The Board of Trustees believes that its primary responsibility is to act in the best interests of every student in the district. The Board also has major commitments to parents/guardians, all members of the community, employees, the state of California, laws pertaining to public education, and established policies of the district. To maximize Board effectiveness and public confidence in district governance, Board members are expected to govern responsibly and hold themselves to the highest standards of ethical conduct.
(cf. 9000 - Role of the Board)
(cf. 9270 - Conflict of Interest)
The Board expects its members to work with each other and the Superintendent to ensure that a high-quality education is provided to each student. Each individual Board member shall:
1.Keep learning and achievement for all students as the primary focus
2.Value, support and advocate for public education
(cf. 9010 - Public Statements)
3. Recognize and respect differences of perspective and style on the Board and among staff, students, parents and the community
4. Act with dignity, and understand the implications of demeanor and behavior
5.Keep confidential matters confidential
(cf. 9011 - Disclosure of Confidential/Privileged Information)
6. Participate in professional development and commit the time and energy necessary to be an informed and effective leader
(cf. 9240 - Board Development)
7. Understand the distinctions between Board and staff roles, and refrain from performing management functions that are the responsibility of the Superintendent and staff
(cf. 2110- Superintendent Responsibilities and Duties)
8. Understand that authority rests with the Board as a whole and not with individuals
(cf. 9200 - Members)
Board members also shall assume collective responsibility for building unity and creating a positive organizational culture. To operate effectively, the Board shall have a unity of purpose and:
1. Keep the district focused on learning and achievement for all students
2.Communicate a common vision
(cf. 0000 - Vision)
(cf. 0100 - Philosophy)
(cf. 0200 - Goals for the School District)
3.Operate openly, with trust and integrity
4. Govern in a dignified and professional manner, treating everyone with civility and respect
5.Govern within Board-adopted policies and procedures
(cf. 9311 - Board Policies)
(cf. 9312 - Board Bylaws)
6.Take collective responsibility for the Board's performance
7.Periodically evaluate its own effectiveness
(cf. 9400 - Board Self-Evaluation)
8. Ensure opportunities for the diverse range of views in the community to inform Board deliberations
(cf. 1220 - Citizen Advisory Committees)
(cf. 9323 - Meeting Conduct)
9.Respond to issues quickly and responsibly
The primary responsibilities of the Board are to set a direction for the district, provide a structure by establishing policies, ensure accountability and provide community leadership on behalf of the district and public education. To fulfill these responsibilities, an effective Board should:
1.Involve the community, parents, students and staff in developing a common vision for the district focused on learning and achievement and be responsive to the needs of all students.
2.Adopt, evaluate and update policies consistent with the law and the district's vision and goals.
3. Maintain accountability for student learning by adopting the district curriculum and monitoring student progress.
4.Hire and support the superintendent so that the vision, goals and policies of the district can be implemented.
5. Conduct regular and timely evaluations of the superintendent based on the vision, goals and performance of the district, and ensure that the superintendent holds district personnel accountable and professional.
6. Adopt a fiscally responsible budget based on the district's vision and goals, and regularly monitor the fiscal health of the district.
7. Ensure that a safe and appropriate educational environment is provided to all students.
8. Establish a framework for the district's collective bargaining process and adopt responsible agreements.
9.Provide community leadership on educational issues and advocate on behalf of students and public education at the local, state and federal levels.
Legal Reference:
EDUCATION CODE
35010 Power of governing board to adopt rules for its own governance
35160 Board authority to act in any manner not conflicting with law
35164 Actions by majority vote
GOVERNMENT CODE
1090 Financial interest in contract
1098 Disclosure of confidential information
1125-1129 Incompatible activities
54950-54963 The Ralph M. Brown Act
87300-87313 Conflict of interest code
Management Resources:
CSBA PUBLICATIONS
CSBA Professional Governance Standards, 2000
Maximizing School Board Leadership: Boardsmanship, 1996
WEB SITES
CSBA: http://www.csba.org
Bylaw AROMAS-SAN JUAN UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
adopted: May 1, 2002 San Juan Bautista, California