
h) Administers oaths of office, as required by Section 10, Public Officers Law;
i) Gives written notice of appointment to persons appointed as inspectors of election;
j) Calls all meetings to order in the absence of the President and Vice President;
k) Assumes other duties customary to the office.
The above duties of the District Clerk are not intended to be complete but should serve as a comprehensive guide in undertaking the duties of this office. The District Clerk shall perform such other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Board.
Education Law Section 2121
Public Officers Law Section 104
Adopted:
2003 1332
By-Laws
SUBJECT: DUTIES OF THE
The Treasurer is appointed by the Board of Education at the Annual Organizational Meeting and will be covered by a blanket bond. In addition to the routine duties of accounting, filing, posting and preparing reports and statements concerning District finances, the District Treasurer shall perform other specific tasks as follows:
a)
Acts as custodian of all moneys belonging to the
b) Pays all authorized obligations of the District as directed;
c) Maintains proper records and files of all checks, and approved payment of bills and salaries;
d) Makes all such entries and posts all such financial ledgers, records and reports as may be properly required to afford the District an acceptable and comprehensive financial accounting of the use of its moneys and financial transactions;
e) Signs all checks drawn on District fund accounts;
f) Assumes other duties customary to the office.
Duties-Education Law Section 2122
Bond-Education Law Section 2130, Part 5
8
(NYCRR) Sections 170.2(o) and (p)
Adopted:
2003 1333
By-Laws
SUBJECT: DUTIES OF THE TAX COLLECTOR
The Tax Collector is appointed annually by the Board of Education and shall be covered by a bond. It shall be the responsibility of the District Tax Collector to perform the following duties:
a) Prepares and mails tax notices;
b) Uses suitable printed tax receipt forms as prescribed by the State Tax Commission;
c) Collects taxes in the amount of the warrant, upon the issuance of the tax warrant by the Board of Education and penalty fees in accordance with the terms of such warrant;
d) Turns over daily to the School District Treasurer all money collected by virtue of any tax list and warrant issued;
e) Submits a report, certified by him/her to the Board of Education, showing the amount of taxes and fees collected along with the unpaid listing. The combination of taxes collected and uncollected shall equal the amount of the warrant;
f)
Turns over to the
g) Carries out such other duties of the position as prescribed in the Real Property Tax Law.
Education Law Sections 2126 and 2130
Real Property Tax Law Sections 922, 924, 1322,
1330, and 1338
Adopted:
2003 1334
By-Laws
SUBJECT: DUTIES OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR
The Board by law shall obtain an annual audit of its records by an independent certified public accountant or an independent public accountant, and a copy of the certified audit in a form prescribed by the Commissioner must be accepted by the Board and furnished annually to the State Education Department.
Education Law Section 2116-a
8
(NYCRR) Sections 170.2 and 170.3
Adopted:
2003 1335
By-Laws
SUBJECT: APPOINTMENT AND DUTIES OF THE INTERNAL CLAIMS AUDITOR
The Board may appoint an Internal Claims Auditor who shall hold the position subject to the pleasure of the Board. No person shall be eligible for appointment to the office of Internal Claims Auditor who shall be:
a) A member of the Board;
b) The Clerk or Treasurer of the Board;
c) The official of the District responsible for business management;
d) The Purchasing Agent;
e) Clerical personnel directly involved in accounting and purchasing functions.
Valid claims against the District shall be paid by the Treasurer only upon the approval of the Internal Auditor. The Internal Auditor shall:
a) Examine all claim forms with respect to the availability of funds within the appropriate codes;
b) Substantiate receipts or other revenues or expenditures;
c)
Meet such other requirements as may be established by
the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education and/or the Comptroller of the
State of
Education Law Section 1709(20-a)
Adopted:
2003 1336
By-Laws
SUBJECT: DUTIES OF THE EXTRACLASSROOM ACTIVITIES
FUNDS
TREASURER(S)
The Extraclassroom Activities Funds Treasurer is appointed by the Board of Education and is responsible for the supervision of the extraclassroom activities funds.
The Treasurer's duties include the following:
a) Countersigns all checks disbursing funds from the Extraclassroom Activities Account;
b) Provides general supervision to ensure that all receipts are deposited and that disbursements are made by check only;
c) Maintains records of all receipts and expenditures;
d) Submits records and reports to the Board as required;
e) Assumes other duties customary to the position.
8
(NYCRR) Part 172
Adopted:
2003 1337
By-Laws
SUBJECT: DUTIES OF THE SCHOOL ATTORNEY
The Board of Education shall employ a School Attorney who shall be responsible to the Board of Education for guidance on all affairs which are of a legal nature, including, but not limited to:
a) Negotiation of all legal charges and processes for each bond issue and construction and/or reconstruction of new buildings;
b) Legal counsel on matters referred to him/her to determine legality of procedure;
c) Matters related to "due process" hearings or procedures.
Adopted:
2003 1338
By-Laws
SUBJECT: DUTIES OF THE SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
The School Physician shall be appointed by the Board of Education. The duties of the School Physician shall include, but are not limited to, the following:
a) Performs professional medical services in the examination and care of school children;
b) Supervises routine examinations of school children by the school nurse practitioner to detect the presence of contagious diseases and physical defects;
c) Serves as an on call member on the Committee on Special Education;
d) Reports to the Board on school health services;
e) Coordinates scheduling for physical examinations to all students participating in interscholastic athletics;
f) Develops the program of health service in accordance with policies approved by the Board and as directed by the Superintendent of Schools;
g) Conducts physical exams for all bus drivers and substitutes annually (prior to employment);
h) Conducts physical exams for all new employees (instructional and non-instructional);
i) Conducts a medical evaluation on any employee at the request of the Board of Education.
Education Law Sections 902 and 913
NOTE: Refer also to Policy #6140 -- Health Examinations
Adopted:
2003 1339
By-Laws
SUBJECT: DUTIES OF THE SCHOOL PURCHASING AGENT
The School Purchasing Agent is appointed by the Board of Education and is responsible for providing the necessary supplies, equipment and services to support the educational program. The duties of the School Purchasing Agent include the following:
a) To develop and maintain lists of potential suppliers;
b) To solicit competitive bids or quotations for purchases;
c) To issue and process purchase orders.
NOTE: Refer also to Policy #5320 -- Expenditures of School District Funds
Adopted:
2003 1410
By-Laws
The Board of Education shall reserve to itself the function of providing guides for the discretionary action of those to whom it delegates authority. The Superintendent shall act as an advisor to the Board in the adoption and approval of written Board policies. The Board shall seek input from the staff and community where appropriate. These guides for discretionary action shall constitute the policies governing the operation of the School System.
The formulation and adoption of these written policies shall constitute the basic method by which the Board of Education shall exercise its leadership in the operation of the School System. The study and evaluation of reports concerning the execution of its written policies shall constitute the basic method by which the Board of Education shall exercise its control over the operation of the School System.
The adoption of a written policy shall occur only after the proposal has been moved, discussed and voted on affirmatively at two (2) separate meetings of the Board of Education (i.e., the "first reading" and the "second reading"). The policy draft may be amended at the second meeting. By a majority vote, the Board may waive the "second reading" and complete the adoption of the proposed policy at its "first reading."
The formal adoption of written Board policy shall be recorded in the official minutes of the Board. Such written Board policy shall govern the conduct and affairs of the District and shall be binding upon the members of the educational community in the District.
It shall be the Board's responsibility to keep its written policies up-to-date so that they may be used consistently as a basis for Board action and administrative decision.
The Superintendent is given the continuing commission of calling to the Board's attention all policies that are out-of-date or for other reasons appear to need revision.
Education Law Sections 1604(9) and 1709(1) and (2)
Adopted:
2003 1420
By-Laws
SUBJECT: EXECUTION OF POLICY: ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS
The Board shall delegate to the Superintendent the function of specifying required actions and designing the detailed arrangements under which the schools will be operated. These rules and these detailed arrangements shall constitute the administrative regulations governing the schools. They must in every respect be consistent with the policies adopted by the Board. The Board shall be kept informed periodically of changes in administrative regulations.
Adopted:
2003 1510
1 of 2
By-Laws
SUBJECT: REGULAR BOARD MEETINGS
All Board of Education meetings must be open to the public except those portions of the meetings which qualify as executive sessions. A "meeting" is defined as an official convening of a public body for the purpose of conducting public business and a "public body" is defined as an entity of two (2) or more persons which requires a quorum to conduct public business, including committees and subcommittees.
Whenever such a meeting is to take place, there must be at least seventy-two (72) hours advance notice in accordance with the provisions of the Open Meetings Law. Notice of other meetings shall be given as soon as is practicable in accordance with law.
If videoconferencing is used to conduct a meeting, the public notice for the meeting shall inform the public that videoconferencing will be used, identify the locations for the meeting, and state that the public has the right to attend the meeting at any of the locations.
Regular meetings of the Board of Education of Bolivar-Richburg Central School District shall take place on the day and time designated by the Board at the Annual Organizational Meeting, except as modified at subsequent meetings of the Board.
It is the responsibility of the Superintendent to prepare the agenda and review it with the Board President for each meeting of the Board. The agenda for each meeting shall be prepared during the week prior to the meeting. The agenda shall be distributed to Board members no later than the Friday before such regular meeting. Whenever the President or other members of the Board wish to bring a matter to the attention of the Board, such request should be made to the Superintendent so that the same can be placed on the agenda. Whenever individuals or groups wish to bring a matter to the attention of the Board, such request shall be addressed to the Superintendent. The Superintendent shall present such matter to the Board.
The District Clerk shall notify the members of the Board of Education in advance of each regular meeting. Such notice, in writing, shall include an agenda and the time of the meeting.
In the event that a meeting date falls on a legal holiday, interferes with other area meetings, or there is an inability to attend the meeting by Board members to the extent that a quorum would not be present, the Board shall select a date for a postponed meeting at the previous regular meeting, and shall direct the Clerk to notify all members.
Any meeting of the Board may be adjourned to a given future date and hour if voted by a majority of the Board present.
(Continued)
2003 1510
2 of 2
By-Laws
SUBJECT: REGULAR BOARD MEETINGS (Cont'd.)
The Superintendent and members of his/her staff at the Superintendent's discretion shall attend all meetings of the Board. The Superintendent shall attend all executive session meetings of the Board except those that concern his/her evaluation and salary determination. The Board may request the attendance of such additional persons as it desires.
Public Officers Law Article 7
Education Law Section 1708
NOTE: Refer also to Policy #1520 -- Special Meetings of the Board of Education
Adopted:
2003 1511
By-Laws
For regular Board meetings, the following format is used:
a) Call to order;
b) Pledge of Allegiance;
c) President’s Report;
d) Superintendent’s Report;
e) Public Participation;
f) Report;
g) Minutes of last Board of Education meeting;
h) Items for Board action;
i) Items of information;
j) Adjournment.
For special and emergency meetings, the regular meeting agenda format shown above may be shortened and/or adapted to fit the purpose of the meeting.
Education Law Section 1606
Public Officers Law, Section 104(2)
Adopted:
2003 1520
By-Laws
SUBJECT: SPECIAL MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
Special meetings of the Board shall be held on call by any member of the Board. A reasonable and good faith effort shall be made by the Superintendent or the Board President, as the case may be, to give every member of the Board twenty-four (24) hours notice of the time, place and purpose of the meeting. All special meetings shall be held at a regular meeting place of the Board and/or in accordance with provisions of the Open Meetings Law as may be applicable.
In an emergency, the twenty-four (24) hour notice may be waived by having each Board member sign a waiver-of-notice form.
Public notice of the time and place shall be given, to the extent practicable, to the news media and shall be conspicuously posted in one (1) or more designated public locations at a reasonable time prior to the meeting.
Public Officers Law Sections 103 and 104
NOTE: Refer also to Policy #1510 -- Regular Board Meetings
Adopted:
2005 1610
By-Laws
SUBJECT: ANNUAL DISTRICT MEETING AND ELECTION/BUDGET
VOTE
Pursuant
to law, the Annual District Meeting and Election/Budget Vote for the
Effective
The District Clerk shall give notice of the time and place of holding the Annual Meeting and Election/Budget Vote by publishing such notice four (4) times within seven (7) weeks preceding the meeting. The first publication of the notice must be at least forty-five (45) days prior to the meeting. Such notice must appear in two (2) newspapers, if there are two (2) newspapers which have a general circulation within the District, or one (1) newspaper, if there is one (1) newspaper with a general circulation within the District. The notice shall also contain such other information as required by law.
Copies of the proposed annual operating budget for the succeeding year to be voted upon at the Annual Meeting and Election shall be available to District residents, on request, in each District school building during certain designated hours on each day other than a Saturday, Sunday or holiday during the fourteen (14) days preceding such Annual Meeting. The availability of this budget information shall be included in a legal notice of the Annual Meeting; and such copies of the proposed budget will also be available to District residents at the time of the Annual Meeting and Election.
Education Law Sections 1608, 1716, 1804(4), 1906(1),
2003(1), 2004(1), 2017(5), 2017(6), 2022(1), 2504 and 2601-a(2)
NOTE: Refer also to Policy #1640 -- Absentee Ballots
Revision
Date: