BBAA: Individual Board Member’s Authority and Responsibilities
Code: BBAA
Adopted: 1/04/07
Revised/Readopted: 5/13/10; 9/14/16; 4/26/17
Orig. Code(s): BBAA
An individual board member exercises the authority and responsibility of his/her position when the board is in legal session only.
A board member has the authority to act in the name of the board when authorized by a specific board motion. The affirmative vote of the majority of members of the board is required to transact any business. When authorized to act as the district’s designated representative in collective bargaining, a board member may make and accept proposals in bargaining subject to subsequent approval by the board.
A board member has the right to express personal opinions. When expressing such opinions in public, the board member must clearly identify the opinions as his/her own.
Members will be knowledgeable of information requested through board action, supplied by the superintendent, gained through attendance at district activities and through professional board activities.
Members of the board will adhere to the following in carrying out the responsibilities of board membership:
Request for Information
Any individual board member who desires a written report or a survey prepared by the administrative staff shall make such a request to the superintendent. Requests for reports or information shall be authorized by the board. A copy of such material shall be sent to each member of the board as requested. Requests for the generation of reports or information, which require additional expense to the district, must be submitted to the board for consideration.
Requests for Legal Opinions
A request for a legal opinions from a board member must be approved by a majority vote of the board. Copies of the opinion shall be distributed to all board members. If the legal opinion sought involves the superintendent’s employment or performance, the request should be made to the board chair. Legal counsel is responsible to the board.
Action on Complaints or Requests made to Board Members
When a board member receives complaints or requests for action from staff, students or members of the public, the board members shall refer the individual(s) to the superintendent. Complaints involving the superintendent shall be referred to the board chair on behalf of the board. The board chair shall present the complaint to the board.
District Board Member’s Relationship to Administration
Individual board members will be informed about the district’s educational program and are encouraged to visit schools or other facilities to gain information and may request information from the superintendent. board members will not intervene in the administration of the district or its schools.
Contracts or Agreements
All contracts of the district must be approved by the board, unless otherwise delegated by the board to the superintendent or designee for approval, before an order can be drawn for payment. If a contract is made without authority of the board, the individual making such contract shall be personally liable.
END OF POLICY
Legal Reference(s):
ORS 332.045
ORS 332.057
ORS 332.075
ORS 332.055
38 OR. ATTY. GEN. OP. 1995 (1978)
S. Benton Educ. Ass’n v. Monroe Union High Sch. Dist., 83 Or. App. 425 (1987).
Cross Reference(s):
BHD - Board Member Compensation and Expense Reimbursement
DFEA - Admissions to District Events
