213 Policy: School Board Committees

1. PURPOSE
   
   The purpose of this policy is to provide for the structure and the operation of committees of the school board.
   
   GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY
   1. It is the policy of the school board to designate school board committees when it is determined that a committee process facilitates the mission of the school board.
   2. A committee is advisory in nature and has only such authority as specified by the school board
   3. The school board will receive reports or recommendations from a committee for consideration.  The school board, however, retains the right and has the duty to make all final decisions related to such reports or recommendations.
   4. The school board reserves the right to limit, create or abolish any standing or ad hoc committee as it deems appropriate.
      
       
2. APPOINTMENT OF WORKING GROUPS
   
   The school board has determined that certain permanent standing committees, as described in this policy, facilitate the operation of the school board and the school district.  The school board reserves the right to limit, create or abolish any standing or ad hoc committees for specific purposes as it deems appropriate.
   1. The school board hereby appoints the following standing committees:

      1. Policy Review - The Policy Review Committee shall work with the Superintendent and/or designee(s) in the review of District policies. The group shall recommend proposed changes to the entire Board, for consideration and approval.

      2. Finance and Operations - The Finance and Operations Committee shall include the Treasurer, shall work with the Superintendent and/or designee(s) in matters relative to the district's finances and operations. This working group shall provide consultation and perspective regarding district financial decisions before presentation to the entire Board.

   2. The school board hereby appoints the following ad hoc committees:
      1. Legislative – The Legislative Committee shall work with the Superintendent and/or designee(s) to develop a district specific legislative platform. This group shall advocate for the board’s approved legislative platform and monitor legislation that impacts the education of students while the legislature is in session. The committee shall provide updates to the entire Board regarding issues that affect the District. It is the responsibility of every board member to advocate for legislation that supports the education of our students.
      2. Community Engagement - The Community Engagement Committee shall convene at the request of the board after they are given a clear mission and parameters for community engagement work assigned. The committee will then present their work to the entire board and discuss the results.
   3. The school board chair shall appoint the members and designate the chair of each committee.
       
   4. The school board will approve, by resolution, for each committee, the members, the term and the charge or mission of each such committee.
       
3. PROCEDURES FOR SCHOOL BOARD COMMITTEES
    
   1. All meetings of standing or ad hoc committees shall be open to the public in compliance with the Open Meeting Law, and notice shall be given as prescribed by law.
   2. A standing or ad hoc committee shall act only within the guidelines and mission established for that committee or subcommittee by the school board.
   3. Actions of a standing or ad hoc committee shall be by majority vote and be consistent with the governing rules of the school board.
   4. The standing or ad hoc committee shall designate a secretary who will record the minutes of actions of the school board committee.
   5. The power of a standing or ad hoc committee of the school board is advisory only and is limited to making recommendations to the school board.
   6. A standing or ad hoc committee of the school board shall, when appropriate, clarify in any dealings with the public that its powers are only advisory to the school board.

Legal References

Minn. Stat. Ch. 13D (Open Meeting Law)