United Public Schools

Descriptor Code: ABA
Board of Education
The School Board
A. Authority
Public schools are perhaps the most democratically controlled of any agency of government. The people of a local community elect school directors who, as a board, are charged with the formulation of policies. The first duties of a school board of a high school district is the appointment of a superintendent of schools, who acts as the chief administrative officer of the board, and who is directly responsible for organizing and administering the educational programs, nomination staff members and interpreting the policies of the board through specific acts of an administrative and supervisory nature. Although state educational agencies exercise some supervisory and regulatory power in order that a minimum educational program may be provided in all districts of the state, it is through the school board and the superintendent of schools that the patrons of local school districts maintain control of education.

B. Functions of the School Board

The duties and responsibilities of district school boards in the State of North Dakota are clearly defined by law. School board members should recognize the fact that education is a state function and that the courts have repeatedly held to this principle. The board, therefore, represents the state since the members are elected by the people of the district through authority granted by the state legislature.

The school board is a quasi-corporation created by law to maintain public schools within a given school district. Individual board members exercise their authority only when the board is actually in session and not individually outside of the meeting. Decisions and policies of the board agree agreed upon only in official board meetings and as authorized by the board at a legal board meeting.

C. Rules and Regulations

School boards should adopt rules, regulations, and policies to govern the operation the school board and the school system. These policies and regulations should be in written or printed form and should be readily available for use by those interested.

Policies and regulations should be prepared with the cooperation of the superintendent of schools and other school employees but must be approved by official board action. The policies should include provision for amendment and should be subject to constant evaluation and change.