1:10 - School District Legal Status

The State Constitution requires the State to provide for an efficient system of high quality public educational institutions and services in order to achieve the educational development of all persons to the limits of their capabilities.

The General Assembly has implemented this mandate through the creation of school districts.  The District is governed by the laws for school districts serving a resident population of not fewer than 1,000 and not more than 500,000.

The School Board constitutes a body corporate that possesses all the usual powers of a corporation for public purposes, and in that name may sue and be sued, purchase, hold and sell personal property and real estate, and enter into such obligations as are authorized by law.

LEGAL REF.: 

• State Constitution, Art. X, Sec. 1.
• 105 CS 5/10-1 et seq.

CROSS REF.:

2:10 (School District Governance), 2:20 (Powers and Duties of the School Board)

ADOPTED:

September 30, 2013

1:20 - District Organization, Operations, and Cooperative Agreements

The District is organized and operates as a Unit District serving the educational needs of children in grades Preschool through 12 and others as required by the School Code.

The District enters into and participates in joint programs and intergovernmental agreements with units of local government and other school districts in order to jointly provide services and activities in a manner that will increase flexibility, scope of service opportunities, cost reductions, and/or otherwise benefit the District and the community.  The Superintendent shall manage these activities to the extent the program or agreement requires the District’s participation, and shall provide periodic implementation or operational data and/or reports to the School Board concerning these programs and agreements.  The District participates in the following joint programs and intergovernmental agreements:

• Central-Valley Career Center
• Mid-Valley Special Education Cooperative
• Park District
• Snap Grove Park District

LEGAL REF.:       

• State Constitution, Art. VII, Sec. 10.
• 5 CS 220/1 et seq.

ADOPTED:           

September 30, 2013

1:30 - Mission Statement

The mission of Verona Community School District #999 is to graduate all students college, career, and community ready.

CROSS REF:         

6:10 (Educational Philosophy and Objectives)

ADOPTED:           

September 30, 2013

2:10 - School District Governance

The District is governed by a School Board consisting of 7 members.  The Board’s powers and duties include the authority to adopt, enforce, and monitor all policies for the management and governance of the District’s schools. 

Official action by the Board may only occur at a duly called and legally conducted meeting at which a quorum is physically present. 

As stated in the Board member oath of office prescribed by the School Code, a Board member has no legal authority as an individual. 

LEGAL REF.:       

• 5 CS 120/1.02.
• 105 CS 5/10-1, 5/10-10, 5/10-12, 5/10-16.5, 5/10-16.7, and 5/10-20.5.

CROSS REF.:        

1:10 (School District Legal Status), 2:20 (Powers and Duties of the School Board), 2:80 (Board Member Oath and Conduct), 2:120 (Board Member Development), 2:200 (Types of School Board Meetings), 2:220 (School Board Meeting Procedure)

ADOPTED:           

September 30, 2013

2:20 - Powers and Duties of the School Board

The major powers and duties of the School Board include, but are not limited to:

1. Formulating, adopting, and modifying Board policies, at its sole discretion, subject only to mandatory collective bargaining agreements and State and federal law.
2. Employing a Superintendent and other personnel, making employment decisions, dismissing personnel, and establishing an equal employment opportunity policy that prohibits unlawful discrimination.
3. Directing, through policy, the Superintendent, in his or her charge of the District’s administration.
4. Approving the annual budget, tax levies, major expenditures, payment of obligations, annual audit, and other aspects of the District’s financial operation; and making available a statement of financial affairs as provided in State law.
5. Entering contracts using the public bidding procedure when required.
6. Indemnifying, protecting, and insuring against any loss or liability of the School District, Board members, employees, and agents as provided or authorized by State law.
7. Providing, constructing, controlling, and maintaining adequate physical facilities; making school buildings available for use as civil defense shelters; and establishing a resource conservation policy.
8. Establishing an equal educational opportunities policy that prohibits unlawful discrimination. 
9. Approving the curriculum, textbooks, and educational services.
10. Evaluating the educational program and approving School Improvement and District Improvement Plans.
11. Presenting the District report card and School report card(s) to parents/guardians and the community; these documents report District, School and student performance.
12. Establishing and supporting student discipline policies designed to maintain an environment conducive to learning, including deciding individual student suspension or expulsion cases brought before it.
13. Establishing attendance units within the District and assigning students to the schools.
14. Establishing the school year.
15. Requiring a moment of silence to recognize veterans during any type of school event held at a District school on November 11.
16. Providing student transportation services.
17. Entering into joint agreements with other boards to establish cooperative educational programs or provide educational facilities.
18. Complying with requirements in the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. Specifically, each individual Board member must, if an allegation is raised to the member during an open or closed Board meeting that a student is an abused child as defined in the Act, direct or cause the Board to direct the Superintendent or other equivalent school administrator to comply with the Act’s requirements concerning the reporting of child abuse. 
19. Communicating the schools’ activities and operations to the community and representing the needs and desires of the community in educational matters.

LEGAL REF.:       

• 105 CS 5/2-3.25d, 5/10, 5/17-1, and 5/27-1.
• 115 CS 5/.
• 325 CS 5/4.

CROSS REF.:        

1:10 (School District Legal Status), 1:20 (District Organization, Operations, and Cooperative Agreements), 2:10 (School District Governance), 2:80 (Board Member Oath and Conduct), 2:140 (Communications To and From the Board), 2:240 (Board Policy Development), 4:60 (Purchases and Contracts), 4:70 (Resource Conservation), 4:100 (Insurance Management), 4:110 (Transportation), 4:150 (Facility Management and Building Programs), 5:10 (Equal Employment Opportunity and Minority Recruitment), 5:90 (Abused and Neglected Child Reporting), 6:10 (Educational Philosophy and Objectives), 6:15 (School Accountability), 6:20 (School Year Calendar and Day), 7:10 (Equal Educational Opportunities), 7:30 (Student Assignment and Intra-District Transfer), 7:190 (Student Discipline), 7:200 (Suspension Procedures), 7:210 (Expulsion Procedures), 8:10 (Connection with the Community), 8:30 (Visitors to and Conduct on School Property)

ADOPTED:           

September 30, 2013

2:30 - School District Elections

School District elections are non-partisan, governed by the general election laws of the State, and include the election of School Board members, various public policy propositions, and advisory questions. Board members are elected at the consolidated election held on the first Tuesday in April in odd-numbered years. If, however, that date conflicts with the celebration of Passover, the consolidated election is postponed to the first Tuesday following the last day of Passover. The canvass of votes is conducted by the election authority within 21 days after the election.

The Board’s election duties are:

1. The Board, by proper resolution, may place on the ballot: (a) public policy referendum according to Article 28 of the Election Code, or (b) advisory questions of public policy according to Section 9-1.5 of the School Code.
2. The Board President, Secretary, and the member with the longest continuous service compose the Education Officers Electoral Board to hear and rule on objections to candidate nominating petitions and public questions.  However, if any member of the Electoral Board is a candidate for the office for which the objection petition is filed, he or she is replaced on the Electoral Board by the School Board member with the second longest continuous service.
3. The Board Secretary or clerk serves as the local election official, assisted by designated representatives appointed by the Board.

LEGAL REF.:       

• 10 CS 5/1-3, 5/2A, 5/10-9, 5/22-17, 5/22-18, and 5/28.
• 105 CS 5/9 and 5/9-1.5.

CROSS REF.:        

2:40 (Board Member Qualifications), 2:50 (Board Member Term of Office), 2:210 (Organizational School Board Meeting)

ADOPTED:           

September 30, 2013

2:40 - Board Member Qualifications

A School Board member must be, on the date of election or appointment, a United States citizen, at least 18 years of age, a resident of Illinois and the District for at least one year immediately preceding the election, and a registered voter.  On the date of election or appointment, Board members must also meet the following residential requirements:

• No more than 3 Board members from an individual township.

Reasons making an individual ineligible for Board membership include holding an incompatible office and certain types of State or federal employment.  A child sex offender, as defined in State law, is ineligible for School Board membership. 

LEGAL REF.:       

• State Constitution, Art. 2, ¶ 1; Art. 4, ¶ 2(e); Art. 6, ¶ 13(b).
• 105 CS 5/10-3 and 5/10-10.

CROSS REF.:        

2:30 (School Board Elections), 2:70 (Vacancies on the School Board - Filling Vacancies)

ADOPTED:     

September 30, 2013

2:50 - Board Member Term of Office

The term of office for a School Board member begins immediately after both of the following occur:

1. The election authority canvasses the votes and declares the winner(s); this occurs within 21 days after the consolidated election held on the first Tuesday in April in odd-numbered years.
2. The successful candidate takes the oath of office as provided in Board policy 2:80, Board Member Oath and Conduct.

The term ends 4 years later when the successor assumes office.

LEGAL REF.:       

• 10 CS 5/2A-1.1, 5/22-17, and 5/22-18.
• 105 CS 5/10-10, 5/10-16, and 5/10-16.5.

CROSS REF.:        

2:30 (School District Elections), 2:80 (Board Member Oath and Conduct), 2:210 (Organizational School Board Meeting)

ADOPTED:           

September 30, 2013

2:60 - Board Member Removal from Office

If a majority of the School Board determines that a Board member has willfully failed to perform his or her official duties, it may request the Regional Superintendent to remove such member from office. 

LEGAL REF.:       

• 105 CS 5/3-15.5.

CROSS REF.:        

2:70 (Vacancies on the School Board - Filling Vacancies)

ADOPTED:           

September 30, 2013

2:70 - Vacancies on the School Board - Filling Vacancies

Vacancy

Elective office of a School Board member becomes vacant before the term’s expiration when any of the following occurs:

1. Death of the incumbent,
2. Resignation in writing filed with the Secretary of the Board,
3. Legal disability of the incumbent,
4. Conviction of a felony, bribery, perjury, or other infamous crime or of any offense involving a violation of official oath or of a violent crime against a child,
5. Removal from office,
6. The decision of a competent tribunal declaring his or her election void,
7. Ceasing to be an inhabitant of the District or a particular area from which he or she was elected, if the residential requirements contained in the School Code are violated,
8. An illegal conflict of interest,  or
9. Acceptance of a second public office that is incompatible with Board membership.

Filling Vacancies

Whenever a vacancy occurs, the remaining members shall notify the Regional Superintendent of Schools of that vacancy within 5 days after its occurrence and shall fill the vacancy until the next regular board election, at which election a successor shall be elected to serve the remainder of the unexpired term.  However, if the vacancy occurs with less than 868 days remaining in the term, the person so appointed shall serve the remainder of the unexpired term, and no election to fill the vacancy shall be held.  Members appointed by the remaining members of the Board to fill vacancies shall meet any residential requirements as specified in The School Code.  The Board shall fill the vacancy within 45 days after it occurred by a public vote at a meeting of the Board.

Immediately following a vacancy on the Board, the Board will publicize it and accept résumés from District residents who are interested in filling the vacancy.  After reviewing the applications, the Board may invite the prospective candidates for personal interviews to be conducted during duly scheduled closed meetings.

LEGAL REF.:       

• 105 CS 5/10-10 and 5/10-11.

CROSS REF.:        

2:40 (Board Member Qualifications), 2:60 (Board Member Removal from Office), 2:120 (Board Member Development)

ADOPTED:           

September 30, 2013

2:80 - Board Member Oath and Conduct

Each School Board member, before taking his or her seat on the Board, shall take the following oath of office:

I, (name), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of member of the School Board of Kaneland Community Unit School District 302, in accordance with the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of Illinois, and the laws of the State of Illinois, to the best of my ability.

I further swear (or affirm) that:

I shall respect taxpayer interests by serving as a faithful protector of the School District’s assets;

I shall encourage and respect the free expression of opinion by my fellow Board members and others who seek a hearing before the Board, while respecting the privacy of students and employees;

I shall recognize that a Board member has no legal authority as an individual and that decisions can be made only by a majority vote at a public Board meeting; and

I shall abide by majority decisions of the Board, while retaining the right to seek changes in such decisions through ethical and constructive channels.

The Board President will administer the oath in an open Board meeting; in the absence of the President, the Vice President will administer the oath.  If neither is available, the Board member with the longest service on the Board will administer the oath.

The Board adopts the Illinois Association of School Boards’ Code of Conduct for Members of School Boards.  A copy of the Code shall be displayed in the regular Board meeting room.

LEGAL REF.:       

• 105 ILCS 5/10-16.5.

CROSS REF.:        

1:30 (School District Philosophy), 2:20 (Powers and Duties of the School Board), 2:50 (Board Member Term of Office), 2:100 (Board Member Conflict of Interest), 2:105 (Ethics and Gift Ban), 2:210 (Organizational School Board Meeting)

ADOPTED:           

September 30, 2013

2:100 - Board Member Conflict of Interest

No School Board member shall have a beneficial interest directly or indirectly in any contract, work, or business of the District unless permitted by State law.

Board members must annually file a Statement of Economic Interests as required by the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act.  Each Board member is responsible for filing the statement with the county clerk of the county in which the District’s main office is located by May 1.

LEGAL REF.:       

• 5 ILCS 420/4A-101, 420/4A-105, 420/4A-106, and 420/4A-107.
• 50 ILCS 105/3.
• 105 ILCS 5/10-9.

CROSS REF.:        

2:105 (Ethics and Gift Ban), 5:120 (Ethics and Conduct)

ADOPTED:           

September 30, 2013

2:105 - Ethics and Gift Ban

Prohibited Political Activity

The following precepts govern political activities being conducted by District employees and School Board members:

1. No employee shall intentionally perform any “political activity” during any “compensated time,” as those terms are defined herein.
2. No Board member or employee shall intentionally use any District property or resources in connection with any political activity. 
3. At no time shall any Board member or employee intentionally require any other Board member or employee to perform any political activity:  (a) as part of that Board member’s or employee’s duties, (b) as a condition of employment, or (c) during any compensated time off, such as, holidays, vacation, or personal time off.
4. No Board member or employee shall be required at any time to participate in any political activity in consideration for that Board member or employee being awarded additional compensation or any benefit, whether in the form of a salary adjustment, bonus, compensatory time off, continued employment or otherwise; nor shall any Board member or employee be awarded additional compensation or any benefit in consideration for his or her participation in any political activity.

A Board member or employee may engage in any activity that: (1) is otherwise appropriate as part of his or her official duties, or (2) is undertaken by the individual on a voluntary basis that is not prohibited by this policy.

Limitations on Receiving Gifts

Except as permitted by this policy, no Board member or employee, and no spouse of or immediate family member living with  a Board member or employee shall intentionally solicit or accept any “gift” from any “prohibited source,” as those terms are defined herein, or that is otherwise prohibited by law or policy. No prohibited source shall intentionally offer or make a gift that violates this policy.

The following are exceptions to the ban on accepting gifts from a prohibited source:

1. Opportunities, benefits, and services that are available on the same conditions as for the general public.
2. Anything for which the Board member or employee, or his or her spouse or immediate family member, pays the fair market value.
3. Any: (a) contribution that is lawfully made under the Election Code, or (b) activities associated with a fund-raising event in support of a political organization or candidate.
4. Educational materials and missions.
5. Travel expenses for a meeting to discuss business.
6. A gift from a relative, meaning those people related to the individual as father, mother, son, daughter, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, great aunt, great uncle, first cousin, nephew, niece, husband, wife, grandfather, grandmother, grandson, granddaughter, father-in-law, mother-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, stepfather, stepmother, stepson, stepdaughter, stepbrother, stepsister, half brother, half sister, and including the father, mother, grandfather, or grandmother of the individual’s spouse and the individual’s fiancé or fiancée.
7. Anything provided by an individual on the basis of a personal friendship unless the recipient has reason to believe that, under the circumstances, the gift was provided because of the official position or employment of the recipient or his or her spouse or immediate family member and not because of the personal friendship. In determining whether a gift is provided on the basis of personal friendship, the recipient shall consider the circumstances under which the gift was offered, such as:  (a) the history of the relationship between the individual giving the gift and the recipient of the gift, including any previous exchange of gifts between those individuals; (b) whether to the actual knowledge of the recipient the individual who gave the gift personally paid for the gift or sought a tax deduction or business reimbursement for the gift; and (c) whether to the actual knowledge of the recipient the individual who gave the gift also at the same time gave the same or similar gifts to other Board members or employees, or their spouses or immediate family members.
8. Food or refreshments not exceeding $75 per person in value on a single calendar day; provided that the food or refreshments are:  (a) consumed on the premises from which they were purchased or prepared; or (b) catered. “Catered” means food or refreshments that are purchased ready to consume which are delivered by any means.
9. Food, refreshments, lodging, transportation, and other benefits resulting from outside business or employment activities (or outside activities that are not connected to the official duties of a Board member or employee), if the benefits have not been offered or enhanced because of the official position or employment of the Board member or employee, and are customarily provided to others in similar circumstances.
10. Intra-governmental and inter-governmental gifts.  “Intra-governmental gift” means any gift given to a Board member or employee from another Board member or employee, and “inter-governmental gift” means any gift given to a Board member or employee  from an officer or employee of another governmental entity.
11. Bequests, inheritances, and other transfers at death.
12. Any item or items from any one prohibited source during any calendar year having a cumulative total value of less than $100.

Each of the listed exceptions is mutually exclusive and independent of every other.

A Board member or employee, his or her spouse or an immediate family member living with the Board member or employee, does not violate this policy if the recipient promptly takes reasonable action to return a gift from a prohibited source to its source or gives the gift or an amount equal to its value to an appropriate charity that is exempt from income taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Enforcement

The Board President and Superintendent shall seek guidance from the Board attorney concerning compliance with and enforcement of this policy and State ethics laws.  The Board may, as necessary or prudent, appoint an Ethics Advisor for this task.

Written complaints alleging a violation of this policy shall be filed with the Superintendent or Board President.  If attempts to correct any misunderstanding or problem do not resolve the matter, the Superintendent or Board President shall, after consulting with the Board attorney, either place the alleged violation on a Board meeting agenda for the Board’s disposition or refer the complainant to Board policy 2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure.  A Board member who is related, either by blood or by marriage, up to the degree of first cousin, to the person who is the subject of the complaint, shall not participate in any decision-making capacity for the Board.  If the Board finds it more likely than not that the allegations in a complaint are true, it shall notify the State’s Attorney and/or consider disciplinary action for the employee.

Definitions

Unless otherwise stated, all terms used in this policy have the definitions given in the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act, 5 ILCS 430/1-5.

 “Political activity” means:

1. Preparing for, organizing, or participating in any political meeting, political rally, political demonstration, or other political event.
2. Soliciting contributions, including but not limited to the purchase of, selling, distributing, or receiving payment for tickets for any political fundraiser, political meeting, or other political event.
3. Soliciting, planning the solicitation of, or preparing any document or report regarding anything of value intended as a campaign contribution.
4. Planning, conducting, or participating in a public opinion poll in connection with a campaign for elective office or on behalf of a political organization for political purposes or for or against any referendum question.
5. Surveying or gathering information from potential or actual voters in an election to determine probable vote outcome in connection with a campaign for elective office or on behalf of a political organization for political purposes or for or against any referendum question.
6. Assisting at the polls on Election Day on behalf of any political organization or candidate for elective office or for or against any referendum question.
7. Soliciting votes on behalf of a candidate for elective office or a political organization or for or against any referendum question or helping in an effort to get voters to the polls.
8. Initiating for circulation, preparing, circulating, reviewing, or filing any petition on behalf of a candidate for elective office or for or against any referendum question.
9. Making contributions on behalf of any candidate for elective office in that capacity or in connection with a campaign for elective office.
10. Preparing or reviewing responses to candidate questionnaires.
11. Distributing, preparing for distribution, or mailing campaign literature, campaign signs, or other campaign material on behalf of any candidate for elective office or for or against any referendum question.
12. Campaigning for any elective office or for or against any referendum question.
13. Managing or working on a campaign for elective office or for or against any referendum question.
14. Serving as a delegate, alternate, or proxy to a political party convention.
15. Participating in any recount or challenge to the outcome of any election.

With respect to an employee whose hours are not fixed, “compensated time” includes any period of time when the employee is on premises under the control of the District and any other time when the employee is executing his or her official duties, regardless of location.

“Prohibited source” means any person or entity who:

1. Is seeking official action by:  (a) a Board member, or (b) an employee, or by the Board member or another employee directing that employee;
2. Does business or seeks to do business with:  (a) a Board member, or (b) an employee, or with the Board member or another employee directing that employee;
3. Conducts activities regulated by: (a) a Board member, or (b) an employee or by the Board member or another employee directing that employee;
4. Has an interest that may be substantially affected by the performance or non-performance of the official duties of the Board member or employee;
5. Is registered or required to be registered with the Secretary of State under the Lobbyist Registration Act, except that an entity does not become a prohibited source merely because a registered lobbyist is one of its members or serves on its board of directors; or
6. Is an agent of, a spouse of, or an immediate family member living with a prohibited source.

“Gift” means any gratuity, discount, entertainment, hospitality, loan, forbearance, or other tangible or intangible item having monetary value including but not limited to, cash, food and drink, and honoraria for speaking engagements related to or attributable to government employment or the official position of a Board member or employee.

LEGAL REF.:       

• 5 ILCS 430/, State Officials and Employees Ethics Act.
• 10 ILCS 5/9-25.1, Election Interference Prohibition Act.

CROSS REF.:        

5:120 (Ethics and Conduct)

ADOPTED:           

December 9, 2013

2:110 - Qualifications, Term, and Duties of Board Officers

2:120 - Board Member Development

The School Board desires that its individual members learn, understand, and practice effective governance principles.  The Board is responsible for Board member orientation and development.  Board members have an equal opportunity to attend State and national meetings designed to familiarize members with public school issues, governance, and legislation.

The Board President and/or Superintendent shall provide all Board members with information regarding pertinent education materials, publications, and notices of training or development.

Mandatory Board Member Training

Each Board member is responsible for his or her own compliance with the mandatory training laws that are described below:

1. Each Board member must complete at least 4 hours of professional development leadership training in education and labor law, financial oversight and accountability, and fiduciary responsibilities within the first year of his or her first term.   This requirement is applicable to Board members who are elected after June 13, 2011 or who are appointed to fill a vacancy of at least one year’s duration after that date.
2. Each Board member must complete training on the Open Meetings Act no later than 90 days after taking the oath of office for the first time. After completing the training, each Board member must file a copy of the certificate of completion with the Board. Training on the Open Meetings Act is only required once.
3. Each Board member must complete a training program on evaluations under the Performance Evaluation Reform Act (PERA) before participating in a vote on a tenured teacher’s dismissal using the optional alternative evaluation dismissal process. This dismissal process is available after the District’s PERA implementation date.

The Superintendent or designee shall maintain on the District website a log identifying the complete training and development activities of each Board member, including both mandatory and non-mandatory training.

Board Self-Evaluation

The Board will conduct periodic self-evaluations with the goal of continuous improvement.

New Board Member Orientation

The orientation process for newly elected or appointed Board members includes:

1. The Board President or Superintendent, or their designees, shall give each new Board member a copy of or online access to the Board Policy Manual, the Board’s regular meeting minutes for the past year, and other helpful information including material describing the District and explaining the Board’s roles and responsibilities.
2. The Board President or designee shall schedule one or more special Board meetings, or schedule time during regular meetings, for Board members to become acquainted and to review Board processes and procedures.
3. The Board President may request a veteran Board member to mentor a new member.
4. All new members are encouraged to attend workshops for new members conducted by the Illinois Association of School Boards.

Candidates

The Superintendent or designee shall invite all current candidates for the office of Board member to attend:  (1) Board meetings, except that this invitation shall not extend to any closed meetings, and (2) pre-election workshops for candidates.

LEGAL REF.:       

5 ILCS 120/1.05 and 120/2.

105 ILCS 5/10-16a and 5/24-16.5.

CROSS REF.:        

2:80 (Board Member Oath and Conduct), 2:125 (Board Member Expenses), 2:200 (Types of School Board Meetings)

ADOPTED:           

December 9, 2013

2:125 - Board Member Expenses

No School Board member may receive compensation for services, except that a Board member serving as the Board Secretary may be paid an amount up to the statutory limit if the Board so provides.

The Board may advance or reimburse members the actual and necessary expenses incurred while attending:

1. Meetings sponsored by the Illinois State Board of Education or by the Regional Superintendent of Schools;
2. County or regional meetings and the annual meeting sponsored by any school board association complying with Article 23 of the School Code; and
3. Meetings sponsored by an organization in the field of public school education.

In addition, the Board may reimburse a member for registration fees or tuition for a course that allowed the member to comply with the mandatory training described in policy 2:120, Board Member Development.

Expense reimbursement is not guaranteed and Board members should seek pre-approval of expenses, except in situations when the expense is diminutive. A Board member must return to the District any portion of an expense advance not used.  Members must submit an itemized, signed voucher to support any expense advanced or to seek expense reimbursement.  The voucher must show the amount of actual expense, attaching receipts if possible.  A Board member submitting a bill for a group function should record participating members’ names on the receipt.  Money shall not be advanced or reimbursed for:  (1) the expenses of any person except the Board member, or (2) anyone’s personal expenses.

The Superintendent shall review the submitted vouchers for compliance with this policy. If any voucher’s compliance appears uncertain, the Superintendent shall notify the Board President or Vice President if the voucher in question is from the President, as well as the Board member who submitted the voucher.  The Superintendent shall include the voucher in the monthly list of bills that is presented to the Board for approval or rejection.

Registration

When possible, registration fees will be paid by the District in advance.

Transportation

The least expensive transportation will be used, providing that no hardship will be caused to the Board member.  Board members will be reimbursed for:

1. Air travel at the coach or single class commercial airline rate.  First class air travel will be reimbursed only if emergency circumstances warrant.  The emergency circumstances must be explained on the expense voucher.  Copies of airline tickets must be attached to the expense voucher.
2. Rail or bus travel at actual cost.  Rail or bus travel costs may not exceed the cost of coach airfare.  Copies of tickets will be attached to the expense voucher to substantiate amounts.
3. Use of personal automobiles at the standard mileage rate approved by the Internal Revenue Service for income tax purposes.  The reimbursement may not exceed the cost of coach airfare. Mileage for use of personal automobiles in trips to and from transportation terminals will also be reimbursed.  Toll charges and parking costs will be reimbursed.
4. Automobile rental costs when the vehicle’s use is warranted.  The circumstances for such use must be explained on the expense voucher.
5. Taxis, airport limousines, or other local transportation costs.

Hotel/Motel Charges

Board members should request conference rate or mid-fare room accommodations.  A single room rate will be reimbursed.  Board members should pay personal expenses at checkout.  If that is impossible, deductions for the charges should be made on the expense voucher.

Meal Charges

Meal charges to the School District should represent mid-fare selections for the hotel/meeting facility or general area and generally should not exceed $50 per day. Tips are included with the meal charges.  Expense vouchers must explain the meal charges incurred.

Miscellaneous Expenses

Board members may seek reimbursement for other expenses incurred while attending a meeting sponsored by organizations described herein by fully describing the expenses on the expense voucher, attaching receipts if possible.

LEGAL REF.:       

105 ILCS 5/10-20 and 5/10-22.32.

CROSS REF.:        

2:100 (Board Member Conflict of Interest), 2:120 (Board Member Development), 4:50 (Payment Procedures)

ADOPTED:           

September 30, 2013

2:130 - Board-Superintendent Relationship

The School Board employs and evaluates the Superintendent and holds him or her responsible for the operation of the District in accordance with Board policies and State and federal law.

The Board-Superintendent relationship is based on mutual respect for their complementary roles.  The relationship requires clear communication of expectations regarding the duties and responsibilities of both the Board and Superintendent.

The Board considers the recommendations of the Superintendent as the District’s Chief Executive Officer.  The Board adopts policies necessary to provide general direction for the District and to encourage achievement of District goals.  The Superintendent develops plans, programs, and procedures needed to implement the policies and directs the District’s operations.

LEGAL REF.:       

105 ILCS 5/10-16.7 and 5/10-21.4.

CROSS REF.:        

3:40 (Superintendent)

ADOPTED:           

September 30, 2013

2:140 - Communications To and From the Board

The School Board welcomes communications from the community. Staff members, parents, and community members should submit questions or communications for the School Board’s consideration to the Superintendent.  The Superintendent shall provide the Board with a summary of these questions or communications and provide, as appropriate, his or her feedback regarding the matter.  If contacted individually, Board members will refer the person to the appropriate level of authority, except in unusual situations. Board members’ questions or communications to staff or about programs will be channeled through the Superintendent’s office.  Board members will not take private action that might compromise the Board or District.  There is no expectation of privacy for any communication sent to the Board or its members individually, whether sent by letter, email, or other means.

Board Member Use of Electronic Communications

For purposes of this section, electronic communications includes, without limitation, electronic mail, electronic chat, instant messaging, texting, and any form of social networking.  Electronic communications to, by, and among Board members, in their capacity as Board members, shall not be used for the purpose of discussing District business. Electronic communications among Board members shall be limited to:  (1) disseminating information, and (2) messages not involving deliberation, debate, or decision-making. Electronic communications may contain:

• Agenda item suggestions
• Reminders regarding meeting times, dates, and places
• Board meeting agendas or information concerning agenda items
• Individual responses to questions posed by community members, subject to the other limitations in this policy

LEGAL REF.:       

5 ILCS 120/.

CROSS REF.:        

2:220 (School Board Meeting Procedure), 3:30 (Chain of Command), 8:110 (Public Suggestions and Concerns)

ADOPTED:           

September 30, 2013

2:150 - Committees

The School Board may establish committees to assist with the Board’s governance function and, in some situations, to comply with State law requirements. These committees are known as Board committees and report directly to the Board. Committee members may include both Board members and non-Board members depending on the committee’s purpose.The Board President makes all Board committee appointments unless specifically stated otherwise.  Board committee meetings shall comply with the Open Meetings Act.  A Board committee may not take final action on behalf of the Board – it may only make recommendations to the Board.  

Special Board Committees

A special committee may be created for specific purposes or to investigate special issues. A special committee is automatically dissolved after presenting its final report to the Board or at the Board’s discretion.

Standing Board Committees

A standing committee is created for an indefinite term although its members will fluctuate. Standing committees are:

1. Parent-Teacher Advisory Committee.  This committee assists in the development of student discipline policy and procedure. Its members are parents/guardians and teachers, and may include persons whose expertise or experience is needed. The committee reviews such issues as administering medication in the schools, reciprocal reporting between the School District and local law enforcement agencies regarding criminal offenses committed by students, student discipline, disruptive classroom behavior, school bus safety procedures, and the dissemination of student conduct information.
2. Behavioral Interventions Committee. This committee develops and monitors procedures for using behavioral interventions in accordance with Board policy 7:230, Misconduct by Students with Disabilities. At the Board President’s discretion, the Parent-Teacher Advisory Committee shall perform the duties assigned to the Behavioral Interventions Committee. 
3. Per their Board-approved charters, the Board of Education appoints citizens and staff to the Citizens Advisory Committee, Facility Planning Committee, and Finance Advisory Committee to assist the Board with educational, community, facility and financial matters associated with the school district.  As Board appointed committees, these groups are subject to the Open Meetings and Freedom of Information Acts.  A Board member is appointed to serve as a liaison to each committee.

Nothing in this policy limits the authority of the Superintendent or designee to create and use committees that report to him or her or to other staff members. 

LEGAL REF.:       

5 ILCS 120.

105 ILCS 5/10-20.14 and 5/14-8.05.

CROSS REF.:        

2:110 (Qualifications, Term, and Duties of Board Officers), 2:200 (Types of School Board Meetings), 2:240 (Board Policy Development), 7:190 (Student Discipline), 7:230 (Misconduct by Students with Disabilities)

ADOPTED:           

September 30, 2013

2:160 - Board Attorney

The School Board may enter into any agreement for legal services with a specific attorney or law firm. The Board Attorney serves on a retainer or other fee arrangement as determined in advance. The Board Attorney will provide services as described in the agreement for legal services. The District will only pay for legal services that are provided in accordance with the agreement for legal services or are otherwise authorized by this policy or a majority of the Board.

The Superintendent, his or her designee, and Board President, are each authorized to confer with and/or seek the legal advice of the Board Attorney. The Board may authorize a specific member to confer with legal counsel on its behalf.

The Superintendent may authorize the Board Attorney to represent the District in any legal matter until the Board has an opportunity to consider the matter.

The Board retains the right to consult with or employ other attorneys and to terminate the service of any attorney.

CROSS REF.:        

4:60 (Purchases and Contracts)

ADOPTED:           

September 30, 2013

2:170 - Procurement of Architectural, Engineering, and Land Surveying Services

The School Board selects architects, engineers, and land surveyors to provide professional services to the District on the basis of demonstrated competence and qualifications, and in accordance with State law.

LEGAL REF.:       

Shively v. Belleville Township High School District 201, 769 N.E.2d 1062 (Ill.App.5, 2002), appeal denied.

40 U.S.C. §541.

50 ILCS 510/1 et seq., Local Government Professional Services Selection Act.

105 ILCS 5/10-20.21.

ADOPTED:           

September 30, 2013

2:200 - Types of School Board Meetings

General

For all meetings of the School Board and its committees, the Superintendent or designee shall satisfy all notice and posting requirements contained herein as well as in the Open Meetings Act.  This shall include mailing meeting notifications to news media that have officially requested them and to others as approved by the Board. Unless otherwise specified, all meetings are held in the  District’s main office to coincide with the annual calendar. Board policy 2:220, School Board Meeting Procedure, governs meeting quorum requirements.

The  Superintendent is designated on behalf of the Board and each Board committee to receive the training on compliance with the Open Meetings Act that is required by Section 1.05(a) of that Act. The Superintendent may identify other employees to receive the training.   Each Board member must complete a course of training on the Open Meetings Act as required by Section 1.05(b) or (c) of that Act.

Regular Meetings

The Board announces the time and place for its regular meetings at the beginning of each calendar year.  The Superintendent shall prepare and make available the calendar of regular Board meetings. The regular meeting calendar may be changed with 10 days’ notice in accordance with State law.

A meeting agenda shall be posted at the District’s main office and the Board’s meeting room, or other location where the meeting is to be held, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

Closed Meetings

The Board and Board committees may meet in a closed meeting to consider the following subjects:

1. The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee of the public body or against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity.  5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1).
2. Collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees or their representatives, or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees.  5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2).
3. The selection of a person to fill a public office, as defined in the Open Meetings Act, including a vacancy in a public office, when the public body is given power to appoint under law or ordinance, or the discipline, performance or removal of the occupant of a public office, when the public body is given power to remove the occupant under law or ordinance.  5 ILCS 120/2(c)(3).
4. Evidence or testimony presented in open hearing, or in closed hearing where specifically authorized by law, to a quasi-adjudicative body, as defined in the Open Meetings Act, provided that the body prepares and makes available for public inspection a written decision setting forth its determinative reasoning.  5 ILCS 120/2(c)(4).
5. The purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body, including meetings held for the purpose of discussing whether a particular parcel should be acquired.  5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5).
6. The setting of a price for sale or lease of property owned by the public body.  5 ILCS 120/2(c)(6).
7. The sale or purchase of securities, investments, or investment contracts.  5 ILCS 120/2(c)(7).
8. Security procedures and the use of personnel and equipment to respond to an actual, a threatened, or a reasonably potential danger to the safety of employees, students, staff, the public, or public property.  5 ILCS 120/2(c)(8).
9. Student disciplinary cases.  5 ILCS 120/2(c)(9).
10. The placement of individual students in special education programs and other matters relating to individual students.  5 ILCS 120/2(c)(10).
11. Litigation, when an action against, affecting or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the public body finds that an action is probable or imminent, in which case the basis for the finding shall be recorded and entered into the minutes of the closed meeting.  5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11).
12. The establishment of reserves or settlement of claims as provided in the Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act, if otherwise the disposition of a claim or potential claim might be prejudiced, or the review or discussion of claims, loss or risk management information, records, data, advice or communications from or with respect to any insurer of the public body or any intergovernmental risk management association or self-insurance pool of which the public body is a member.  5 ILCS 120/2(c)(12).
13. Self-evaluation, practices and procedures or professional ethics, when meeting with a representative of a statewide association of which the public body is a member.  5 ILCS 120/2(c)(16).
14. Discussion of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under the Open Meetings Act, whether for purposes of approval by the body of the minutes or semi-annual review of the minutes as mandated by Section 2.06.  5 ILCS 120/2(c)(21).
15. Meetings between internal or external auditors and governmental audit committees, finance committees, and their equivalents, when the discussion involves internal control weaknesses, identification of potential fraud risk areas, known or suspected frauds, and fraud interviews conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards of the United States of America. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(29).

The Board may hold a closed meeting, or close a portion of a meeting, by a majority vote of a quorum, taken at an open meeting.  The vote of each Board member present, and the reason for the closed meeting, will be publicly disclosed at the time of the meeting and clearly stated in the motion and the meeting minutes.

A single motion calling for a series of closed meetings may be adopted when such meetings will involve the same particular matters and are scheduled to be held within 3 months of the vote.

No final Board action will be taken at a closed meeting.

Reconvened or Rescheduled Meetings

A meeting may be rescheduled or reconvened.  Public notice of a rescheduled or reconvened meeting shall be given in the same manner as that for a special meeting, except that no public notice is required when the original meeting is open to the public and:  (1) is to be reconvened within 24 hours, or (2) an announcement of the time and place of the reconvened meeting was made at the original meeting and there is no change in the agenda.

Special Meetings

Special meetings may be called by the President or by any 3 members of the Board by giving notice thereof, in writing, stating the time, place, and purpose of the meeting to remaining Board members by mail at least 48 hours before the meeting, or by personal service at least 24 hours before the meeting.

Public notice of a special meeting is given by posting a notice at the District’s main office at least 48 hours before the meeting and by notifying the news media that have filed a written request for notice. A meeting agenda shall accompany the notice.

All matters discussed by the Board at any special meeting must be related to a subject on the meeting agenda.

Emergency Meetings

Public notice of emergency meetings shall be given as soon as practical, but in any event, before the meeting to news media that have filed a written request for notice.

Posting on the District Website

In addition to the other notices specified in this policy, the Superintendent or designee shall post the following on the District website:  (1) the annual schedule of regular meetings, which shall remain posted until the Board approves a new schedule of regular meetings; (2) a public notice of all Board meetings; and (3) the agenda for each meeting which shall remain posted until the meeting is concluded.

LEGAL REF.:       

5 ILCS 120/, Open Meeting Act.

5 ILCS 140/, Freedom of Information Act.

105 ILCS 5/10-6 and 5/10-16.

CROSS REF.:        

2:110 (Qualifications Term, and Duties of Board Officers), 2:120 (Board Member Development), 2:210 (Organizational School Board Meetings), 2:220 (School Board Meeting Procedure), 2:230 (Public Participation at School Board Meetings and Petitions to the Board), 6:235 (Access to Electronic Networks)

ADOPTED:           

September 30, 2013

2:210 - Organizational School Board Meeting

During a March meeting in odd-numbered years, the School Board establishes a date for its organizational meeting to be held sometime after the election authority canvasses the vote, but within 28 days after the consolidated election.  The consolidated election is held on the first Tuesday in April of odd-numbered years. If, however, that date conflicts with the celebration of Passover, the consolidated election is postponed to the first Tuesday following the last day of Passover. At the organizational meeting the following shall occur:

1. Each successful candidate, before taking his or her seat on the Board, shall take the oath of office as provided in Board policy 2:80, Board Member Oath and Conduct.
2. The new Board members shall be seated.
3. The Board shall elect its officers who assume office immediately upon their election.
4. The Board shall fix a time and date for its regular meetings.

During an April Board meeting in even-numbered years, the Board considers organizational matters, such as, selecting individual members to fill offices with terms that expire this or the next month and fixing a time and date for its regular meetings.

LEGAL REF.:       

10 ILCS 5/2A-1 et seq.

105 ILCS 5/10-5, 5/10-16, and 5/10-16.5.

CROSS REF.:        

2:30 (School District Elections), 2:110 (Qualifications, Term, and Duties of Board Officers), 2:200 (Types of School Board Meetings), 2:220 (School Board Meeting Procedure), 2:230 (Public Participation at School Board Meetings and Petitions to the Board)

ADOPTED:           

September 30, 2013

2:220 - School Board Meeting Procedure

Agenda

The School Board President is responsible for focusing the Board meeting agendas on appropriate content. The Superintendent shall prepare agendas in consultation with the Board President. The President shall designate a portion of the agenda as a consent agenda for those items that usually do not require discussion or explanation before Board action.  Upon the request of any Board member, an item will be withdrawn from the consent agenda and placed on the regular agenda for independent consideration.

Each Board meeting agenda shall contain the general subject matter of any item that will be the subject of final action at the meeting.  Any Board member may submit suggested agenda items to the Board President for his or her consideration for an upcoming meeting. District residents may suggest inclusions for the agenda. The Board will take final action only on items contained in the posted agenda; items not on the agenda may still be discussed.

The Superintendent shall provide a copy of the agenda, with adequate data and background information, to each Board member at least 48 hours before each meeting, except a meeting held in the event of an emergency. The meeting agenda shall be posted in accordance with Board policy 2:200, Types of School Board Meetings.

The Board President shall determine the order of business at regular Board meetings.  Upon consent of a majority of members present, the order of business at any meeting may be changed.

Voting Method

Unless otherwise provided by law, when a vote is taken upon any measure before the Board, with a quorum being present, a majority of the votes cast shall determine its outcome. A vote of abstain or present, or a vote other than yea or nay, or a failure to vote, is counted for the purposes of determining whether a quorum is present.  A vote of abstain or present, or a vote other than yea or nay, or a failure to vote, however, is not counted in determining whether a measure has been passed by the Board, unless otherwise stated in law.  The sequence for casting votes is rotated.

On all questions involving the expenditure of money and on all questions involving the closing of a meeting to the public, a roll call vote shall be taken and entered in the Board’s minutes.   An individual Board member may request that a roll call vote be taken on any other matter; the President or other presiding officer may approve or deny the request but a denial is subject to being overturned by a majority vote of the members present. 

Any Board member may include a written explanation of his or her vote in the District file containing individual Board member statements; the explanation will not be part of the minutes.

Minutes

The Board Secretary shall keep written minutes of all Board meetings (whether open or closed), which shall be signed by the President and the Secretary. The minutes include:

1. The meeting’s date, time, and place;
2. Board members recorded as either present or absent;
3. A summary of the discussion on all matters proposed, deliberated, or decided, and a record of any votes taken;
4. On all matters requiring a roll call vote, a record of who voted yea and nay;
5. If the meeting is adjourned to another date, the time and place of the adjourned meeting;
6. The vote of each member present when a vote is taken to hold a closed meeting or portion of a meeting, and the reason for the closed meeting with a citation to the specific exception contained in the Open Meetings Act authorizing the closed meeting;
7. A record of all motions, including individuals making and seconding motions; 
8. Upon request by a Board member, a record of how he or she voted on a particular motion;and
9. The type of meeting, including any notices and, if a reconvened meeting, theoriginal meeting’s date.

The minutes shall be submitted to the Board for approval or modification at its next regularly scheduled open meeting. Minutes for open meetings must be approved within 30 days after the meeting or at the second subsequent regular meeting, whichever is later.

At least semi-annually in an open meeting, the Board:  (1) reviews minutes from all closed meetings that are currently unavailable for public release, and (2) decides which, if any, no longer require confidential treatment and are available for public inspection. The Board may meet in a prior closed session to review the minutes from closed meetings that are currently unavailable for public release.

The Board’s meeting minutes must be submitted to the Board Treasurer at such times as the Treasurer may require.

The official minutes are in the custody of the Board Secretary. Open meeting minutes are available for inspection during regular office hours within 10 days after the Board’s approval; they may be inspected in the District’s main office, in the presence of the Secretary, the Superintendent or designee, or any Board member.  Minutes from closed meetings are likewise available, but only if the Board has released them for public inspection. The minutes shall not be removed from the Superintendent’s office except by vote of the Board or by court order.

The Board’s open meeting minutes shall be posted on the District website within 10 days after the Board approves them; the minutes will remain posted for at least 60 days.

Verbatim Record of Closed Meetings

The Superintendent, or the Board Secretary when the Superintendent is absent, shall  audio record all closed meetings. If neither is present, the Board President or presiding officer shall assume this responsibility.  After the closed meeting, the person making the audio recording shall label the recording with the date and store it in a secure location.  The Superintendent shall ensure that:  (1)  an audio recording device and all necessary accompanying items are available to the Board for every closed meeting, and (2) a secure location for storing closed meeting  audio recordings is maintained within the District's main office.

After 18 months have passed since being made, the  audio recording of a closed meeting is destroyed provided the Board approved:  (1) its destruction, and (2) minutes of the particular closed meeting.

Individual Board members may listen to verbatim recordings when that action is germane to their responsibilities.  In the interest of encouraging free and open expression by Board members during closed meetings, the recordings of closed meetings should not be used by Board members to confirm or dispute the accuracy of recollections.

Quorum and Participation by Audio or Video Means

A quorum of the Board must be physically present at all Board meetings.  A majority of the full membership of the Board constitutes a quorum.

Provided a quorum is physically present, a Board member may attend a meeting by video or audio conference if he or she is prevented from physically attending because of:  (1) personal illness or disability, (2) employment or District business, or (3) a family or other emergency.  If a member wishes to attend a meeting by video or audio means, he or she must notify the recording secretary or Superintendent at least 24 hours before the meeting unless advance notice is impractical.  The recording secretary or Superintendent will inform the Board President and make appropriate arrangements.  A Board member who attends a meeting by audio or video means, as provided in this policy, may participate in all aspects of the Board meeting including voting on any item.

Rules of Order

Unless State law or Board-adopted rules apply, the Board President, as the presiding officer, will use Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised (10th Edition), as a guide when a question arises concerning procedure.

Broadcasting and Recording Board Meetings

Any person may record or broadcast an open Board meeting. Special requests to facilitate recording or broadcasting an open Board meeting, such as seating, writing surfaces, lighting, and access to electrical power, should be directed to the Superintendent at least 24 hours before the meeting.

Recording meetings shall not distract or disturb Board members, other meeting participants, or members of the public.  The Board President may designate a location for recording equipment, may restrict the movements of individuals who are using recording equipment, or may take such other steps as are deemed necessary to preserve decorum and facilitate the meeting.

LEGAL REF.:       

5 ILCS 120/2a, 120/2.02, 120/2.05, and 120/2.06.

105 ILCS 5/10-6, 5/10-7, 5/10-12, and 5/10-16.

CROSS REF.:        

2:200 (Types of School Board Meetings), 2:150 (Committees), 2:210 (Organizational School Board Meeting), 2:230 (Public Participation at School Board Meetings and Petitions to the Board)

ADOPTED:           

September 30, 2013

2:230 - Public Participation at School Board Meetings and Petitions to the Board

At each regular and special open meeting, members of the public and District employees may comment to or ask questions of the School Board, subject to reasonable constraints.

The individuals appearing before the Board are expected to follow these guidelines:

1. Address the Board only at the appropriate time as indicated on the agenda and when recognized by the Board President.
2. Identify oneself and be brief.  Ordinarily, comments shall be limited to 5 minutes.  In unusual circumstances, and when an individual has made a request in advance to speak for a longer period of time, the individual may be allowed to speak for more than 5 minutes.
3. Observe the Board President’s decision to shorten public comment to conserve time and give the maximum number of individuals an opportunity to speak.
4. Observe the Board President’s decision to determine procedural matters regarding public participation not otherwise covered in Board policy.
5. Conduct oneself with respect and civility toward others and otherwise abide by Board policy, 8:30, Visitors to and Conduct on School Property.

Petitions or written correspondence to the Board shall be presented to the Board in the next regular Board packet. 

LEGAL REF.:       

5 ILCS 120/2.06.

105 ILCS 5/10-6 and 5/10-16.

CROSS REF.:        

2:220 (School Board Meeting Procedure), 8:10 (Connection with the Community), 8:30 (Visitors to and Conduct on School Property)

ADOPTED:           

September 30, 2013

2:240 - Board Policy Development

The School Board governs using written policies.  Written policies ensure legal compliance, establish Board processes, articulate District ends, delegate authority, and define operating limits.  Board policies also provide the basis for monitoring progress toward District ends.

Policy Development

Anyone may propose new policies, changes to existing policies, or deletion of existing policies.  Staff suggestions should be processed through the Superintendent.  Suggestions from all others should be made to the Board President or the Superintendent.

The Superintendent is responsible for:  (1) providing relevant policy information and data to the Board, (2) notifying those who will implement or be affected by or required to implement a proposed policy and obtaining their advice and suggestions, and (3) having policy recommendations drafted into written form for Board deliberation.  The Superintendent shall seek the counsel of the Board Attorney when appropriate.

Policy Adoption and Dissemination

Policies or policy revisions will not be adopted at the Board meeting at which they are first introduced, except when:  (1) appropriate for a consent agenda because no Board discussion is required, or (2) necessary or prudent in order to meet emergency or special conditions or to be legally compliant.  Further Board consideration will be given at a subsequent meeting(s) and after opportunity for community input.  The adoption of a policy will serve to supersede all previously adopted policies on the same topic.

The Board policies are available for public inspection in the District’s main office during regular office hours.  Copy requests should be made pursuant to Board policy 2:250, Access to District Public Records.

Board Policy Review and Monitoring

The Board will periodically review its policies for relevancy, monitor its policies for effectiveness, and consider whether any modifications are required.  The Board may use an annual policy review and monitoring calendar.

Superintendent Implementation

The Board will support any reasonable interpretation of Board policy made by the Superintendent.  If reasonable minds differ, the Board will review the applicable policy and consider the need for further clarification.

In the absence of Board policy, the Superintendent is authorized to take appropriate action.

Suspension of Policies

The Board, by a majority vote of members present at any meeting, may temporarily suspend a Board policy except those provisions that are controlled by law or contract.  The failure to suspend with a specific motion does not invalidate the Board action.

LEGAL REF.:       

105 ILCS 5/10-20.5.

CROSS REF.:        

2:150 (Committees), 2:250 (Access to District Public Records), 3:40 (Superintendent)

ADOPTED:           

September 30, 2013