ARTICLE 9    
BYLAWS OF THE BOARD 
(Series 9000)
 
NOTE:             This comprehensive index/table of contents provides a standard index system designed to accommodate future policies/regulations and at the same time provides a table of contents for this manual. This manual contains only those Board policies (BP), administrative regulations  (AR) and exhibits (E) specified in the right-hand column.
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0.  
 
Role of Board and Members (includes powers, purposes, duties
9000
BB
  A. Public Statements 9010  BB    
  1. Disclosure of Confidential Information 9011  BB    
  2. Board Member Use of Electronic Mail 9012 BB    
  B. Board Standards 9020 BB   E
1.    Organization        
  A. Board Membership 9110 BB    
  B. Officers and Auxiliary Personnel 9120 BB   E
  1. President 9121 BB    
  2. Clerk/Treasurer 9122 BB    
  3. Attorney 9124 BB    
  C. Board Subcommittees 9130 BB    
  D.  Board Representatives 9140 BB    
2.   Board Members 9200 BB    
  A. School Board Elections 9220 BB    
  1. Resignation 9222 BB    
  2. Filling Vacancies 9223 BB    
  3. Oath or Affirmation 9224 BB    
  B. Orientation 9230 BB    
  C.  Board Development 9240 BB    
  D. Remuneration, Reimbursement, Other Benefits 9250 BB    
  E. Legal Protection 9260 BB    
  F. Conflict of Interest 9270 BB    
  1. Code of Ethics 9271 BB    
3.    Governance 9300 BB    
  A. Policy Manual 9310 BB    
  1. Board Policies 9311 BB    
  2. Board Bylaws 9312 BB    
  3. Administrative Regulations 9313 BB    
  4.

Suspension of Policies, Bylaws,

Administrative Regulations

9314 BB    
  B. Meetings (includes posting requirements) 9320 BB AR  
  1. Executive Sessions 9321 BB    
  2. Agenda/Meeting Materials                                    (includes construction, posting, advance delivery) 9322 BB   E
  3. Meeting Conduct 9323 BB    
  4. Board Minutes 9330 BB    
4.   Board Self-Evaluation 9400 BB    
Series 9000                                                                                                                        1/93
 
Bylaws of the Board BB 9000(a)
   

ROLE OF BOARD AND MEMBERS (POWERS, PURPOSES, DUTIES)

 

 

Powers and Duties

 

The School Board's primary goal is to provide each student with an education of the highest quality in keeping with his/her capacity to learn. This goal shall be the basic factor motivating the Board's execution of its powers and duties.

 

(cf. 0200 - Goals for the School District)

 

The Board is responsible for the general control and direction of education in the district and is empowered to carry on and finance any program or activity that is not in conflict with, inconsistent with, or preempted by law. This broad authority shall be exercised in accordance with the State and Federal Constitutions, laws and regulations. The Board may execute any powers delegated by law to it or to the district which it governs, and shall discharge any duty imposed by law upon it or upon the district which it governs.

 

(cf. 0440 ‑ Advisory School Boards)

(cf. 9200 ‑ Board Members)

 

Governance Functions

 

The Board shall consider and approve or disapprove matters submitted to it by the Superintendent and the public and is committed to establishing policies to govern district activities. The Board shall prescribe bylaws for its own governance with law or with the rules prescribed by the State Board of Education.

 

(cf. 9300 ‑ Governance)

 

Executive Functions

 

The Superintendent or designee shall serve as the chief executive officer of the Board. The Board delegates to the Superintendent or designee the authority to carry out Board decisions and to make and carry out any decisions which it delegates. The Superintendent or designee shall be fully responsible for the proper use of this authority. The Board retains ultimate responsibility for the performance of any powers or duties delegated.

(cf. 2210 ‑ Administrative Leeway in Absence of Policy)

  BB 9000(b)

ROLE OF BOARD AND MEMBERS (POWERS, PURPOSES, DUTIES)

(continued)

 
   

Judicial Functions

 

The Board believes that positive personnel and public relations rely upon the ability to hear and resolve grievances, complaints and criticisms. The Board, convened, shall serve as a body of appeal for grievances, complaints and criticisms in accordance with Board policies and negotiated employee agreements.

 

(cf. 1312 - Complaints Concerning the Schools)

(cf. 4144 ‑ Grievances/Complaints)

 

Legal References:

ALASKA STATUTES

14.08.021 Authority (regional school boards)

14.08.041 Regional school boards

14.08.101 Powers (regional school boards)

14.08.111 Duties (regional school boards)

14.14.060 Relationship between borough school district and borough

14.14.065 Relationship between city school district and city

14.14.130 Chief school administrator

29.35.160 Education (military reservations)

Unalaska City School District
4/93

 
Bylaws of the Board BB 9010
   

PUBLIC STATEMENTS

 

 

Before voting on any issue, all Board members shall be encouraged to present whatever evidence they may feel important to the matter at hand. The Board shall fully consider the implications and relevancy of all information so presented. All opinions, reactions and positions shall be openly discussed, so that each member may understand all aspects of the issue before the Board makes its decision. Any Board member who may wish to criticize or oppose any specific Board action should do so during the Board meeting.

 

Once a Board decision has been reached, all Board members shall abide by that decision until it is amended or rescinded by subsequent Board action. When Board members express their opinions outside of the Board meeting, it is their responsibility to respect the democratic nature of Board decision‑making and always identify personal viewpoints as such.

 

Public statements in the name of the School Board shall be issued by the Board President or, if appropriate, by the Superintendent or designee at the direction of the Board President.

 

(cf. 9011 ‑ Disclosure of Confidential Information)

(cf. 9012 – Communication To and From the Board)

Unalaska City School District
4/93

 
Bylaws of the Board  BB 9011
   

DISCLOSURE OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

 

 

Confidential information which is produced for or which comes out during executive sessions of the Board shall not be divulged or released unless a majority of the Board agree to release the information, subject to applicable laws regarding executive sessions and confidential records. This bylaw is not intended to cause the withholding of information about the purpose of executive sessions of the Board.

 

(cf. 1340 ‑ Access to District Records)

(cf. 4112.6/4212.6/4312.6 ‑ Personnel Records)

(cf. 5125 ‑ Student Records)

 

Information from executive session shall be released by the President or chairman of the meeting in which the executive session is held.

 

Any Board member who releases confidential information contrary to the provisions of this bylaw may be publicly censured by a majority vote of the Board.

 

(cf. 4119.23 ‑ Unauthorized Release of Confidential Information)

(cf. 9321 ‑ Executive Sessions)

Unalaska City School District
4/93

 
Bylaws of the Board   BB 9012
   

BOARD MEMBER USE OF ELECTRONIC MAIL

 

 

E-mail to, by, and between Board members, in their capacity as Board members, shall not be used to conduct Board business.  It shall be limited to:

          1.       Disseminating information; and

          2.       Messages not involving deliberation, debate, or decision making.

It may contain:

          1.       Agenda item suggestions;

          2.       Reminders regarding meeting times, dates, and places;

          3.       Board meeting agenda or public record information concerning agenda items; or

          4.       Responses to questions proposed by the community, administrators, or school staff.

 

A Board member sending an e-mail concerning the District may copy the Superintendent or designee, who shall store the message consistent with the district’s practice of record retention.  There is no expectation of privacy for any message sent or received by e-mail. 

 

(cf. 3523 – E-Mail)

(cf. 9010 – Public Statements)

(cf. 9320 – Meetings)

(cf. 9322 – Agenda/Meeting Materials)

Legal References:

            ALASKA STATUTES

            40.25.110 - .220 – Alaska’s Public Records Act

            40.62.310 -.312 – Alaska’s Open Meetings Act

 

Added 9/01

Unalaska City School District
9/92

 
Bylaws of the Board BB 9020
   

BOARD STANDARDS

 

 

The Board believes it should hold itself to high standards of performance, accountability, and conduct in order to meet the public trust that has been bestowed by the public election of each member.

 

Therefore, the Board has adopted the Board Standards established by the Association of Alaska School Boards, which provide a framework for effective school governance and keep the Board’s focus on student achievement.

 

Regular efforts will be made to orient new Board members to the board standards, provide on-going board development opportunities to assist all Board members in meeting those standards, and assess board performance to measure the Board’s effectiveness in meeting them.

 

(cf. 9000 – Role of Board and Members)

(cf. 9230 – Orientation)

(cf. 9240 – Board Development)

(cf. 9400 – Board Self-Evaluation)

Unalaska City School District
12/01

 
Bylaws of the Board   E 9020(a)
   

BOARD STANDARDS

 

 

The Board Standards developed by the Association of Alaska School Boards and listed below have been adopted by the Unalaska School Board as a standard of performance this School Board will constantly strive to meet.

 

Vision

 

The Board Creates A Shared Vision To Enhance Student Achievement

 

1.1     Board develops a dynamic shared vision for education that reflects student needs and community priorities.

 

1.2     Board keeps the district and community focused on educating students.

 

1.3     Board demonstrates its strong commitment to vision by using the shared vision to guide decision-making.

 

Structure

 

The Board Provides A Structure That Supports The Vision

 

2.1     Board establishes a management system that results in effective decision-making processes and enables all the people to help the district achieve its vision and make the best use of its resources.

 

2.2     Board ensures that long and short-term plans are developed and annually revised through a process involving extensive participation, information gathering, research, and reflection.

 

2.3     Board sets high instructional standards based on the best available information about the knowledge and skills students will need in the future.

 

2.4     Board acts to ensure vision and structure comply with legal requirements.

 

2.5     Board encourages and supports innovative approaches to teaching, learning, and the continuous renewal of education.

  E 9020(b)
BOARD STANDARDS (continued)  
   

Accountability

 

The Board Measures District Performance Toward Accomplishing the Vision and Reports the Results to the Public

 

3.1     Board receives regular reports on student progress and needs based on a variety of assessments to evaluate the quality and equity of the educational program.

 

3.2     Board evaluates the Superintendent and Board performance annually and reports the results to the public.

 

3.3     Board ensures long and short-term plans are evaluated and revised with the needs of students in mind.

 

3.4     Board uses an understandable format to periodically report district performance to the public.

 

Advocacy

 

The Board Champions the Vision

 

4.1     Board leads in celebrating the achievements of students and accomplishments of others who contribute to education.

 

4.2     Board advocates for children and families and establishes strong relationships with parents and other mentors to help support children.

 

4.3     Board establishes partnerships with individuals, groups, and organizations to promote educational opportunities for all students.

 

4.4     Board promotes School Board service as a meaningful way to make long-term contributions to the local community and society.

 

4.5     Board is proactive in identifying and addressing issues that affect the education of students.

  E 9020(c)
BOARD STANDARDS (continued)  
   

Conduct & Ethics

 

The Board And Its Individual Members Conduct District Business In A Fair, Respectful, And Responsible Manner

 

5.1     Board and its individual members act in a manner that reflects service to the community on behalf of students.

 

5.2     Board demonstrates a commitment to continually improving teamwork, problem solving, and decision-making skills through a conscious program of Board development.

 

5.3     Expenditures for Board activities are clearly identified in the budget, related to the district vision, and open to public scrutiny.

Unalaska City School District
12/01

 
Bylaws of the Board   BB 9110
   

BOARD MEMBERSHIP

 

 

Regular Members

 

The School Board shall consist of 5 members elected or appointed in accordance with law.

 

(cf. 9220 ‑ Board Elections)

(cf. 9223 ‑ Board Vacancies)

 

Student Board Members

 

The Board believes it is important to seek out and consider students' ideas, viewpoints and reactions to the educational program. In order to provide student input and involvement, the Board shall appoint student Board members as deemed necessary.

 

Student Board members shall have the right to attend public meetings of the Board, be recognized at meetings, participate in questioning witnesses and discussing issues and shall receive all materials presented to Board members except those related to executive sessions.

 

Student Board members may cast preferential votes on all matters except those subject to executive session discussion. Preferential votes shall not affect the outcome of a vote. Preferential votes shall be recorded in the Board minutes.

 

(cf. 1220 ‑ Citizen Advisory Committees)

 

Legal References:

ALASKA STATUTES

14.08.041 Regional school boards

14.08.091 Administration

14.12.030 School boards

14.12.040 Transition from five to seven member Board

14.12.110 Single body as assembly and school board

14.14.070 Organization of school board

14.14.120 Inoperative district

14.14.250 ‑ 14.14.310 Involvement of young people in government

29.20.300 School boards

Unalaska City School District
4/93

 
Bylaws of the Board    BB 9120
   

OFFICERS AND AUXILIARY PERSONNEL

 

 

Within seven days after certification of election results, the Board shall meet to elect a President and Clerk/Treasurer.

 

(cf. 9121 ‑ Board President)

(cf. 9122 – Clerk/Treasurer)

 

Legal References:

ALASKA STATUTES

14.08.091 Administration

14.12.110 Single body as assembly and school board

14.14.070 Organization of school board

29.20.300 School boards

Unalaska City School District
4/93

 
Bylaws of the Board  E 9120
   

OFFICERS AND AUXILIARY PERSONNEL

 

 

Officers of the Board of Directors shall be elected annually at the organizational meeting following an election according to the following procedure:

 

1.     The election shall be the first item of business after the meeting is called to order and roll is called.

 

2.     The meeting shall be called to order by the Superintendent, who shall establish that a quorum is present and provide for the swearing in of newly elected and reelected members. He shall then call for the election of a President and preside until such time as a President is elected.

 

3.     The method of voting shall be by written ballot or show of hands, as determined by the presiding officer except that by Board action another method may be selected.

 

4.     Nominations shall be made by members of the Board.

 

5.     A nominee must obtain a majority vote of the entire Board to be elected as a chairperson or a majority of those present for election to any other office. Should an office become vacant between organizational meetings, the Board shall follow the procedure set forth above to select a member to fill the vacancy until the ensuing organizational meeting.

Unalaska City School District
4/93

 
Bylaws of the Board BB 9121(a)
   

PRESIDENT

 

 

The Board president shall preside at all School Board meetings. He/she shall:

 

1.       Call the meeting to order at the appointed time.

 

2.       Announce the business to come before the Board in its proper order.

 

3.       Enforce the Board's policies relating to the order of business and the conduct of meetings.

 

4.       Recognize persons who desire to speak, and protect the speaker who has the floor from disturbance or interference.

 

5.       Explain what the effect of a motion would be if it is not clear to every member.

 

6.       Restrict discussion to the question when a motion is before the Board.

 

7.       Rule on parliamentary procedure.

 

8.       Put motions to a vote, and state clearly the results of the vote.

 

9.       Sign minutes of Board meetings over which he/she presides following approval.

 

The President shall have all the rights of any member of the Board, including the right to move, second, discuss, and vote on all questions before the Board.

 

The President shall also perform other duties as directed by the Board, and state laws, regulations and the Board, including the duty to:

 

1.      Sign all instruments, acts, and orders necessary to carry out state requirements and the will of the Board.

 

2.      Consult with the Superintendent or designee on the preparation of the Board's agendas.

 

3.       Appoint and disband all committees, subject to Board approval.

  BB 9121(b)
PRESIDENT (continued)  
   

4.      Call such meetings of the Board as he/she may deem necessary, giving notice as prescribed by law.

 

5.       Excuse board member absences from regular board meetings.

 

6.       Confer with the Superintendent or designee on crucial matters which may occur between Board meetings.

 

7.       Be responsible for the orderly conduct of all Board meetings.

 

8.       Share informational mail with other Board members.

 

When the President resigns or is absent or disabled, the Clerk shall perform the President's duties. When both the President and Clerk are absent or disabled, the Board shall choose a president pro tempore to perform the President's duties.

 

(cf. 9120 - Officers and Auxiliary Personnel)

(cf. 9223 – Board Vacancies)

(cf. 9320 ‑ Meetings)

(cf. 9322 – Agenda/Meeting Materials)

 

Legal Reference:

ALASKA STATUTES

14.14.070 Organization of school board

Unalaska City School District
4/93

 
Bylaws of the Board BB 9122
   

CLERK/TREASURER

 

 

The duties of the Clerk/Treasurer shall be to:

 

1.       Certify or attest to actions taken by the Board when required.

 

2.       Maintain such other, records or reports as required by law.

 

3.       Sign documents as directed by the Board on behalf of the district, and sign all other items which require the signature of the Clerk.

 

4.       Serve as presiding officer in the absence of the President.

 

5.       Perform any other duties assigned by the Board.

 

6.       Ensure preparation of the Board minutes.

 

7.       Ensure maintenance of Board records and documents.

 

(cf. 9120 ‑ Officers and Auxiliary Personnel.