B Policies

8/3/2019 B Policies

1/50

B SCHOOL BOARD OPERATIONS

BA Mission StatementBAAB Non-discrimination Policy

BBA Officers/Terms of Office

BBABA PresidentBBABB Vice-PresidentBBABC SecretaryBBB Members (Cf. ABC) - DutiesBBBB New Member OrientationBBBC Board Member Development OpportunitiesBBBD Bonded MembersBBBE Compensation and Expenses (Cf. DJD) Travel Allowance

Refreshments/Meals (Also see DJDA)BBC Board CommitteesBBD Board-School Superintendent Relations (Also CF)BBDB Discipline

BBE School AttorneyBBF Advisory CommitteesBBG Consultants (Cf. CJ)BBH Awards, Recognitions, CertificatesBBI Board-Staff RelationsBBJ Review of Board Procedures

BC Meetings Minutes Internal OrganizationBCAB Regular Time and PlaceBCAC SpecialBCAE Public Hearings (Also KCC; Cf. DCDB)BCBD Agenda

BCBE Board Meeting Preparation and Distribution of MaterialsBCBF Rules of OrderBCBFA QuorumBCBFB Suspension of the Rules Amendment of RulesBCBG Voting Method - ProceduresBCBK Executive Sessions

BD Policy Development (Cf. CM)BDB Policy DraftingBDC Policy AdoptionBDD Policy Dissemination Policy HandbookBDE Policy Review

BDG Administration in Policy Absence (Also CMB)BDH Suspension of Policies

BF Annual Reports (Cf. CO) - AuditBG MembershipsBH EthicsBHA Board Member Conflict of Interest

8/3/2019 B Policies

2/50

Date Approved: July 19, 2005

Date Revised: August 9, 2007

MISSION STATEMENT BA

The mission of the Columbia School District, an educational organization with active communityinvolvement, is to ensure that all students reach their potential and become responsible, productivecitizens through quality education that provides challenging academic and extra-curricular activities.

8/3/2019 B Policies

3/50

Date Approved: November 11, 2004

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY BAAB

The Columbia School District shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, disability,religion, or national origin with regard to any policy, procedure, or program operation.

8/3/2019 B Policies

4/50


OFFICERS OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND TERMS OF OFFICE BBA

The officers of the Board of Trustees shall be president, vice president, and secretary. 37-6-9.

At the first regular meeting of the Board in January of each calendar year, the Board shall elect officers.The officers shall be elected in the following order: president, vice president, and secretary. The Board, at

its option, may delay the election of officers.

Vacancies in the above mentioned offices during the year shall be filled by the Board at its discretion.

As required by 37-6-9, Board minutes must include a record by individual member of any votes taken."

8/3/2019 B Policies

5/50


DUTIES OF BOARD PRESIDENT BBABA

It shall be the duty of the president to make reports and perform all other duties required by law. 37-6-9

(1987)

In addition, the presiding officer shall:

Plan the agenda for meetings of the Board in cooperation with the Superintendent; Call the meeting to order at the appointed time; Conduct the business to come before the Board in its proper order; Assign the floor to members who desire to speak. Once he/she has recognized the right of a

member to the floor, it shall be his/her duty to protect the speaker from disturbances or

interferences; Insofar as possible, explain what the effect of a motion would be if it is not clear to every member;

he/she shall make certain that members are informed as to what business is pending;

Restrict discussion to the question before the Board; Sign acts or orders necessary to carry out the will of the Board; Sign contracts and other official documents authorized by the Board; Put motions to a vote, state definitely and clearly the vote and the result thereof; Appoint committees as he/she and the Board find necessary;

Speak for the Board at all times except when this responsibility is specifically delegated to others; Participate as a regular voting member of the Board; Certify the official copy of approved minutes for each regular and special meeting of the Board; Transact other business authorized by the Board of Trustees.

8/3/2019 B Policies

6/50


DUTIES OF BOARD VICE-PRESIDENT BBABB

The vice-president shall preside in the absence of the president and shall perform such other duties as maybe assigned by the president of the Board.

8/3/2019 B Policies

7/50


DUTIES OF BOARD SECRETARY BBABC

The School Board shall elect a secretary whose duty it shall be to make reports and to perform all otherduties required by law, including seeing that the minutes of the Board are kept and making official

certification of minutes as required.

All minutes of the School Board shall be attested by the secretary of the Board. 37-6-9 (1987)

Also see BC, BCBH.

8/3/2019 B Policies

8/50


SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS DUTIES BBB/BBBA

The Board exercises its power only as it sits in official session and votes to action. A majority of the

members of the School Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. 37-6-9 (1987)

Board members shall have authority only when acting as a Board regularly in session. Individual Boardmembers or groups of Board members do not have independent authority to speak for the Board and should

make no out-of-meeting commitments unless directed to do so on behalf of the Board. The Board shall not

be bound in any way by any statement or action on the part of any individual Board member or employeeexcept when such statement or action is in pursuit of specific instructions of the Board.

As he/she has no legal right or power unilaterally to direct the course of school affairs or the actions of

school personnel, he/she may not with propriety exert the weight of his/her status as a Board member inefforts to do so extra-legally. Elected to represent the community at large, he/she may not, either legally orwith propriety, act as a representative of any one segment of the community.

Board members wishing to request information from administrators which would entail a system-wide

survey should have the request approved by the total Board.

In addition to those mandated by law, duties and obligations of an individual Board member are:

1. Endeavor to attend all meetings, discuss items presented on the agenda, suggest other items forconsideration, and vote and act upon motions and resolutions impartially for the good of the district;

2. Accept the will of the majority vote in all cases and give support to the resulting policy;3. Familiarize himself/herself with the state school laws, regulations of the State Department of Education,

district policies, rules, and regulations;

4. Have a general knowledge of educational aims and objectives of the system;5. Work harmoniously with other Board members;6. Represent the district schools to the public in such a way as to promote both interest and support;7. Refer all suggestions and complaints to the Superintendent and/or Board and abstain from individual

counsel and action;

8. Exercise no administrative responsibility with respect to schools;9. Refrain from commanding the services of any school employee.LEGAL REF.: MS CODE as citedAlso see ABA Authority

ABC Legal StatusBH Code of Ethics

8/3/2019 B Policies

9/50


BOARD MEMBERS - MISSED MEETINGS BBBAA

If a member misses twenty percent (20%) or more of the meetings of the School Board during a calendar

year, except for absences caused by required military duty, the member must reimburse the school districtthat portion of the total salary paid to the member that year which is proportionate to the number ofmeetings missed by the member in relation to the total number of School Board meetings held during that

year. 37-6-13 (2002)

LEGAL REF.: MS CODE 37-6-13 (2002)

CROSS REF.: Policy DJD Expense Reimbursements

8/3/2019 B Policies

10/50


ORIENTATION OF NEW BOARD MEMBERS BBBB

Each new member of the Board shall be afforded every opportunity to become oriented to the functions

and responsibilities entailed by appointment or election to the Board. It shall be the duty of theSuperintendent and the administrative staff to assist each new member-elect to understand the Board'sfunctions, policies, procedures, and operation of the school system before he/she takes office.

See also BBBC, ABB.

8/3/2019 B Policies

11/50


BOARD MEMBER DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY BBBC

School Board members shall be required to complete a basic course of training and education for localSchool Board members, in order for Board members to carry out their duties more effectively and beexposed to new ideas involving school restructuring. Such basic course of training, approved by the State

Board of Education, shall be conducted by the School Executive Management Institute of the StateDepartment of Education or the Mississippi School Boards Association. Upon completion of the basic

course of training, the School Executive Management Institute shall file a certificate of completion for the

School Board member with the office of the local School Board. In the event that a Board member failsto complete such training within six (6) months of his selection, or six (6) months from April 15, 1993,such Board member shall no longer be qualified to serve and shall be removed from office.

After taking office, each School Board member shall be required to file annually in the office of the

School Board a certificate of completion of a course of continuing education conducted by the Mississippi

School Boards Association, the community/junior colleges, the state institutions of higher learning orother organizations approved by the State Board of Education.

Every School Board member selected after July 1, 2002, shall spend at least one (1) full day in a school in

the district they represent, without compensation.

LEGAL REF.: MS Code, 37-7-306 (2000)

Mississippi Public School Accountability Standards

CROSS REF.: Policy ABB Board Powers and Duties

8/3/2019 B Policies

12/50


BONDED MEMBERS BBBD

Before entering upon the discharge of the duties of his/her office, each member of the School Board shall

give a surety bond in the penal sum of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00), with sufficient surety, to bepayable, conditioned and approved in the manner provided by law. 37-6-15 (1996)

A new bond in the amount required by law shall be secured at the beginning of each new term of office orevery four (4) years, whichever is less. 25-1-15 (2000)

LEGAL REF.: MS CODE as citedCROSS REF.: Policies AAA School District Liability Exemptions

ABC Board Member Legal Status

8/3/2019 B Policies

13/50


COMPENSATION OF BOARD MEMBERS/ EXPENSES BBBE

Each School Board member shall receive per diem in the amount of sixty-seven dollars ($67.00) for no

more than thirty-six (36) meetings of the School Board during any one (1) fiscal year, or, in his/herdiscretion, may choose to receive compensation for his or her services an annual salary in the amount oftwo-thousand four-hundred dollars ($2,400.00), which choice shall be irrevocable and shall remain in

effect for all succeeding terms or periods of service of that member.

Such compensation shall not entitle any School Board member to receive or be eligible for any state

employee group insurance, retirement or other fringe benefits.

Each member shall be reimbursed for the necessary expenses and mileage in attending meetings of the

School Board. In addition, all members may be reimbursed for mileage and actual expenses incurred inthe further performance of their duties, including attendance at any mandatory School Board training

session or at regional and national education meetings, when such mileage and other expenses are

authorized by the Board prior to the date on which they occur. Detailed vouchers shall be submitted forreimbursement for all expenses authorized by this section. { 25-3-41}.

Such expenses shall be paid on order of the School Board by pay certificates issued by the Superintendent

of the school district involved against the funds available for payment of the administrative expense ofsaid district.

LEGAL REF.: MS Code 37-6-13 (1997)

8/3/2019 B Policies

14/50


BOARD COMMITTEES BBC

There shall be no regular standing committee of the Board. Committees may be appointed by the president

for special specific functions as deemed necessary by the Board. Such committees may be dissolved by amajority vote of the Board.

Committees report only to the Board and Superintendent, with no release of information to any source otherthan the Board at an official meeting and after preview of the report by the Superintendent. Tenure of a

committee may not exceed term of office of the president of the Board.

8/3/2019 B Policies

15/50


BOARD-SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT RELATIONS BBD

Board members will refrain from acting as arbitrators of complaints. All complaints will be channeled

through the Superintendent for resolution. Where needed, the Board will convene for the purpose ofholding hearings on complaints which cannot be resolved by the Superintendent. Due consideration will begiven to the confidential nature of certain of these matters to protect the good name of persons involved.

The Board will not convene to consider school matters without the Superintendent or his/her representative,

except when considering his/her salary. The Superintendent will avoid private conferences with any

particular Board member or smaller group of members concerning school policies in cases where all areconcerned. The president of the Board may confer with the Superintendent or other single members of theBoard about arrangements of the agenda when making plans for presenting matters for Board deliberation.

The Superintendent shall be the sole person responsible to the Board for the entire school program.

However, other personnel may be given special permission to make special reports to the Board. All official

Board actions and decisions will take place only when the Board convenes formally. The members willavoid expressions of prejudgment or precommitment on issues which are to be voted upon in formal Boardmeetings. No Board member will make commitments or voice opinions publicly on controversial issues

before they are aired and resolved in a formal Board meeting. The Superintendent and Board members will

refrain from hasty responses to controversial situations before consideration is duly given to both sidesduring a formal Board meeting. On special matters, such as controversy over selection of a new school siteor organizational plans, consultants may be invited to make unbiased studies and recommendations.

The Board and the Superintendent will strive at all times to preserve institutional integrity and academic

freedom and support each other, the faculty, and student body during times of unwarranted attack by outside

forces. It will strive to maintain mutual respect for each other and be mindful that it is the solemn duty ofeach to fulfill the hopes and aspirations of the general school community and always to act within the

framework of the local, state and federal government when implementing these duly constituted Boardpolicies.

It is the duty of the Superintendent to recommend personnel for appointment, and it is the duty of the Boardof Trustees either to accept or to reject the Superintendent's nominations.

Individual members of the Board of Trustees will not consider applications to them as individuals but willrefer applicants to the Superintendent, who makes recommendations to the Board.

Also see ABB, CEB.

LEGAL REF.: MS Code 37-9-15 et seq.

8/3/2019 B Policies

16/50


BOARD-SUPERINTENDENT RELATIONS DISCIPLINE BBDB

The Superintendent will provide the leadership necessary for the discipline of the schools, and individual

Board members nor the Board will not consider complaints or recommendations that have not beenpresented to the Superintendent for consideration.

8/3/2019 B Policies

17/50


SCHOOL ATTORNEY BBE

The School Board has the power and authority to employ and fix the duties and compensation of such

legal counsel as deemed necessary. 37-7-301(x) (1993)

The Columbia Public Schools Board of Trustees shall employ an attorney to serve for a period of one

year to commence on the first day of July of each year. Upon affirmative action by the Board, the periodof employment for the attorney shall be extended for a period not to exceed one year following review by

the Board of the services provided the preceding year.

The attorney will consult with the Superintendent as needed when the Board is not in session and shouldattend all Board meetings. In addition, the Board shall agree to pay an hourly amount for other work to

be performed by the attorney.

LEGAL REF.: MS CODE as cited

8/3/2019 B Policies

18/50


ADVISORY COMMITTEES TO THE BOARD BBF

The School Board policies include guidelines addressing how students, parents, teachers, administrators,

business, and professional leaders will be involved in contributing to the successful operation of the schoolprogram.

The Board encourages citizen participation in the decision-making processes. Advisory committees ofeither of the two following categories may be organized when appropriate.

1. Board-appointed advisory committees both district wide and at the school level shall function within theorganizational framework approved by the Board. A staff member or members will be assigned to eachgroup to help it carry out its functions. The composition of advisory committees shall be broadly

representative and shall take into consideration the specific tasks assigned to the committee. Only theBoard shall have the authority to dissolve advisory committees it has created.

The Board will instruct each committee as to:

the length of time each member is being asked to serve; the service the Board wishes the committee to render; the resources the Board will provide; the approximate dates on which the Board wishes to receive major reports; Board policies governing citizens' committees and the relationship of these committees to the Board

as a whole, individual Board members, the Superintendent, and other members of the professionalstaff;

responsibilities for the release of information to the press.2. School and district level advisory committees that are required under federal and state programs, shall

function in accordance with the requirements pertaining to each specific federal or state program; theBoard shall grant to those bodies the advisory responsibilities relevant to the planning, implementation,

and evaluation of such program or project.

Legal powers and prerogatives of the Board cannot be delegated nor surrendered to others; all

recommendations of an advisory committee must be submitted to the Board for action.

8/3/2019 B Policies

19/50


CONSULTANTS TO THE BOARD BBG

The Board may enlist the services of consultants to provide specialized advice or assistance to the school

system concerning educational, management or administrative matters where it is deemed pertinent to themission of the district.

When knowledge or technical skills are needed that cannot be provided by persons on the staff, consultantassistance may be considered.

Any proposed contracts with consultants will be submitted to the Board for approval and will beaccompanied by figures showing the estimated cost of the consulting project to the district. Whereappropriate, bids for consulting services will be sought, but the Board will have ultimate discretion with

respect to selection. Terms of employment shall be recorded in the minutes.

Consultants who serve this district will exercise no authority over the work of the employees of the

district, but will act only as advisors in the area in which they are qualified to offer assistance.

CROSS REF.: Policy ABB Board Powers and Duties

LEGAL REF.: MS Code, 37-7-301 (w) (1993)

8/3/2019 B Policies

20/50


AWARDS, RECOGNITIONS, CERTIFICATES BBH

The Board, as deems appropriate, may recognize outstanding achievement and service with the award of

certificates of appreciation.

The State Board of Education shall establish an awards program to reward parents for becoming involved in

school improvement efforts. A process shall be established which shall include, but not be limited to, thedesignation of a parent of the year in every school district in the state and the designation of one (1) Parent

of the Year statewide. 37-3-73 (1992)

8/3/2019 B Policies

21/50


BOARD/STAFF RELATIONS/SUPERINTENDENT DUTIES BBI/CEB

Subject to review by the Board, administrative control and direction of the school district shall be vested in

the Superintendent. He/She shall have the authority to take the actions necessary to secure effective andefficient operation of the school system, which shall be consistent with the policies of the Board of Trustees,provisions of the school laws and regulations of the State of Mississippi and applicable federal regulations.

As executive officer of the School Board, the Superintendent shall interpret the policies of the Board of

Trustees and shall establish administrative procedures and regulations necessary for implementation of said

policies.

In cases where action by the Superintendent is warranted, and, in the absence of policy, the Superintendent

is authorized to act. However, the Superintendent's decision(s) shall be subject to review and action by theBoard at its regular meeting. It shall be the duty of the Superintendent to inform the Board promptly of such

action and of the need for policy.

Policies or policy manuals are to be housed in the central administrative office of the district, in theprincipals office of each school and in each school library. The official district policy manual shall be

maintained in the Superintendents office.

The Board directs the Superintendent to perform functions and tasks as delineated in Policy CEB.

8/3/2019 B Policies

22/50


REVIEW OF BOARD PROCEDURES BBJ

The School Board shall review all adopted policies annually and take appropriate action concerning their

revision, maintenance, and/or repeal.

8/3/2019 B Policies

23/50


INTERNAL ORGANIZATION/MEETINGS/MINUTES BC

The Board of Trustees is a policy-making and appraisal body of the school district. As such, the Board shallgovern the district through a set of official policies which are to be reviewed and updated annually.

A. The Board will hold regular monthly meetings.B. The Board will maintain current and complete minutes of all official actions.Provisions will be made for involving members of the staff and community in policy formulation andreview.

See BCBH.

8/3/2019 B Policies

24/50

Date Approved: October 14, 2004

REGULAR MEETING TIME AND PLACE BCAB

Board meetings shall be held on the second Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. or at such other date and

hour as may be set by a vote of the Board and recorded in the minutes.

A majority of the members of the School Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.37-6-9 (1987)

All action taken by the School Board shall become official at the time it is taken. 37-6-9 (1987)

All meetings of the School Board shall commence in open session. 25-41-7 (1990)

LEGAL REF.: MS CODE, as cited

8/3/2019 B Policies

25/50


SPECIAL MEETINGS OF THE BOARD BCAC

Special meetings of the School Board may be held upon the call of the president thereof, or upon the call of

a majority of the members thereof. 37-6-11 (1987)

A notice of the place, date, hour and subject matter of any called special meeting shall be posted within one(1) hour after such meeting is called in a prominent place available to examination and inspection by the

general public in the building in which the School Board normally meets. A copy of the notice shall be

made a part of the minutes or other permanent official records of the School Board. 25-41-13 (1) (1990)

8/3/2019 B Policies

26/50


PUBLIC HEARINGS BCAE

Except for budget hearings, all public meetings conducted by the Board of Trustees, as required by law, and

others as the Board deems advisable, shall provide due public notice making printed information regardingthe topic of the hearing accessible to the public prior to the hearing. At the discretion of the Board,individuals may be given an opportunity to appear before the Board and be heard.

The president of the Board, or his/her designee subject to the Board's approval, shall preside at the hearing

taking into consideration the following procedures:

1. The public shall be informed at the beginning of the hearing the particular procedure that will befollowed in regard to the questions, remarks, rebuttals, and any time limitations or other rules that must

be followed to give everyone an opportunity to be heard.

2. The president of the Board shall state the position of the Board. If official action on the issue has not asyet been taken, the president may state and may summarize briefly the arguments for and against theissue to be decided. Other members of the Board may also be heard at this time.

3. The secretary of the Board shall secure the names of all those persons wishing to be heard before theBoard. Those desiring to speak shall indicate whether they are for or against the issue involved.Persons not responding to the secretary's request shall not be heard.

4. Once the speakers for and against the issue have been heard, the president shall indicate that questionspertaining directly to the issue involved may be directed to the Board.

5. Upon a ruling by the president closing the public discussion, the Board may proceed with itsdeliberations and take whatever action it deems advisable.

The Board may, by a majority vote, take the issue under advisement and continue the hearing from time to

time but not for a period of more than sixty (60) days from the date of the next regular meeting of the Board.

Also see BCBI/KCA and DC for procedures governing public participation in Board meetings and

requirements of participants.

8/3/2019 B Policies

27/50


BOARD MEETING AGENDA BCBD/BCBE

The executive secretary of the Board (Superintendent) shall prepare or cause to be prepared an agenda for

Board members. Items of business may be suggested by Board members, professional staff, or patrons forinclusion on the agenda. Suggestions by patrons shall be submitted in writing and received in the office ofthe Superintendent of Schools seven (7) working days before a scheduled meeting in order to be included on

the agenda.

New items of business may not be received from the floor for discussion or action, except by approval from

a majority of the Board members present.

Meetings shall follow the printed agenda or the notice of special meetings, such as the case may be.

Agendas for meetings shall be prepared by the Superintendent.

Any Board member may suggest items of business. The inclusion of such items shall be at the discretion ofthe Superintendent and Board president.

The agenda will be made available to the press and to others upon request.

The order of business shall be as follows, but may change temporarily by unanimous consent:

Attendance of members verifiedConsideration of the minutes of previous meeting(s)

Adoption agenda

ReportsConsent Agenda

BusinessSuperintendent's Report

Adjournment

8/3/2019 B Policies

28/50


BOARD MEETING PREPARATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF MATERIAL BCBE

Board members shall be provided with data and backup information to assist them in reaching sound and

objective decisions consistent with established goals prior to any Board action.

Board members are expected to study the information and to contact the Board president or Superintendent

to request additional background information necessary to assist them in their decision-makingresponsibilities.

The materials shall include the agenda for the coming meeting and reports and proposals that will needadvance study.

Also see BCBD.

8/3/2019 B Policies

29/50


RULES OF ORDER OF BOARD MEETINGS BCBF

The School Board shall observe Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised, except as otherwise provided by

Board rules and regulations or by statute. These rules may be suspended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of theBoard. Board adopted rules and regulations for meetings shall be consistent with the Open Meetings Act.(25-41-1 et seq.)

Also see BCBG, BCBH.

8/3/2019 B Policies

30/50


QUORUM BCBFA

A majority of the members of the School Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

37-6-9 (1987)

An affirmative vote of three-fifths of all members present shall be required to declare an executive session.

25-41-7 (1990)

No business may be transacted at any meeting unless a quorum is present. 37-6-9 (1987)

LEGAL REF.: MS CODE as citedCROSS REF.: Policies BCAB Regular Board Meeting

BCBH Minutes of Board MeetingsBCBK Executive Sessions

8/3/2019 B Policies

31/50


AMENDMENT AND SUSPENSION OF RULES OF

PROCEDURE-SUSPENSION OF POLICIES

BCBFB

Rules of procedure for Board of Trustees meetings may be suspended or amended by a two-thirds vote ofthe Board members present. The operation of any section or sections of Board policies and procedures notestablished by law or contract may be temporarily suspended by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of all

members present.

8/3/2019 B Policies

32/50


VOTING METHOD AT BOARD MEETINGS BCBG

Each member of the School Board present shall either vote or abstain on every question upon which a

vote is taken at such meeting. 37-6-9 (1987)

The traditional method of voice vote, yea or nay or abstain shall prevail in normal business matters in

open or executive session.

IMPORTANT NOTE: A Board member may not change his/her vote when adopting the minutes. The

minutes are a record of what actually happened at a Board meeting. Although a member might wishhe/she had voted differently, that is not possible. An attempt to change a vote after the fact would be anattempt to adopt minutes that are not a mirror of action taken at the previous Board meeting. Board

minutes must accurately record the Board's official action during Board meetings.

LEGAL REF.: MS Code as cited

CROSS REF.: Policies BCBFA QuorumBCBH Minutes of Board MeetingBCBHA Recording Board Action in Official Minutes

8/3/2019 B Policies

33/50


MINUTES OF BOARD MEETINGS RECORDING OF BOARD ACTION BCBH

The minutes of the meetings of the School Board are the written record of all proceedings of the Board.

School Boards speak only through their minutes. Therefore, the minutes shall include:

Whether it is a regular or special meeting; Date, time and place of meeting; Members present and absent; A statement that the meeting was called to order; Approval of the minutes of the preceding meeting(s); An accurate recording of any final actions taken at such meetings; A record by individual member of all votes taken at such meeting; Any other information that the School Board requests to be reflected in the minutes; A record of any closed determination/executive session to include:

o a motion to enter into a closed determination for executive session stating an allowablereason and the vote;

o a motion to enter into an executive session and vote;o a motion to end the executive session to return to open session and vote.

A record of adjournment; Signature of president of the Board, attested by the secretary.

Minutes shall be kept on file in the office of the Superintendent and open to public inspection during regularbusiness hours.

Minutes shall be recorded within a reasonable time not to exceed thirty (30) days after adjournment.

Minutes shall become official when adopted by the Board at the next regular meeting, or within thirty (30)

working days, whichever occurs later.

Any action taken by the School Board during an official meeting in open or executive session shall berecorded in the official minutes of said Board in the following manner:

The official minutes shall show:

That the president entertained a motion;

The name of the member making the motion; The name of the member seconding the motion, if in fact there is a second; The names of those voting yea, the names of those voting nay, the names of those abstaining; Whether the motion was approved or failed.

8/3/2019 B Policies

34/50

All action taken by the School Board shall become official at the time it is taken.

A Board member may not change his/her vote when approving the minutes. The minutes are a record of

what actually happened at a Board meeting. Although a member might wish he/she had voted differently,

that is not possible. An attempt to change a vote after the fact would be an attempt to adopt minutes that

are not a mirror of action taken at the previous Board meeting. Board minutes must accurately record theBoard's official action during Board meetings.

LEGAL REF.: MS CODE 25-41-7 (1990), 25-41-11 (1981), and 37-6-9 (1987), 25-41 et seq.

CROSS REF.: Policy BCBG Voting Method at Board MeetingsBCBFA QuorumBC Internal Organization/Meetings/Minutes

8/3/2019 B Policies

35/50


PUBLIC PARTICIPATION BOARD MEETINGS BCBI

Meetings of the Board are conducted for the purpose of carrying on the business of the school and

therefore are not public meetings, but meetings held in public.

Meetings are closed to the public only during executive session, the purpose of which is to discuss items

listed by law that should be confidential by their nature. (Section 25-41-1, Mississippi Code of 1972, asamended).

In order that the Board may fairly and adequately discharge its overall responsibility, citizens who wish tomake requests, representations, or proposals to the Board are requested to direct these to theSuperintendent, who will deal with them according to rules adopted by the Board.

The Board chairman shall be responsible for calling on all speakers on the agenda, for maintaining order,

and for adhering to the time limits set. Questions may be answered immediately by the chairman or

referred to staff members present for reply. Questions which require examination shall be referred to theSuperintendent for consideration and later response.

8/3/2019 B Policies

36/50


NEWS MEDIA COVERAGE BCBJ

One of the Board's responsibilities is to see that the public is informed of its action; therefore, the local news

media representatives shall be notified of all meetings of the Board.

In the event that representatives of the news media are unable to attend a meeting, upon request they shall be

provided a summary of any action taken.

All reports approved by the Board are a matter of public record and will be made available to the press or

other members of the public pursuant to the district's public records access policy.

Individual Board members shall refer requests from news media representatives for information about

Board meetings to the Board president, who is the public spokesman for the Board except as the Boardspecifically decides otherwise.

All official meetings of the School Board are declared to be public meetings and shall be open to the publicat all times unless declared an executive session as provided in section 25-41-7. 25-41-5

LEGAL REF.: 25-41-1 et seq., Public Records Act of 1983

Also see KBA, KBB, KBC

8/3/2019 B Policies

37/50


EXECUTIVE SESSIONS BCBK

The School Board may enter into executive session for the transaction of public business, provided,

however, the meeting shall commence as an open meeting and an affirmative vote of three-fifths ofmembers present shall be required to declare an executive session.

Any Board member may request by motion a closed determination upon the issue of whether or not to

declare an executive session. A second is not necessary. At this point the meeting is to be temporarily

closed and the room cleared.

If, after a discussion of the reasons for going into an executive session a motion is made, secondedand approved by a majority of members present, the presiding officer is to briefly reopen the

meeting and announce publicly that the Board is going into executive session and give the reasons

therefor. The meeting is then closed and in executive session.

An executive session shall be limited to matters allowed to be exempted from open meetings and shall beapplicable to that particular meeting on that particular day. Nothing shall be construed to require that anymeeting be closed to the public, nor shall any executive session be used to circumvent or defeat the purposes

of the Open Meetings Law.

Executive sessions shall be limited to the following matters which are allowed to be exempted from openmeetings:

Discussion of personnel matters or the character, professional competence, or physical or mentalhealth of a person.

Strategy sessions or negotiations with respect to prospective litigation, litigation or issuance of adetrimental effect on the litigating position of the public body.

Discussion regarding the report, development or course of action regarding security personnel,plans or devices.

Investigative proceedings by any public body regarding allegations of misconduct or violation oflaw.

Cases of extraordinary emergency which would pose immediate or irrevocable harm or damage topersons and/or property within the jurisdiction of such public body.

Discussion regarding the prospective purchase, sale or leasing of lands. Discussions between a School Board and individual students who attend a school within the

jurisdiction of such School Board or the parents or teachers of such students regarding problems of

such students or their parents or teachers.

8/3/2019 B Policies

38/50

Discussion concerning the preparation of tests for admission to practice in recognized professions. Discussions regarding employment and termination of employees. The exemption provided in this

paragraph includes the rights to hold closed meetings concerning employees as such exemption

relates to their deletion from any budget subject to approval of the public body. Final budgetary

adoption shall not be taken in executive session.

Section 25-41-11 requires that minutes of all meetings (whether in open or executive session) of a public

body include the following items:

Listing of members present and absent. Date, time, and place of the meeting. An accurate recording of any final actions taken at the Board meeting. A record, by individual member, of any votes taken.

Any other information that the Board requests be included or reflected in the minutes.

LEGAL REF.: MS CODE 25-41-7 AND 25-41-11

CROSS REF.: Policy BCBH Minutes of Board Meetings

8/3/2019 B Policies

39/50


BOARD POLICY DEVELOPMENT BD

Written policies serve as guides for the discretionary action of those to whom it delegates authority and asa source of information and guidance for all persons who are interested in, and affected by, the districtschools.

Board policies are recommended by the Superintendent to the Board for approval when the need for a

new policy or revision of existing policies arises. Input or recommendations from community and staff

members may be considered in the process of policy development.

LEGAL REF.: Mississippi Public School Accountability Standards

CROSS REF.: Policies ABB Board Powers and Duties

BA Mission Statement

8/3/2019 B Policies

40/50


BOARD POLICY DRAFTING BDB

Any Board member or any individual or group of citizens, students, or employees may propose in writing

new policies or changes to existing policies. The policy proposals shall be referred to the Superintendent forexamination prior to Board discussion.

The Superintendent, or his/her designee, as the policy draft writer for the Board, shall seek the counsel ofthe school attorney when, in his/her opinion or the Board's opinion, there may be a question regarding

proper legal procedure in the development of a proposed policy.

CROSS REF.: Policy BD Board Policy Development

8/3/2019 B Policies

41/50


BOARD POLICY ADOPTION BDC

The adoption of new policies or changing existing policies is solely the responsibility of the Board.

It is important that sufficient time be given to permit further study and to give interested parties anopportunity to provide input. Therefore, no new policies nor policy revisions introduced for the first time

shall be adopted until a subsequent meeting. Time shall be given to permit further study of recommendedpolicies and also to give opportunity for interested parties to react. However, approval may be granted by

the Board of Trustees to meet emergency conditions or special events, which will take place before formal

action can be taken.

The formal action to adopt policies shall be taken in official meetings of the Board and within forty (40)

calendar days after submission. The Board's action shall be recorded in the minutes of the Board. Onlythose written statements so adopted and recorded shall be regarded as official policies.

During discussion of a policy proposal, the views of the public and staff will be considered. Amendmentsmay be proposed by Board members.

The Board may temporarily approve a policy to meet emergency conditions. However, discussion and a

final vote must be taken before the policy shall be formally adopted.

School Board policies serve as the basis of operation for the district, and current copies of School Board

policies are published and available for public review. MS CODE 25-61-1 through 7.

Also see BDH and BDB

8/3/2019 B Policies

42/50


BOARD POLICY DISSEMINATION BDD

The Superintendent shall create and maintain an orderly plan for preserving and making accessible the

policies adopted by the Board and the rules and regulations needed to put them into effect.

He/she shall provide easy access to an up-to-date policy collection for members of the Board and all

employees of the school system.

Because the Board policy handbook is a matter of public record, it shall be open for inspection at the Board

office during the working day. 25-61-1 et seq. (1996)

Current copies of the Board's policies which follow State Board of Education policies and state and federal

laws and regulations are published and are available for public review in the district's central office, eachprincipals office and on the district's website.

Also see Standard 2, Mississippi Public School Accountability Standards

8/3/2019 B Policies

43/50


REVIEW OF BOARD POLICY BDE

To maintain current written policies which are consistent with Board action and administrative decision, the

Board shall review its policies on a continuing basis.

The Board shall examine the policies to determine their appropriateness.

The School Board shall review all adopted policies annually and take appropriate action concerning their

revision, maintenance and/or repeal.

Also see Standard 2, Mississippi Public School Accountability Standards

8/3/2019 B Policies

44/50


ADMINISTRATION IN POLICY ABSENCE BDG

In cases where action must be taken within the school system where the School Board has provided no

guidelines for administrative action, the Superintendent shall have power to act, but his/her decisions shallbe subject to review by action of the Board at its regular meeting. It shall be the duty of the Superintendentto inform the Board promptly of such action and of the need for policy.

LEGAL REF.; Mississippi Public School Accountability Standards

CROSS REF.: Policies ABB Board Powers and DutiesCEB Duties of Superintendent

8/3/2019 B Policies

45/50


SUSPENSION OF BOARD POLICIES BDH

Any section or sections of School Board policies not required by law or contract may be temporarily

suspended by a two-thirds majority vote of Board members present at a regular or special meeting.

Also see BCBFC, BDC. See Standard 2, Mississippi Public School Accountability Standards

8/3/2019 B Policies

46/50


REPORTS/ANNUAL AUDIT BF/CO

All records, invoices, checks, and receipts must be kept in such a manner that they may be audited by the

central office accounting staff or certified public accountants approved by the Board. Upon the resignationor retirement of the Superintendent, Chief Fiscal Officer, or a school principal, an audit of the school fundsfor which the terminating person or persons are responsible may be carried out by a certified public

accountant. The Board of Trustees shall approve the audit firm and report or annual audit of precedingfiscal year in all years when a state audit is not required.

The School Board, as created and empowered by law, shall keep and preserve permanently a copy of alldistrict-wide reports required by the State Board of Education to be filed on an annual basis.

Copies of those district-wide reports required by the State Board of Education on less than an annual basismay be destroyed after five (5) years upon approval of the School Board of the school district.

All supporting documents necessary to compile such district-wide reports, except as delineated in state law,may be destroyed after three (3) years following the academic year for which the report was made uponapproval of the School Board. 37-15-4 (1987)

8/3/2019 B Policies

47/50


SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERSHIPS BG

The Board may join, in its discretion, any association of School Boards and other public school related

organizations, and pay from local funds any membership dues. 37-7-301 (r) (1993) The Board maintainsmembership in the Mississippi School Boards Association and a direct affiliate membership in the NationalSchool Boards Association. Membership will be reviewed annually.

8/3/2019 B Policies

48/50


BOARD MEMBER CODE OF ETHICS BH

As a member of the Board of Trustees, representing all the citizens of my school district, I recognize:

That my fellow citizens have entrusted me with the educational development of the children andyouth of this community.

That the public expects my actions to be in the best interest of all students without distinction as towho they are or what their backgrounds may be.

That the future welfare of this community, of this state, and of the nation depends largely upon thequality of education provided in the public schools to fit the needs of every learner.

That my fellow Board members and I must take the initiative to help the people of this communityto have the facts about their schools so that they will readily provide the finest possible schoolprogram, school staff, and school facilities.

That legally, the authority of the Board is derived from the state, which ultimately controls theorganization and operation of the school district and which determines the degree of discretionary

power left with the Board and the people of this community for the exercise of local autonomy.

That I must not neglect my personal obligation to the community and my legal obligation to thestate, nor surrender these responsibilities to any other person, group, or organization; but that,

beyond these, I have a moral and civic obligation to the nation, which can remain strong and free

only so long as public schools in the United States of America are kept free and strong.

In view of the foregoing considerations, it shall be my constant endeavor:

To devote time, thought and study to the duties and responsibilities of a School Board member sothat I may render effective and creditable service.

To work with my fellow Board members in a spirit of harmony and cooperation in spite ofdifferences of opinion that arise during vigorous debate on points at issue.

To base my personal decision upon all available facts in each situation, to vote my honestconviction in every case, unswayed by partisan bias of any kind, and thereafter, to abide by and

uphold the final majority decision of the Board.

To remember at all times that as an individual I have no real authority outside the meetings of theBoard, and to conduct my relationships with the school staff, local citizenry, and media of

communication on the basis of this fact.

8/3/2019 B Policies

49/50

To resist temptation and outside pressure to use my position as a School Board member to benefiteither myself or any other individual or agency apart from the total interest of the school district.

To recognize that it is as important for the Board to understand and evaluate the educationalprogram of the schools as it is to plan for the business of school operation.

To bear in mind that the primary function of the Board is to establish the policies by which schoolsare to be administered, but that the administration of the educational program and the conduct of

school business shall be left to the employed Superintendent of Schools and his/her professional and

nonprofessional staff.

To welcome and encourage active cooperation by citizens, organizations and the media in thedistrict with respect to establishing policy on current school operation with proposed future

developments.

To support my state and national School Board associations. Finally, to strive toward ideal conditions for most effective School Board service to my community

in a spirit of teamwork and devotion to public education as the greatest instrument for the

preservation and perpetuation of our representative democracy.

8/3/2019 B Policies

50/50


BOARD MEMBER CONFLICT OF INTEREST/NEPOTISM BHA

It shall be unlawful for any member of the Board of Trustees to have or own any direct or indirect

interest individually or an agent or employee of any person, partnership, firm or corporation in anycontract made or let by the Superintendent or the Board of Trustees of the school district for theconstruction, repair, or improvement of any school facility, the furnishing of any supplies, materials, or

other articles, the doing of any public work or the transportation of children or upon any subcontractarising therefrom or connected therewith in any manner. The Board of Trustees shall be authorized to

contract with a teacher or school district employee to perform extra work without being in violation of the

provisions of this section, The Board of Trustees shall make a case by case determination of the possibleconflicts of interest arising from any extra work contracts and such decision by the Board shall be final.37-11-27 (1989)

LEGAL REF.: Mississippi Code, as cited above

CROSS REF.: Policies CED - Appointed Superintendent - AppointmentCGD - Administrative Personnel HiringDG - Depository of FundsKBE - Gifts to Schools

NEPOTISM AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST

It shall be illegal for any Superintendent, principal or other licensed employee to be elected by the School

Board if such Superintendent, principal or licensed employee is related within the third degree by blood

or marriage according to the common law to a majority of the members of the School Board. No memberof the School Board shall vote for any person as a Superintendent, principal or licensed employee who isrelated to him/her within the third degree by blood or marriage or who is dependent upon him/her in a

financial way. Any contract entered into in violation of the provisions of this section shall be null and

void. Section 37-9-21 (1997)

Important Note: In order to assure compliance with statutes related to Nepotism and to Conflict ofInterest, please ensure compliance with MS Code statutes cited above and with Sections 25-4-25 & 25-4-27; and with Article 4, Section 109 of the MS Constitution.

B Policies

Documents

Transcript of B Policies