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BBAA - Individual Board Member’s Authority and Responsibilities

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Code: BBAA
Adopted: 3/11/08
Revised/Readopted: 4/18/17; 6/16/20; 1/11/22
Orig. Code(s): BBAA

An individual Board member exercises the authority and responsibility of their 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 ESD’s designated representative in collective bargaining, a Board member may make and accept proposals in bargaining subject to subsequent approval by the Board.

When expressing personal opinions in public, the Board member should clearly identify the opinions as their own.

Members will be knowledgeable of information requested through Board action, supplied by the superintendent, gained through attendance at ESD activities and through professional Board activities.

Members of the Board will adhere to the following in carrying out the responsibilities of membership:

1. Request for Information

Any individual Board member who desires a copy of an existing written report or survey prepared by the administrative staff will make such a request to the superintendent. A copy of the material may be made available to each member of the Board. Requests for the generation of reports or information, which require additional expense to the ESD, must be submitted to the Board for consideration.

2. Requests for Legal Opinions

Requests for legal advice or opinions by a Board member must be approved by a majority vote of the Board before the request is made to legal counsel. The Board chair is authorized to obtain legal advice or opinions if advantageous to do so prior to the next meeting (e.g., advice regarding an executive session or a decision to invite ESD legal counsel) without a need for Board approval. Legal counsel is responsible to the Board.

3. Action on Complaints or Requests Made to Board Members

When Board members receive complaints or requests for action from staff, students or members of the public, the Board members will direct the staff, students and members of the public to the appropriate complaint policy. Such information will be conveyed to the superintendent.

4. Board Member’s Relationship to Administration

Individual Board members will be informed about the ESD’s educational program, may visit schools or other facilities to gain information, and may request information from the superintendent. No individual Board member may direct the superintendent to action without Board authorization. Board members will not intervene in the administration of the ESD or its schools.

5. Contracts or Agreements

All contracts of the ESD 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

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