SBBC Policy #1005

SCHOOL BOARD- RESPONSIBILITIES AND AUTHORITY

1) The School Board is responsible for the organization and control of the public schools of the District and is authorized by Florida Statutes to determine policies necessary for the effective operation and the general improvement of the school system.

2) The School Board shall limit its action to establishing policy and fulfilling the requirements of and exercising authority under the appropriate Florida Statutes and State Board of Education Rules.

3) The School Board is a corporate entity and shall take action only when the Board meets in accordance with Florida Statutes. School Board Members are free to express their opinion; however, they cannot make a representation on behalf of the School Board unless official action has been taken.

4) Recognizing that each School Board Member has a responsibility to their constituents in the member’s elected area, each School Board member shall serve as a representative of the entire District in accordance with Florida Statute 1001.363.

5) The School Board clarifies the goals and objectives of the school system through the District Strategic Plan.

6) School Board Members should practice governing excellence by preparing for meetings, attending meetings, and practicing good stewardship of the District’s human, financial, and property resources.

7) School Board Members are encouraged to visit the schools and departments of the District in order to be better informed concerning all phases of the District school system.

8) Requests for data or other information from a School Board Member on topics other than School Board agenda items or which requires significant staff work to prepare should be requested through the appropriate executive leader with a copy to the Superintendent. This is not intended to preclude School Board Members from requesting the status of existing items from the appropriate staff.

9) School Board Members are governed by the Code of Ethics for Public Officers and Employees pursuant to Florida Statutes, Title X, Chapter 12, Part 3.

Authority: F.S.C. - Article IX, s.4(b), F.S. 1001.32, 1001.33, 001.363, 1001.372, 1001.41, 1001.42, 1001.43

Policy Adopted: 12/16/08