2000 BOARD OPERATIONAL GOALS
The Board of Education, as a legally constituted body of elected representatives, bears the responsibility of setting policy for the school district. The Board acts in accordance with authority and responsibility vested in it by federal and state laws, rules and regulations on behalf of the district’s citizens.
In order to ensure that its educational programs provide all students with a high- quality education, the Board hereby establishes as its goals:
1. to work closely with the community to ensure that Board actions and performance take into consideration the concerns and aspirations of the community;
2. to identify the educational and technological needs of the community and industry and to transform such needs into programs aimed at stimulating students and preparing them for future careers;
3. to employ a Superintendent capable of ensuring that the district maintains its position as an outstanding school system, and that school personnel carry out the policies of the Board with energy and dedication;
4. to provide leadership in order that goals and objectives of the district, as set forth by the Board, can be effectively carried out. Board action should be confined to policy-making, planning and appraisal with the Board delegating authority to the Superintendent for the implementation and proper communication of all policies;
5. to evaluate the Board’s performance in relation to these goals, and to establish and clarify policies based upon the results of such evaluation.
Adopted August 8, 1988
Adopted October 7, 2002
Reviewed September 10, 2012
2100 SCHOOL BOARD LEGAL STATUS
The Board of Education is a seven member Board elected by district residents. Each member of the Board serves for three years. The terms of office of Board members shall not expire in the same year.
The legal status of the Board is that of a corporate body established pursuant to the laws of New York State. Any liability of the district is a liability of the Board as a corporation and not that of the members of the Board as individuals.
In addition, the continuing legality of any contract to which the school district is a party shall not be dependent on the official life of any member of its governing body.
The school district shall provide for the defense and indemnification of a past, present, or future member of its governing body in any civil action or proceeding, state or federal, arising out of an alleged act or omission which occurs or allegedly occurs while a member is acting within the scope of their official duties and shall be held liable for the costs incurred thereby. This is subject to the definitions, limitations qualifications, terms, conditions and intent of Section 18 of the Public Officers Law.
The benefits of Section 18 of Public Law provided to members of the governing body shall supplement and be available in addition to defense and indemnification protection conferred by another enactment in existence on the effective date of this policy.
Ref: Education Law §§1701; 1702; 1703; 1804(1); 2101(2); 2105
Adopted August 8, 1988
Adopted October 7, 2002
2110 SCHOOL BOARD POWERS AND DUTIES
The powers and duties of school boards are fully outlined in Section 1709 of the Education Law. Duties of the Board of Education members shall include but not be limited to:
a. Attend all regular meetings and special meetings
b. Assist in determining the need and providing the facilities, personnel, and materials to maintain the educational programs desired
c. Maintain a close working relationship with fellow Board of Education members, the Superintendent, principals, and other educational bodies
d. Represent the Board of Education when requested to do so
e. Recruitment and appointment of the Superintendent
f. Assist in developing, with the Superintendent, a communication system to keep the Board of Education informed of impending needs and problems
g. Approval of Annual budget
h. Approval of Annual District Audit and fiscal practices
i. Participate in developing, reviewing, and updating the Policy Manual for the direction of the school district staff.
Adopted November 9, 1987
Adopted October 7, 2002
Reviewed September 10, 2012
2111 BOARD MEMBER AUTHORITY
An official vote or action of a member of the Board of Education shall only take place at a public meeting when the board is in session.
Board members acting as individuals have no authority over personnel or school affairs. Members of the Board are free to speak to individuals on these issues outside Board meetings but such public expression is not to be construed as Board policy. Information from executive sessions must remain confidential at all times, unless bound in any way by an individual’s statement or action unless the Board, through an adopted policy or by a majority vote of Board membership, has delegated this authority to the individual member.
Cross-ref: 2110, School Board Powers and Duties
Ref: Education Law§§1604; 1701; 1708; 1709; 1710
Matter of Bruno, 4 EDR 14 (1964)
Adopted November 9, 1987
Adopted October 7, 2002
2112 SCHOOL BOARD INTERVIEWING
The Board of Education shall be involved in the interviewing of finalists for the positions of Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, School Business Administrator, Director of Pupil Personnel Services, District Chairpersons, and school principals.
Adopted August 14, 1989
Reviewed September 10, 2012
2120 SCHOOL BOARD ELECTIONS
The election for Board of Education shall be held on the third Tuesday in May, unless this date conflicts with religious observances on that day, in which case it shall be held on the second Tuesday in May. The polls shall be open for those hours designated by the district. The following items shall be voted upon:
1. the annual budget
2. any vacancies on the Board of Education
3. any special propositions that have been properly presented
Cross-ref: 1050, Annual District Meeting and Election
6120, Budget Hearing
6130, Budget Adoption
Ref: Education Law §§2012; 2013; 2014; 2018; 2018-a; 2019-a; 2031; 2035
Adopted February 11, 1985
Revised November 9, 1987
Adopted October 7, 2002
2120.1 CANDIDATES AND CAMPAIGNING
Nominations
Candidates for the office of member of the Board of Education shall be nominated by petition. Such petition shall be directed to the District Clerk, shall contain the signatures and addresses of at least 25 qualified voters of the district or two percent of the voters who have voted in the previous election, whichever is greater, and shall state the name and residence of the candidate. Each petition shall be filed with the District Clerk not later than 30 days preceding the Annual Meeting and Election at which the candidates so nominated are to be elected.
The District Clerk will supervise the procedure used to establish the order of names on the ballot. The Board may reject nominations if the candidate is ineligible or has declared an unwillingness to serve.
Electioneering
Electioneering during the hours of any vote is prohibited within the polling place or within 100 feet of any such polling place. Displays or handout items of any political nature, except those provided by law, shall be prohibited by any individual, group or organization in any school building in those days when the polls are open for voting on school district matters, including but not limited to, the annual school budget, candidates for the Board of Education, special propositions, etc.
Cross-ref: 1050, Annual District Meeting and Election
6120, Budget Hearing
Ref: Education Law §2018
Adopted February 11, 2002
2120.2 VOTING PROCEDURES
Eligibility to Vote
A person shall be entitled to vote in any school district matters placed upon the official ballot, if such person is:
1. a citizen of the United States
2. at least 18 years of age
3. a resident within the school district for a period of 30 days next preceding the election at which such person desires to vote
4. qualified to register or is registered to vote in accord with section 5-106 of the Election Law which excludes:
a) those convicted felons who have not been pardoned or had their rights of citizenship restored, those whose maximum sentence of imprisonment has not expired, and/or those who have not been discharged from parole
b) persons adjudged mentally incompetent by a court
5. listed upon current voter registration lists maintained by the local Board of Elections or properly registered to vote within the school district. In such districts, the Board of Education shall appoint a Board of Registration and shall designate the registration place and hours for district residents.
Challenges to voters believed unqualified to vote may be undertaken pursuant to Education Law provisions. Each annual or special election or meeting shall have a presiding chairman appointed by the Board. Such chairman shall have the responsibility of properly handling any challenges to the qualification of any voter.
Voting
Voting machines shall be used for recording the votes on all elections, budget votes, and votes on propositions. The only exception to the use of voting machines shall be an emergency situation whereby the machines are unavailable due to a mechanical failure or state or local law prohibiting their use. If this should arise, paper ballots will be used.
Each voting machine shall have at least two election inspectors appointed by the Board in attendance during all voting hours. It shall be the duty of the District Clerk and assistant clerk or clerks to keep a poll list containing the name and legal residence of each person before such person is permitted to vote.
Entering a voting machine with another person is prohibited, except upon the request of a voter, in which case an election inspector shall be allowed to enter the voting machine with that voter for the sole purpose of assisting that person in the actual manipulation of the voting machine. The election inspector shall not advise or induce such voter to vote on any proposition or candidate and the election inspector shall never reveal the vote(s) recorded by the voter to any other person at any time.
Write-in ballot slots are required. Ballots containing the names of nominated candidates will be provided by the Board. On a paper ballot, one blank space will be provided under the name of the last candidate for each office so that voters may vote for candidates who have not been nominated for the offices to be filled at the election. There will be as many write-in slots as there are vacancies at the time of election.
In writing, with a black lead pencil, of a name in the blank space so provided, will sufficiently indicate a vote. The district cannot require a voter to place any other mark beside the name of a write-in candidate.
Absentee Ballots
The Board provides for the use of absentee ballots for voting. Such ballots shall be available for the election of members to the Board of Education, the adoption of the school district budget and on questions and propositions submitted to the voters of the district. The application must be received by the day before the election, if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the application must be received by the day before the election, if the ballot is to be personally delivered. The application must be completed and returned, and the individual must verify therein that he/she meets all voting requirements, and explain the reason for his/her inability to appear in person to vote.
In particular, the individual must explain that they will be unable to appear to vote in person on the day of the school district election because:
1. they will be a patient in a hospital, or unable to appear personally at the polling place on such day because of illness or physical disability
2. their duties, occupation, business or studies will require them to be outside of the county or city of their residence in such day
3. they will be on vacation outside the county or city of their residence on such day
4. they will be detained in jail awaiting action by a grand jury, awaiting trial, or is confined in prison after conviction for an offense other than a felony.
The district shall request registration lists from the Board of Elections for those voters whose registration record has been marked “permanently disabled” and shall automatically mail absentee ballots to such voters in advance of each district vote or election.
Ref: Education Law §2012;2014;2018;2018-a;2018-b; 2018-c;2019; 2019-a;2020; 2025; 2032 (2)(e); 2035;2037;2603;2607;2610;2613
Education Law §§3-224; 5-106; 5-612; 5-400; 5-406
Matter of Rodriguez, 31 EDR 471 (1992)
Matter of Gretsy, 31 EDR 90 (1991)
Matter of Ferro, 25 EDR 175 (1985)
Matter of Manno and Maloney, 23 EDR 172 (1983)
Matter of Yost, 21 EDR 140 (1981)
Matter of Alpert and Helmer, 20 EDR 281 (1980)
Matter of Reigler and Barton, 16 EDR 256 (1977)
Adopted February 11, 2002
2120.2-E APPLICATION FOR ABSENTEE BALLOT
2121 BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBER QUALIFICATIONS
The qualifications of a candidate for the office of member of the Board of Education are that the candidate be:
1. able to read and write
2. a qualified voter of the district
3. a resident of the school district for at least one year prior to election
In accordance with Sections 2103 and 2130 of the Education Law, a Board member may not be employed by the district nor hold office as tax collector or treasurer.
In addition, no employee of the school district may be a member of the Board, except as permitted by law.
Ref: Education Law §§2102; 2103; 2502(7)
Adopted November 9, 1987
Revised February 11, 2002
Revised November 26, 2012
2130 BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBER RESIGNATION
A member of the Board of Education may resign their office by filing their written resignation with the District Clerk. The resignation is effective on the date of receipt or the date specified in the document. In no event shall the effective date of resignation be more than 30 days after its proper filing.
A board vacancy does not exist until the effective date of the resignation.
Ref: Public Officers Law §31(1) (h)
Adopted November 9, 1987
Revised October 7, 2002
Revised November 26, 2012
2140 BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBER REMOVAL FROM OFFICE
A member of the Board of Education may be removed from office for willful violation or neglect of duty, or willful disobeying any decision, order or regulation of the Commissioner of Education. Notice of the charge and an opportunity for defense shall be provided. Official misconduct may be grounds for removal by the Board of Education after a hearing.
A vacancy on the Board of Education may also be declared if it is clearly established that a member has failed to attend three consecutive meetings without sufficient excuse or if a member has changed their legal residence from that of the school district.
Ref: Education Law §§306; 1709; 2109
Adopted November 9, 1987
Revised October 7, 2002
Revised November 26, 2012
2160 SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER ETHICS
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 806 of the General Municipal Law, the Scotia-Glenville Board of Education hereby adopts a code of ethics for all district employees and Board members. The Superintendent is authorized to make the adopted code a part of the administrative plan for implementation of this bylaw and to distribute the code to all district employees.
A Board of Ethics, consisting of five (5) members, shall be appointed at the annual reorganization meeting of the Board of Education. These members shall serve without compensation and at the pleasure of the Board of Education. Three (3) members of the Board of Ethics shall be persons other than officers or employees of the Scotia-Glenville Central School District, or the spouses, minor children or dependents of such officers and employees. One member of the Board of Ethics shall be selected from the non-supervisory employees of the district.
The Board of Ethics shall have the powers and duties prescribed by Article 18 of the General Municipal Law and any code of ethics adopted pursuant to such article, under such rules and regulations as the board may prescribe. In addition, the Board of Ethics may make recommendations with respect to the drafting and adoption of a code of ethics or amendments thereto upon the request of the Board of Education.
The Board therefore adopts the following code of ethics and its accompanying regulation for the guidance of its officers and employees. Board members and their staff commit themselves to:
a. Assure the opportunity for high quality education for every student.
b. Observe state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to education.
c. Accept office as a board member as a means of unselfish service, and in accordance therewith, in order to be considered for any employment position within the school district, a board member must resign from the board prior to submission of an application for employment.
d. Take official actions in public sessions.
e. Represent the entire community without fear or favor.
f. Remember at all times the board member is one of an educational team.
g. Maintain confidentiality of privileged information.
h. Recognize that the strength of a school board is as a board, not as individuals.
i. Delegate authority to the chief school administrator as the board executive and confine board action to policy making, planning, and appraisal.
j. Employ only competent trained personnel.
k. Preserve the obligation of having controversial issues presented fairly and without bias.
l. Instill respect toward our country and one’s fellow man.
Adopted November 9, 1987
Revised October 7, 2002
2160-R SCHOOL DISTRICT OFFICER AND EMPLOYEE CODE OF ETHICS
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 806 of the General Municipal Law, the Board of Education of the Scotia-Glenville Central School District recognizes that there are rules of ethical conduct for the public officers and employees which must be observed if a high degree of moral conduct is to be obtained and if public confidence is to be maintained in the school district. It is the purpose of this resolution to promulgate these rules of ethical conduct for the officers and employees of the Scotia-Glenville Central School District. These rules of ethical conduct of this resolution as adopted, shall not conflict with, but shall be in addition to any prohibition of Article 18 of the General Municipal Law or any other general or special law relating to the ethical conduct and interest in contracts of school district officers and employees.
Therefore, every officer and employee of the district, whether paid or unpaid, including members of the Board of Education, shall adhere to the following code of conduct:
1. Gifts: An officer or employee shall not directly or indirectly solicit any gift or accept or receive any gift having a value of $25 or more, whether in the form of money, services, loan, travel, entertainment, hospitality, thing or promise, any other form, under circumstances in which it could reasonably be inferred that the gift was intended to influence them in the performance of thier official duties or was intended as a reward for any official action in their part.
However, the Board welcomes and encourages the writing of letters or notes expressing gratitude or appreciation to staff members. Gifts from children that are principally sentimental in nature and of insignificant financial value may be accepted in the spirit in which they are given.
2. Confidential information: An officer or employee shall not disclose confidential information acquired by them in the course of their official duties or use such information to further his or her personal interest. In addition, he/she shall not disclose information regarding any matters discussed in an executive session of the Board whether such information is deemed confidential or not
3. Representation before the Board: An officer or employee shall not receive or enter into any agreement, express or implied, for compensation for services to be rendered in retaliation to any matter before the school district.
4. Representation before the Board: An officer or employee shall not receive or enter into any agreement, express or implied, for compensation for services to be rendered in relation to any matter before the school district, whereby the compensation is to be dependent or contingent upon any action by the school district with respect to such matter, provided that this paragraph shall not prohibit the fixing at any time of fees based upon the reasonable value of the services rendered.
5. Disclosure of interest in matters before the Board: A member of the Board of Education and any officer or employee of the district, whether paid or unpaid, who participates in the discussion or gives official opinion to the Board on any matter before the Board shall publicly disclose on the official record of the nature and extent of any direct or indirect financial or other private interest he or she has in such matter. The term “interest” means a pecuniary or material benefit accruing to an officer or employee.
6. Investments in conflict with official duties: An officer or employee shall not invest or hold any investment directly in any financial, business, commercial or other private transaction that creates a conflict with their official duties.
7. Private employment: An officer or employee shall not engage in, solicit, negotiate for or promise to accept private employment when that employment or service creates a conflict with or impairs the proper discharge of their official duties.
8. Future employment: An officer or employee shall not, after the termination of service or employment with the Board, appear before the Board or any panel or committee of the Board, in relation to any case, proceeding or application in which they personally participated during the period of their service or employment or that was under their active consideration. This shall not bar or prevent the timely filing by a present or former officer or employee of any claim, account, demand or suit against the district on their own behalf or on behalf of any member of their family arising out of any personal injury or property damage or any lawful benefit authorized or permitted by law.
9. Special Privileges: An officer or employee shall not use or attempt to use their official position to secure unwarranted privileges or exemptions for themselves or others.
10.General Conduct: An officer or employee shall endeavor to act in a manner in keeping with their position of public trust and this Code of Ethics.
Distribution of Code of Ethics
The Superintendent shall cause a copy of this Code of Ethics to be distributed to every officer and employee of the school district. Each officer and employee elected or appointed thereafter shall be furnished a copy before entering upon the duties of their office or employment. In addition, the Superintendent shall ensure that a copy of Article 18 of the General Municipal Law shall be kept posted in each public building under the district’s jurisdiction in a place conspicuous to the district’s officers and employees.
Penalties
In addition to any penalty contained in any other provision of law, any person who shall knowingly and intentionally violate any of the provisions of the Board’s code of ethics and its accompanying regulation may be fined, suspended or removed from office or employment, as the case may be, in the manner provided by law.
Ref: General Municipal Law §§
Adopted October 7, 2002
2210 BOARD ORGANIZATION MEETING
The Board of Education recognizes its obligation to hold an annual reorganizational meeting. The purpose of the reorganizational meeting is to elect officers of the Board and make the proper appointments and designations of other district employees for the proper management of the school district during the school year. The Board shall also perform such annual functions as are designated by law.
The annual reorganizational meeting of the Board of Education shall be held at a date during the first 15 days of July.
The meeting shall be called to order by the Clerk of the Board, who shall preside until the election of a new president. The order of business to be conducted at the reorganizational meeting shall include the following items required or implied by state law and/or regulation:
I. Administration Oath
The District Clerk shall administer the oath of office to newly-elected Board members and the Superintendent. Such oath shall conform to Article XIII-1 of the New York State Constitution, and Section 10 of the Public Officers Law; the Clerk shall countersign the oath. No new Board member shall be permitted to vote until he/she has taken the oath.
II. Election of Officers
The Board shall elect a president and vice-president for the ensuing year, and administer the oath of the office to them. A majority of all members of the Board shall be necessary for a valid election.
III. Appointment of Officers
The Board shall appoint and the Board President shall administer the oath of office to the following officials:
- District Treasurer
- Deputy Treasurer
- Clerk of the Board
- Tax Collector
- Internal Claims Auditor
IV. Other Appointments
The Board shall appoint and establish the stipend (if any) for the following positions:
- School Physician
- School Attorney
- Members of the Board of Ethics
- Records Access Officer
- Records Management Officer
- Voting Delegate to Scotia-Glenville PTA Council
- Extraclassroom Activity Account Treasures and Auditors
V. Bonding of Personnel
The Board may bond the following personnel handling district funds:
- District Clerk
- School Attorney
- Tax Collector
- Internal Claims
- Tax Collector
- Auditor
- District Treasurer
- Deputy Treasurer
- Central Treasurer of Student Activity Account
The Board may include any of the above officers in a blanket undertaking, pursuant to law and Commissioner’s Regulations, rather than bond individuals.
VI. Designations
The Board shall designate:
- Official depositories for district funds
- Official district newspapers
- The district’s Legislative Liaison
VII. Authorizations
a) Of persons to certify payrolls
b) Of persons to sign agreements with the School Lunch Program
c) Of attendance at conferences, conventions, workshops, etc; with designated expenses
d) Of payment of tuition and transportation charges for pupils from the district attending other schools as permitted by law
e) Of persons to sign contacts for transportation of pupils by private contractors as needed
f) To establish petty cash funds (and to set amount of such funds)
g) To designate authorized signatures on checks
h) Of Superintendent to approve budget transfers
VIII. Other Items
a) Establish rate for mileage reimbursement
b) Other
The Board shall conduct general business at this meeting before it adjourns, if it so desires.
Cross-ref: 2310, Regular Meetings
5252, Student Activities Funds Management
Ref: New York State Constitution, Article XIII, §10; 13
Education Law §§1707; 1804(4); 2130
Adopted November 9, 1987
Revised October 7, 2002
Reviewed September 10, 2012
2220 BOARD OFFICERS
The President and Vice President of the Board of Education shall be elected by members of the Board at the annual reorganizational meeting in July.
Duties of the President of the Board
The duties of the President of the Board shall be as follows:
1. to preside at all meetings
2. to act as chief fiscal officer of the Board
3. to execute all documents on behalf of the Board
4. to appoint all standing and ad hoc committees; to act as an ex-officio member of all committees
5. to call special meetings he/she considers necessary or on request of one member of the Board
Duties of the Vice-President
The Vice-President shall be authorized to act for the President in case of the President’s absence or inability to act, within statutory limitations.
Ref: New York State Constitution, Article 13 §2
Local Finance Law §2.00(5) (e)
Education Law§§1709; 2105(6); 2502; 2504; 2553; 2563; 2590-b
Adopted November 9, 1987
Revised October 7, 2002
Reviewed September 10, 2012
2230 APPOINTED BOARD OFFICIALS
The Board will appoint district officials such as the clerk, treasurer, auditor and tax collector. Performance of duties is dictated by law and regulation. Compensation is fixed by the Board at the reorganization meeting in lieu of any fees or other form of remuneration.
Adopted November 9, 1987
2240 BOARD OF EDUCATION – SUPERINTENDENT RELATIONSHIP
The Board of Education is primarily a policy-making body. The Board of Education delegates the responsibility for the administration of the Policy Manual to the Superintendent.
Delegation by the Board of Education of its executive powers to the Superintendent provides freedom for them to manage the school within the Board’s policies and frees the Board to devote its time to policymaking and appraisal functions.
The Board holds the Superintendent responsible for the administration of its policies, the execution of Board decisions, the operation of the internal machinery designed to serve the educational programs and for keeping the Board informed about district operations and problems.
Adopted November 9, 1987
Revised October 7, 2002
Revised November 26, 2012
2260 ADVISORY COMMITTEES TO THE BOARD
The Board of Education may establish advisory committees for special projects or to address specific problems or issues, except as otherwise specified by law. Final decisions in all matters rest with the Board of Education.
Procedures will be established by the Board of Education for the creation and function of the advisory committees. These procedures shall include: specific charges or tasks assigned to committees, payment of committee expenses, membership of committees and procedures for dissolution of committees.
Committees shall report all suggestions and recommendations to the Board of Education and Superintendent prior to public release. Final reports shall be delivered to the Board of Education at a meeting scheduled by the Board to receive the report.
Any official policy-level action is the sole discretion of the Board of Education. The Board of Education is in no way obligated to follow committee recommendations. The Board has the right to accept, reject or modify all or any part of a committee recommendation.
Adopted November 9, 1987
Revised November 26, 2012
2261 COMMITTEE ON SPECIAL EDUCATION: (CSE)
In compliance with the Commissioner’s regulations, Part 200.2 (b) (2), the Board of Education shall appoint a Committee on Special Education (CSE). This committee is responsible for providing the Board with current recommendations regarding identification placement and programming information for students with handicapping conditions. The Board of Education shall review all CSE recommendations to insure that district students with handicapping conditions are provided with a free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment.
Appropriate local, county and State sponsored training sessions will be made available to present and future CSE members and other appointed personnel to increase their knowledge of students with handicapping conditions and the regulation.
Adopted February 8, 1988
2270 SCHOOL ATTORNEY
The Board shall employ one or more attorneys to provide legal advice to the Board and Superintendent on matters pertaining to the District, and to assist the Board and staff in the performance of their legal responsibilities. The school attorney who is designated general counsel will render advice to the Board, administrators and staff of the District, and be responsible, except where special counsel has been retained, for all legal matters affecting the District. Said appointment shall be made at the reorganization meeting.
Adopted November 9, 1987
Revised January 9, 2012
Adopted January 23, 2012
2280 CONSULTANTS TO THE BOARD
The Superintendent shall recommend the employment of consultants to the Board as the need arises. Employed because of temporary need for their specialized knowledge or experience, consultants serve in an advisory capacity. Consultants are to present a written proposal for their work and fees and report to the Board and or/Superintendent on a regular basis.
Adopted November 9, 1987
2281 APPOINTMENT AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE OF IMPARTIAL HEARING OFFICERS
Appointment
The Board of Education shall annually appoint those individuals certified by the Education Department who have expressed a willingness to serve as impartial hearing officers within the Scotia-Glenville District. Upon a request for an impartial hearing for a student with disabilities pursuant to state and federal laws and regulations, the Clerk of the Board shall select an impartial hearing officer from the Board-approved list in rotational order.
Conditions of Service
The District will be responsible for compensating the Impartial Hearing Officer for pre-hearing, and post-hearing activities at the rate agreed upon at the time of the Impartial Hearing Officer’s appointment. The rate of compensation may not exceed $80 per hour with the maximum, daily amount not to exceed $500. The final rate will be consistent with the going rate in the region. There is no daily maximum of hours for pre-hearing, hearing and post-hearing activities. Compensation for hearing related activities (e.g., duplication, travel, telephone, etc.) is understood to be included in the daily rate. No allowance shall be made for overnight lodging except with prior written approval for the District.
Adopted July 14, 1997
Revised December 11, 2000
Revised January 9, 2012
Adopted January 23, 2012
2300 SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS
The Board will transact all business at official meetings of the Board. Under State Education Law, the Board shall hold a reorganization meeting, regular monthly meetings, and special meetings.
Adopted November 9, 1987
2310 REGULAR MEETINGS
Regular Board of Education meetings shall be adopted at the reorganization meeting and are normally held at designated district facility on the 2nd Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m., unless otherwise announced.
Adopted November 9, 1987
Revised September 27, 2010
Revised July 11, 2011
2320 SPECIAL MEETINGS
In accordance with Section 1606, sub-section three (3) of the Education Law, special Board of Education meetings may be called by a Board member upon twenty-four (24) hours notice to other members. In addition, special meetings will be held monthly for curriculum reports as scheduled on the Board Look Ahead.
Adopted November 9, 1987
2325 SPECIAL DISTRICT MEETING
A special meeting of the school district may be called by the Board of Education upon its own motion or upon the presentation of a petition requesting the calling of a special district meeting. The petition shall state the purpose of the meeting and shall be signed by twenty-five (25) qualified voters or five (5) percent of the number of voters who voted in the previous annual school district meeting, whichever is greater. Proper notice of such meeting as provided for in the Education Law must be published by the Board of Education. Only those matters contained in this formal call of the meeting may be discussed and voted upon at such special district meeting. The Board of Education retains the responsibility of determining the property and the legality of such special meeting.
Adopted February 11, 1985
Revised November 9, 1987
2330 EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Board of Education may hold executive sessions with only the members of the Board and persons invited in attendance. In accordance with state statutes, the subjects for which an executive session may be properly converted are: discussion of real property (sale, lease, or pending purchase); personnel matters; proposed personnel matters; collective negotiations, proposed pending or current litigation and sale of securities.
Education Law 3020-a provides that any probable cause vote must be conducted in executive session.
Adopted November 9, 1987
2340 NOTICE OF MEETINGS
A public notice of regular and special Board of Education meetings will be distributed to the Town of Glenville Office, Scotia Public Library, various newspapers covering the district, each school building and District Office and to each member of the Board of Education. The notice for all such meetings will be prepared by the Superintendent in conjunction with the President of the Board and posted at least twenty-four (24) hours in advance of the meeting.
Adopted November 9, 1987
2341 AGENDA FORMAT
The Board of Education shall adopt an order of business for all regular meetings. At the beginning and end of each meeting, members of the public will be afforded an opportunity for a hearing.
If a hearing is requested prior to the meeting, a five (5) minute time limit will be afforded the speaker; otherwise, a three (3) minute limit is set.
Adopted November 9, 1987
2342 AGENDA PREPARATION AND DISSEMINATION
The responsibility of providing an agenda for all Board of Education meetings will be shared cooperatively by the Board President and the Superintendent.
Any Board member may have a matter placed on the agenda of a meeting by submitting it to either the Board President or the Superintendent.
The agenda, together with supporting materials, shall be distributed to Board members at least two (2) days in advance of the scheduled meeting. The agenda and appropriate materials shall be made available to the public upon request.
Any items added to the agenda after it has been disseminated to Board members shall be announced at the commencement of the Board meeting. Such items may be excluded by majority vote of the Board members present.
Adopted November 9, 1987
2351 QUORUM
Four members present shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at a regular or duly called special meeting of the Board of Education. Regardless of the number present, four (4) affirmative votes are needed to pass any motion.
Adopted November 9, 1987
Revised May 13, 2013
First Reading February 8, 2016
Adopted February 22, 2016
2352 RULES OF ORDER
Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised (10th Edition), shall govern the conduct of all regular and special meetings.
Adopted February 11, 1985
Revised November 9, 1987
First Reading February 8, 2016
Adopted February 22, 2016
2360 MINUTES
Minutes of Board of Education meetings shall list all board members and staff present and all citizens requesting and allowed to be heard at the meeting. The minutes shall cover all actions taken by the Board of Education and also any individual statement specifically requested by a Board member or the Superintendent to be entered in the minutes.
Minutes shall be taken in written form by the Clerk of the Board. These minutes shall be presented for approval at the next regular Board of Education meeting, and upon approval, shall constitute the legal record of the meeting. It shall be the intent of the Board of Education that corrections to the minutes will be made at the next regular meeting.
Adopted November 9, 1987
First Reading February 8, 2016
Adopted February 22, 2016
2400 SCHOOL BOARD POLICIES
All Board of Education Policies must be consistent with Federal, State and local laws and regulations. Board of Education Policies form the bylaws and rules that supplement the law for governance of the school district. Board of Education policies are the standards to which the board, school district employees, students and members of the public on school property must comply. Board of Education policies are legally binding and are, along with the Federal, State and local laws and regulations, the laws which govern the district.
Adopted January 8, 2007
First Reading February 8, 2016
Adopted February 22, 2016
2410 FORMULATION, ADOPTION, AMENDMENT OF POLICIES
The Board of Education may solicit or accept proposals for new policies from any interested party.
Proposed new Board of Education policies and/or amendments to existing policies and supporting information will first be presented to the Board as an item for discussion, evaluation, and comment. The Board of Education shall grant the public an opportunity for public comment before any proposed policy or an amended existing policy first appears as an agenda item for adoption.
New policies or changes to existing policies may be adopted as a regular order of business at a Board of Education meeting, providing that changes have been announced as an agenda item and passed by a vote of the Board at two consecutive meetings. The Board may propose a vote to accept changes to a policy when it appears on the agenda for adoption. A subsequent opportunity for public comment on such changes shall be provided, and the final vote to adopt a policy shall be in a version that is unchanged from the version accepted at the previous meeting.
Adopted January 8, 2007
First Reading February 8, 2016
Adopted February 22, 2016
2430 SUSPENSION OF POLICIES
Board of Education policies and bylaws are intended to reflect those provisions of the Education Law which govern the matters to herein and in any case where these bylaws may appear in conflict with Education Law, the Education Law shall be deemed to be correct and will overrule the matter.
Adopted February 11, 1985
Revised November 9, 1987
First Reading February 8, 2016
Adopted February 22, 2016
2450 POLICY DISSEMINATION
Board of Education policies will, at a minimum, be made available to the public in accordance with the requirements of the law. In addition, Board of Education policies will be made available for public review on the district website (www.scotiaglenvilleschools.org).
Adopted January 8, 2007
First Reading February 8, 2016
Adopted February 22, 2016
2460 POLICY REVIEW AND EVALUATION
The Board of Education shall provide for review and evaluation of the effectiveness of Board policies.
The Board of Education may designate a Policy Subcommittee of up to 3 Board members and other interested parties to review existing policies, recommend modifications, propose new policies, and conduct other policy-related activities as deemed necessary by the Board of Education. Board Policy Subcommittee meetings shall be held in accordance with applicable law.
Adopted January 8, 2007
First Reading February 8, 2016
Adopted February 22, 2016
2510 NEW BOARD MEMBER ORIENTATION
Subsequent to the annual election of Board of Education members and on or about the reorganization meeting current Board of Education members and the Superintendent shall assume responsibility for the orientation of newly elected members for the purpose of discussing District objectives, Board policies and bylaws, and other matters pertinent to Board of Education membership.
New Board of Education members will also receive a formal orientation on day-to-day operation of the school district by the President of Board, Superintendent and other office staff as determined by the Board of Education President and Superintendent.
The Board of Education encourages new members to attend the NYSSBA New Board Member Seminar and any required training, including fiscal training.
Adopted November 9, 1987
First Reading February 8, 2016
Adopted February 22, 2016
2521 SCHOOL BOARD CONFERENCES, CONVENTIONS AND WORKSHOP
The Board of Education encourages participation of its members at appropriate school board conferences, workshops, and conventions. The cost of attending such events will be reimbursed to the extent allowed by state and / or federal guidelines.
Adopted November 9, 1987
First Reading February 8, 2016
Adopted February 22, 2016
2530 MEMBERSHIP IN SCHOOL BOARD ASSOCIATION
The Board may become members of educational organizations and associations which further the educational program of the school district. Membership may include, but are not limited to: NYSSBA, CASDA, and SAASBA.
Adopted November 9, 1987
2550 BOARD MEMBER COMPENSATION AND EXPENSES
Members of the Board of Education shall be reimbursed for expenses which are incurred and connected with the discharge of their duties and responsibilities in accordance with the administrative plan and Section 77-6 of the General Municipal Law.
Adopted November 9, 1987