Code No. 205.1

Membership in State Association

It shall be the policy of the Board of Directors to maintain active membership in the Iowa Association of School Boards.

Date of Review:  December 11, 2017

Code No. 205.2

Board Member Orientation and Services

Individual Board members provide a vital public service to the school district by serving on a Board that is confronted by a dynamic array of issues challenging public education on the local, state and national levels.

It is in the best interests of the students and communities served by the District that Board members be provided with ongoing development opportunities on local, regional, state and national levels.  Board members are encouraged to participate in development programs at District expense whenever the program reasonably appears to be beneficial to the District's operations, and the Board approves the expenditure in advance.

Board members, the Superintendent, the Secretary and the Treasurer will assist each newly-elected or appointed Board member to understand the Board's functions, policies and procedures.  New members are encouraged to attend workshops designed specifically for the orientation of new members.  New members should seek orientation on the following areas:

1.         School-Community Relationships and General Responsibilities.

Explanations of:  (a) how Board meetings are conducted (notices, agenda, motions, seconds, minutes, petitions, complaint procedures, etc.); (b) the management structure of the District; (c) the Board's development activities; (d) the District's public relations program; (e) services and activities of various groups and unions; (f) Board policies and critical administrative rules and regulations.

2.         School Finance and Programs.

Explanations of:  (a) Iowa's school foundation plan; (b) the District's budget; (c) the District's enrollment trends; (d) recent scope and history of local tax levies; (e) outstanding indebtedness of the District; (f) the funding process for area education agencies; (g) approval and accrediting standards as required by state law and implemented by the Iowa Department of Education and the North Central Associations; (h) the District's overall educational and activities program, needs assessments, and evaluations; (i) the educational organization, including student groupings, shared services, etc.; (j) student achievement and testing; (k) programs for special needs students; (l) teacher-pupil ratios and class sizes; (m) the number, age and condition of facilities, equipment, instructional and media materials; (n) AEA services; (o) the District's meal programs.

3.         Employee Relations.

Explanations of:  (a) staff and recruitment patterns; (b) salary schedules, wages, and fringe benefits; (c) collective bargaining history; (d) the Board's role in employee contracting, evaluation and dismissal; (e) evaluation criteria and procedures; (f) staffing patterns; (g) affirmative action plans.

4.         District Facilities and Transportation.

Explanations of:  (a) the number, location, boundaries, age, and conditions of District facilities; (b) maintenance programs; (c) the District's transportation program.

Date of Review:  December 11, 2017

Code No. 205.3

Board Member Liability

Board members are not personally liable for claims based upon an act or omission performed in the discharge of the members' duties, except for acts or omissions which involve intentional misconduct or knowing violation of the law, or for a transaction from which the person derives an improper personal benefit.

The District shall defend, save harmless, and indemnify Board members and officers against any tort claim or demand, whether groundless or otherwise, arising out of an alleged act or omission occurring within the scope of their employment or duties, except for punitive damages for which a member or officer is liable only if the member or officer acted with actual malice or with willful, wanton and reckless misconduct.

The District shall purchase insurance for its directors, which may, at the Board's discretion, protect its officers and employees from punitive damages.

Date of Review:  December 11, 2017

Code No. 205.4

BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEMBER DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING

Directors are encouraged to participate in programs sponsored by the Iowa Association of School Boards, the National School Board Association, or other organizations providing education relevant to the performance of their duties as school board members.  The Board will review requests for conference attendance and shall reimburse directors for actual and necessary expenses, including travel, incurred for attendance at such activities. 

Date of Review:  December 11, 2017

01079380

Code No. 205.5

BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ SELF-EVALUATION

Periodically, the board shall conduct an evaluation of itself.  The goal of the self-evaluation is not to criticize fellow board members but rather to point out strengths as well as weaknesses of the board.

The evaluation will focus on board policies, board meetings, education program, financial management, board members, personal qualities, and the board’s relationship with the superintendent, employees, school district, and students.

It shall be the responsibility of the board president to develop a board evaluation program.  The board may employ an outside facilitator if the board determines the facilitator is necessary.

Date of Review:  December 11, 2017