| District Policies Section 100 |
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 100
BOARD POLICIES
110 EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY
120 SCHOOL DISTRICT LEGAL STATUS
130 SCHOOL BOARD LEGAL STATUS
131 SCHOOL BOARD ELECTIONS
132 BOARD MEMBER RESIGNATION
133 FILLING BOARD VACANCIES
141 BOARD OFFICERS
President
Vice-President
Treasurer
Clerk
Deputy Clerk
Secretary
142 SCHOOL ATTORNEY
150 SCHOOL BOARD POWERS AND DUTIES
151 BOARD POLICY AND DEVELOPMENT ADOPTION
151.1 POLICY DISSEMINATION
151.2 ADMINISTRATION IN POLICY ABSENCE
151.3 BOARD REVIEW OF ADMINISTRATIVE RULES
151.4 SUSPENSION OF BOARD POLICIES AND RULES
152 GOAL SETTING
153 SCHOOL BOARD LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
161 BOARD MEMBER AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITY
162 NEW BOARD MEMBER ORIENTATION
163 OPPORTUNITIES FOR DEVELOPMENT
163.1 SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERSHIPS
164 BOARD MEMBER COMPENSATION AND EXPENSES
165 BOARD MEMBER CODE OF ETHICS
165.1 CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Business Related Gratuities
Employment
170 BOARD MEETINGS
Attendance
171 REGULAR BOARD MEETINGS
171.1 NOTIFICATION OF BOARD MEETINGS
171.2 AGENDA PREPARATION AND DISSEMINATION
171.21 AGENDA FORMAT
172 SPECIAL BOARD MEETINGS
173 CLOSED SESSIONS
174 BOARD ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING
181 RULES OF ORDER
182 QUORUM
183 VOTING METHOD
184 MINUTES
Recording of Votes
Use of Tape Recordings
Public Access to Minutes
185 BOARD COMMITTEES
185.1 BUSINESS SERVICES COMMITTEE
185.2 PERSONNEL SERVICES COMMITTEE
185.3 EDUCATIONAL SERVICES COMMITTEE
186 CITIZENS' ADVISORY COMMITTEES TO THE BOARD
Publicity
Prospective Members and Appointments
187 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AT BOARD MEETINGS
187-(Rule) GUIDELINES FOR PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AT BOARD MEETINGS
190 RECOGNITION
Retiring Board Members:
Student Representatives:
Employee Retirement/Resignation:
Outstanding Employee Performance:
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110 EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY
The Board of Education of the School District of Wisconsin Rapids recog-nizes and accepts its responsibility for the education of all the students of the school district. All students shall be provided with equal educational opportunities as outlined in Board policy, state, and federal law.
The Board in an ongoing dialogue with the community they serve, has developed some governing values and a mission statement that acts as the foundation for the work of the school district, as follows:
We Believe:
Each student is the first consideration of the educational process.
All students can learn.
Learning is a life-long process.
In a safe, caring, and respectful learning environment.
All students should become effective citizens of the community, state, nation, and the world.
Meaningful home, school, and community involvement is vital to continuous improvement.
LEGAL REF.: Section 118.13 Wisconsin Statutes
CROSS REF.: 310, Instructional Goals and Objectives
411, Equal Educational Opportunities
APPROVED: November 11, 1974
REVISED: February 10, 1986
November 11, 1996
December 11, 2000
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120 SCHOOL DISTRICT LEGAL STATUS
The legal basis for public education in the school district is vested in the will of the people as expressed in the Wisconsin Constitution. Public education is primarily a state responsibility and a local school district's function.
The official name of this school district is the "School District of Wisconsin Rapids". It is classified as a unified school district and includes the City of Wisconsin Rapids; Villages of Biron, Rudolph, and Vesper; Wood County Townships of Arpin, Grand Rapids, Hansen, Rudolph, Saratoga, Seneca, Sherry, and Sigel; and Portage County Townships of Carson, Grant, and Plover.
Educational services of the school district shall be organized as a program of instruction for grades early childhood through 12. The district shall be operated as a single system by the Board of Education under the direction of the Superintendent.
The school district consists of a senior high school, two junior high schools and ten elementary schools. Other special classrooms or programs may be established as necessary.
LEGAL REF.: Wisconsin Constitution - Article X, Section 3
Section 115.01(5) - Wisconsin Statutes
Chapter 120 Subchapter II
APPROVED IN PART: October 11, 1976
APROVED: November 11, 1996
REVISED: December 11, 2000
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130 SCHOOL BOARD LEGAL STATUS
The School District of Wisconsin Rapids conducts its affairs through an elected Board of Education. The Board derives its authority to govern the district directly from the Wisconsin Constitution and state law. The Board shall act as an agent of the State in developing an educational program in accordance with laws governing public education and unified school districts.
The Board shall consist of seven members chosen from the district at large at the regular spring election. Board members shall serve for a term of three years from the fourth Monday of April and/or until their successors are elected or appointed and seated.
LEGAL REF.: Sections 118.001 Wisconsin Statutes
120.06
120.41
120.42
120.44
Wisconsin Constitution, Article X-Section 3
CROSS REF.: 120, School District Legal Status
131, Board Elections
150, School Board Powers and Duties
APPROVED: April 19, 1976
REVISED: August 9, 1993
REVISED: December 11, 2000
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131 SCHOOL BOARD ELECTIONS
Board members shall be nominated and elected in accordance with state law. Before taking office, a Board member must take and file the official oath of office in accordance with State Law.
To assure an accurate accounting of the election ballots, the Board clerk, with the approval of the Board, shall cause to be employed two election canvassers for the express purpose of tallying the election ballots.
Election canvassers shall be paid an honorarium as approved by the Board of Education.
LEGAL REF.: Sections 19.01 Wisconsin Statutes
120.06
120.17(10)
120.42
CROSS REF.: 130, School Board Legal Status
132, Board Member Resignation
133, Filling Board Vacancies
APPROVED: April 19, 1976
REVISED: June 13, 1983
November 11, 1996
December 11, 2000
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132 BOARD MEMBER RESIGNATION
Resignations shall be in writing to the Board and shall be delivered to the Board Clerk at the central office. Should the Board Clerk resign, the resignation shall be delivered to the Board President.
Resignations shall be effective at the time indicated in the written resignation; or if no time is indicated therein, then upon delivery of the resignation.
LEGAL REF.: Sections 17.01(11), (13) Wisconsin Statutes
CROSS REF.: 133, Filling Board Vacancies
APPROVED: June 13, 1983
REVISED: November 11, 1996
December 11, 2000
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133 FILLING BOARD VACANCIES
Vacancies shall be filled by recommendation of the Board President and confir-mation by the Board. Such appointees shall hold office until a successor is elected and takes office.
When vacancies occur in the office of a Board member who is in the last year of his or her term, or when a vacancy occurs after the spring election but on or before the last Tuesday of November in the office of a Board member who is not in the last year of his or her term, the successor shall be elected at the next spring election. When a vacancy occurs after the last Tuesday in November and on or before the date of the next spring election in the office of a Board member who is not in the last year of his or her term, the successor shall be elected at the 2nd following spring election.
LEGAL REF.: Sections 17.03 Wisconsin Statutes
17.26
120.42(3)
APPROVED: June 13, 1983
REVISED: November 11, 1996
December 11, 2000
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141 BOARD OFFICERS
The Board shall, at its annual organizational meeting set in accordance with state law, elect a President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Clerk from among its membership and shall also elect a Secretary who need not be a member of the Board. A Deputy Clerk may be appointed who need not be a member of the Board. Board officers shall hold office for one year or until their successors are elected. Officers shall be elected, by written ballot, by a majority vote of all members present.
President
The duties of the Board President shall be to:
1. Exercise the powers and perform the duties incident to this office as prescribed by state law.
2. Preside at all Board meetings and decide all questions of order subject to appeal to the Board.
3. Appoint all standing committees as soon as possible after his/her election and shall be an ex-officio member of each committee. The Board President shall appoint all special or temporary committees unless otherwise ordered by the Board.
a. In the event of the absence of a committee member, the Board President shall have the authority to appoint one substi-tute.
Vice-President
The Board Vice-President shall serve in the absence of the President, and in the performance of this service, the Vice-President shall exercise all of the powers and bear all of the responsibilities of the President, and such other duties as may be assigned by the School Board.
Treasurer
The duties of the Board Treasurer shall be as outlined in state law. Wisconsin Statutes 120.16
Clerk
The duties of the Board Clerk shall be as outlined in state law. The Board may appoint a Deputy Clerk; however, responsibility for the performance of the Clerk's duties remains with the Board Clerk.
Deputy Clerk
The Board may appoint a Deputy Clerk who need not be a member of the Board. The Deputy Clerk shall act in the absence of the Board Clerk and in the performance of this service shall exercise all the powers and bear all of the responsibilities of the Clerk. However, responsibility for the performance of the Clerk's duties remain with the Board Clerk.
Secretary
The Board may appoint a Secretary who need not be a member of the Board. The Board Secretary shall meet such qualifications as the Board may find appropriate, and shall report to the Board President. The job goal of the Board Secretary shall be to relieve the Board of paperwork and to execute the instructions of the Board so that the Board may devote maximum attention to issues of education and policy determination.
The duties of the Board Secretary shall be to:
1. Attend all Board meetings as directed and assigned.
2. Keep full and accurate minutes of all Board meetings.
3. Send a copy of Board minutes to each Board member prior to the next regular Board meeting.
4. Give public notice of all Board and Board committee meetings.
5. Prepare, at the direction of the Superintendent and Board President, an agenda setting forth all items of business to be consider-ed at Board meetings consistent with Board policy and send the agenda to each Board member prior to the meeting.
6. Publish all legal notices concerning District business.
7. Perform such other tasks as may from time to time be assigned.
LEGAL REF.: Sections 120.15 Wisconsin Statutes
120.16
120.17
120.43(1)
120.44(2)
CROSS REF.: 174, Board Organizational Meeting
Approved by the Board: November 11, 1974
Revised: April 19, 1976
October 11, 1976
April 9, 1977
January 14, 1980
November 11, 1996
December 11, 2000
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142 SCHOOL ATTORNEY
The Board may, at its discretion, appoint one or more attorneys to perform de-sired legal services. Such attorneys shall serve in accordance with the Board of Education's established procedures on acquiring professional legal services, shall serve at the Board's pleasure, and be compensated at a mutually agreeable rate.
The Board encourages the use of local attorneys for legal services when appropriate.
LEGAL REF.: Sections 120.10(14) Wisconsin Statutes
120.13(9m)
APPROVED: October 8, 1979
REVISED: November 11, 1996
January 8, 2001
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150 SCHOOL BOARD POWERS AND DUTIES
The power and duties of the School Board shall be consistent with and in accordance with state law.
LEGAL REF.: Sections 118.001 Wisconsin Statutes
118.38
120.44
120.10
120.12
120.13
Wisconsin Constitution - Article X, Section 3
CROSS REF.: 151, Board Policy Development and Adoption
152, Goal Setting
APPROVED: November 11, 1974
REVISED: November 11, 1996
December 11, 2000
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151 BOARD POLICY DEVELOPMENT AND ADOPTION
The Board, representing the people of the School District, shall determine all questions of general policy to be employed in the conduct of the public schools. In addition, the Board shall adopt policies and rules designed to organize and control its internal operations in an efficient and effective manner.
Policies shall be drafted, adopted, and amended with full consideration for the Board's wish to provide education of the best obtainable quality for the residents of our School District within the limitations of their ability to support it. In all cases, proposed new or amended policies shall explicitly state their potential contribution, either direct or intermediary, in furthering the stated goals of the schools as adopted by the Board.
Proposals regarding School District policy may originate in any of sever-al sources: a parent, a taxpayer, an employee or an employee organization, a student or student organization, a Board member, the Superintend-ent, a consultant, a civic group, etc. Certain policies may be required by state and/or federal law; others may be formulated and adopted by the Board as long as they are in harmony with the intent and specifics of the law.
The Superintendent is authorized and directed to establish and maintain such administrative procedures as are necessary to ensure (1) that full and adequate deliberation by all interested parties or their representa-tives precedes all recommendations to the Board by the Superintendent for action, and (2) that routes of appeal are available for aggrieved parties to seek redress. The Superintendent's recommendations shall provide ample opportunity for both majority and minority reports.
Policies may be adopted or amended after consideration at two successive regular Board of Education meetings, following deliberation by the appropriate Committee (the respective initiating committee for the first reading and the Personnel Services Committee for the second reading). The agenda shall be marked to indicate policy matters. The formal adoption of policies shall be by majority vote of all Board members. Only those written statements so adopted and so recorded shall be regarded as official policy.
From time to time it may be necessary to establish rules for the effective internal operation of the Board, not otherwise covered under these policies or by the Rules of Order. Adoption of rules governing internal Board operations requires a majority vote of the Board. All such action shall be recorded in the Board minutes.
CROSS REF: Policy #185.2 – Personnel Services Committee
Policy #185.3 - Educational Services Committee.
APPROVED: November 11, 1974
REVISED: November 11, 1996
December 11, 2000
November 13, 2006
151.1 POLICY DISSEMINATION
The Superintendent is directed to establish and maintain an orderly plan for preserving and making accessible the policies adopted by the Board and the administrative rules needed to put them into effect.
Accessibility is to extend to all School District employees, Board members, and the community.
Retiring Board members will be expected to return their policy manuals to the Board secretary upon completion of their term.
CROSS REF.: WREA Agreement
APPROVED: November 11, 1974
APPROVED: March 10, 1975 (last sentence)
REVISED: November 11, 1996
December 11, 2000
151.2 ADMINISTRATION IN POLICY ABSENCE
In cases where emergency action must be taken within the school system and where the Board has provided no guides for administrative action, the Superintendent shall have power to act. The Superintendent's decisions shall be subject to review by action of the Board at any regular or special meeting.
The Superintendent shall inform the Board promptly of such action and of the need for policy.
APPROVED: November 11, 1974
REVISED: November 11, 1996
December 11, 2000
151.3 BOARD REVIEW OF ADMINISTRATIVE RULES
The Board does not adopt administrative rules except as follows:
- when specifically required to do so by law;
- when requested to do so by the superin-tendent; or
- as required by negotiated agreements with employee organiza-tions. In this case, any such rules shall become a part of any such agreement and shall be subject to amendment as provided in any such agreement.
Adoption and amendment of such Board adopted rules shall be by the same procedure as that specified for policies.
The Board reserves the right to review and demand revisions of adminis-trative rules should they, in the Board's judgment, be inconsis-tent with the policies adopted by the Board.
CROSS REF.: 151, Board Policy Development and Adoption
APPROVED: November 11, 1974
REVISED: November 11, 1996
December 11, 2000
151.4 SUSPENSION OF BOARD POLICIES AND RULES
Policies and Board-approved rules, except for those resulting from negotiations with employee organizations, shall be subject to sus-pension for a specified purpose and limited time.
Such suspension shall be by a majority vote of all Board members (four persons of a seven member Board) in the call for which the proposed suspension has been described in writing,
APPROVED: November 11, 1974
REVISED: November 11, 1996
December 11, 2000
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152 GOAL SETTING
The Board recognizes the value of goal setting for school improvement. Therefore, the Board and administration shall annually assess district-wide needs and concerns, and translate such concerns into achievable goals.
Upon completion of the goal setting process, the administrative staff will develop an action plan and timetable to facilitate successful completion of the goals. Goals will be monitored and adjusted, if necessary, throughout the year.
APPROVED: December 11, 2000
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153 SCHOOL BOARD LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
The Board, as an agent of the State, must operate within the bounds of state and federal laws affecting public education. If the Board is to meet its responsibilities to the residents and students of the community, it must work vigorously for the passage of new laws designed to advance the cause of good schools and for the repeal or modification of existing laws that impede this cause. To this end the Board will:
1. Communicate legislative issues through the appropriate Committee of the Board of Education.
2. When appropriate, work for the achievement of legislative objectives with other concerned groups and individuals.
3. Seek both direct and indirect representation of its position on pending legislation with appropriate state and federal legislators and legislative committees.
CROSS REF.: 185.1 Business Services Committee
185.2 Personnel Services Committee
185.3 Educational Services Committee
APPROVED: November 11, 1996
REVISED: December 11, 2000
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161 BOARD MEMBER AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITY
It is understood that Board members have authority only when acting as a Board legally in session. No Board member shall individually speak for or in the name of the total Board. The Board shall not be bound in any way by any action or statement on the part of any individual Board member except when such statement or action is in pursuance of specific instructions from the Board.
No Board member, by virtue of his/her office, shall exercise any administra-tive responsibility with respect to the schools or as an individual com-mand the services of any school employee.
Members of the Board, individually or collectively, recognize and welcome their responsibilities for listening to comments and suggestions from the residents of the school district.
Board members individually will refer compliments, suggestions, and constructive criticism about operational matters directly to the superintendent for appropriate consideration and action. Comments affecting policy will be routed through regular channels to the board meeting agenda for consideration by the board as a whole.
CROSS REF.: 870, Public Complaints and Suggestions
APPROVED: November 11, 1974
REVISED: November 11, 1996
December 11, 2000
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162 NEW BOARD MEMBER ORIENTATION
The magnitude of School Board membership calls for knowledge of and orienta-tion to many areas of information and understandings. Under the guidance of experienced Board members and the Superintendent, orientation will be provided to new Board members through activ-ities such as these:
1. Workshop for new Board members conducted by state and area School Board Associations.
2. Discussions and visits with the Superintendent and other members of the school staff.
3. Provision of printed and audio-visual materials on Board and administrative policies and procedures.
LEGAL REF.: Sections 120.13(16) Wisconsin Statutes
120.13(32)
120.44
CROSS REF.: 163, Board Member Development Opportunities
APPROVED: November 11, 1974
REVISED November 11, 1996
December 11, 2000
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163 OPPORTUNITIES FOR DEVELOPMENT
The Board of Education believes that in-service training for its members is vital in order for the Board to govern the district in an informed manner. The continuing development of Board members with regard to the role, responsibility and knowledge required to function effectively is an important component of the Board’s overall activity.
Board member orientation and professional development is important for the personal growth of Board members and the effective operation of the district. The need to keep informed of emerging issues, to acquire skills in critical thinking, decision making and boardmanship are crucial to being an effective Board member. Development activities demonstrate commitment to education and the responsibility to effective boardmanship.
Board membership development should be a continuous process. Themes to be addressed in that development include:
1. Vision (setting direction, identifying goals, and developing plans).
2. Structure (establishing a structure and creating an environment for a sound organization).
3. Accountability (continuous assessment of all conditions affecting education.
4. Advocacy (being the key advocate on behalf of students and their schools in the community.
Board member attendance at state conferences, workshops, seminars, and national conventions are expected for continued development. Board members should especially attend those conferences that relate to their particular committee assignments. Members who attend these various programs shall share information, materials, and recommendations that result from the session by reporting on the program to the entire Board. Board members attendance at such activities is subject to Board approval.
LEGAL REF.: Sections 120.10(4) Wisconsin Statutes
120.13(16) & (32)
120.44
CROSS REF.: 162, New Board Member Orientation
164, Board Member Compensation and Expenses
Policy Adopted: October 8, 1979
Revised: December 10, 1984
July 13, 1988
November 11, 1996
December 11, 2000
163.1 SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERSHIPS
The Board may hold membership in such local, state, regional and national School Board Associations as may exist, and shall look upon such member-ship as an opportunity for growth in Board service.
LEGAL REF.: Sections 120.13(16) Wisconsin Statutes
120.44
APPROVED: November 11, 1974
REVISED: November 11, 1996
December 11, 2000
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164 BOARD MEMBER COMPENSATION AND EXPENSES
To help remunerate Board members for travel and expenses in attending meetings, Board members shall be paid a $60.00 per-day meeting stipend for all regular, special, and authorized committee meetings and authorized school related meetings.
Board members shall be reimbursed for all necessary and legal expenses incurred in attending any meetings or in making any trips on official business for the School District when so authorized by the Board.
Board members are eligible to participate in the Flexible Spending Account program under Section 125 of the Internal Revenue Code as offered by the School District of Wisconsin Rapids.
LEGAL REF.: Sections 120.10(3) & (4) Wisconsin Statutes
120.44
APPROVED: July 1978
REVISED: July 1979
December 1981
February 1983
September 1985
June 11, 1990
September 11, 2000
December 11, 2000
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165 BOARD MEMBER CODE OF ETHICS
Each Board member, representing all the citizens of the School District of Wisconsin Rapids shall comply with Section 19.59 of the Wisconsin State Statutes, "Codes of Ethics for Local Government Officials, Employees, and Candidates."
CROSS REF.: 165.1, Conflict of Interest
APPROVED: November 11, 1974
REVISED: November 11, 1996
December 11, 2000
165.1 CONFLICT OF INTEREST
No member of the Board nor any employee of the school district shall have a substantial interest in any contract, purchase of materials, or any other transaction involving school district funds.
The Board advises private disclosure of any pecuniary interest, less than substantial, which any member of the Board or any employee of the District may have in any transaction involving school district funds.
Business Related Gratuities
No member of the Board nor any employee of the District will accept gifts from any person, group, or entity doing, or desiring to do, business with the school district. All business-related gratuities are specifically prohibited except nominal value items widely distributed.
Employment
Applicants for employment in the School District of Wisconsin Rapids shall be selected regardless of their close relationship with a current employee(s) of the District. For the purposes of this policy, close relationship shall be defined as spouse, parent, son, daughter, sister, brother, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law,niece, nephew, uncle, aunt, or cousin. However, to avoid possible conflicts of interest which may result from employment procedures, an employee who is in a close relationship with another employee or applicant shall not be involved in direct supervision with that employee or applicant. For this policy, direct supervision includes but is not limited to the authority, responsibility, or power to appoint, dismiss, promote, demote, evaluate, or recommend salary adjustments, or to participate in or recommend the appointment, dismissal, promotion, demotion, or salary adjustment of an applicant or employee.
Should an employee of the School District of Wisconsin Rapids be called upon to participate in the direct supervision of a person with whom that employee is related, the employee shall refrain from participating in such decision and shall instead delegate the decision-making authority regarding that person to the superintendent or the superintendent’s designee. Should the superintendent be called upon to participate in a decision regarding the direct supervision of a close relative of the superintendent, the superintendent shall instead delegate the decision-making authority in regard to the employment status of that person to another employee of the School District of Wisconsin Rapids.
This policy is not intended to usurp the authority, nor the responsibility of the superintendent, as it relates to conflict of interest or potential conflict of interest regarding District staff.
LEGAL REF.: 19.42 Wisconsin Statutes
19.59
111.31
111.325
111.345
118.12
946.10
946.12
946.13
CROSS REF.: 524, Staff Gifts and Solicitations
APPROVED: November 11, 1974
REVISED: October 10, 1994
December 11, 2000
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170 BOARD MEETINGS
Board members individually and collectively act as representatives of the residents of the School District in maintaining and promoting schools. Through various means for listening, discussing and weighing education-related issues among themselves, school employees, students, parents, and other residents, they seek to move toward decisions and actions which will best serve the educational needs of students in light of available re-sources and the often conflicting needs and demands of all interested in-dividuals and groups.
All actions of the Board shall be taken only in official Board meetings called, scheduled, and conducted according to Board policy and state law. Consequently, preparation for, conduct of, and action following Board meetings, is of crucial concern for the welfare of our schools.
The primary focus of Board meetings is three-fold:
1. Assurance of adequate opportunities for discussion and deliberation among all interested parties to enable the Board to arrive at sound decisions.
2. Decision-making primarily in light of Board-adopted policies, with responsibility for administrative regulations and action dele-gated to the Superintendent and his/her staff.
3. Review of results through the monitoring of process and product re-ports to enable the Board to exercise its leadership role effective-ly in guiding the school system.
Attendance
The Board or the Superintendent may require the attendance of other staff members at Board meetings.
Board members are encouraged to notify the Board President or Secretary in the event of foreseeable absence from a scheduled committee, special Board meeting, or regular Board meeting.
APPROVED: November 11, 1974
REVISED: October 12, 1977
November 11, 1996
December 11, 2000
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171 REGULAR BOARD MEETINGS
Regular Board meetings shall be held on the second Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Board Conference Room or such other location and time as may be designated by the Board with due notice.
Regular Board meetings shall be held and conducted in accordance with state law. The Board may meet in special session to conduct such business it deems appropriate.
Regular meetings may be adjourned to a later date by action duly taken. Such meetings shall serve as a continuation of the regular meeting. At such adjourned meeting, all business may be regularly transacted which would have been proper in the meeting from which adjournment is taken.
All meetings of the Board shall be open to the public, except as specifically provided by state law. Public notice of Board meetings shall be given in accordance with state law and established procedures.
LEGAL REF.: Chapter 19 Wisconsin Statutes
Sections 120.11(1)
120.43(2)
CROSS REF.:. 171.1 - Notification of Board Meetings
171.1 NOTIFICATION OF BOARD MEETINGS
Notification of Board meetings shall be made in accordance with Board policy and state law.
Public notice shall be given at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting. When, for good cause, 24 hours notice is impossible or impractical, shorter notice may be given, but not less than two hours notice may be given in advance of the meeting. The notice shall set forth the time, date, place, and subject matter of the meeting.
LEGAL REF Section 19.84 Wisconsin Statutes
CROSS REF.: 170, Board Meetings
171.2 - Agenda Preparation and Dissemination
APPROVED: November 11, 1974
REVISED: November 11, 1996
December 11, 2000
171.2 AGENDA PREPARATION AND DISSEMINATION
The Superintendent, in consultation with Board members and others deemed appropriate, shall prepare all agendas for meetings of the Board.
Any Board member, staff member, or citizen of the District wishing to place an item on the agenda should contact the Superintendent or Board President at least seven (7) working days prior to the meeting with their request. This item may be referred to the appropriate committee as determined by the Superintendent and/or the Board of Education President with the timing of consideration of the issues by the Committee(s) at the discretion of the Board President in consultation with the Superintendent and Committee chair.
The agenda, together with supporting materials, shall be distributed to Board members prior to Committee and regular meetings of the Board, so as to permit members time to give items of business careful consideration.
The Board shall not discuss or act upon any item of business not included on the noticed agenda. The Board may discuss matters raised by the public during the Comments from Citizens and Delegations portion of the meeting, provided such period of public comment was included on the meeting agenda notice.”
LEGAL REF.: Section 19.84 Wisconsin Statutes
CROSS REF.: 171.1, Public Notification of Board Meetings
APPROVED: November 11, 1996
REVISED: December 11, 2000
171.21 AGENDA FORMAT
The following shall be the order of business of a regular Board of Education meeting:
1. Call to order by President
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Roll call
4. Approval of minutes of preceding meetings. (copies to be sent to each Board member following each meeting).
5. Report of student representative (may be suspended by a majority vote of the Board members present)
6. Report of Superintendent (may be suspended by majority vote of Board members present)
7. Report of Board President (may be suspended by majority vote of Board members present)
8. Comments from Citizens and Delegations
9. Report of regular committees
10. Agenda Referrals
11. Legislative Agenda
12. Presentation of bills and approval of payments
13. Unfinished business
14. New business
15. Board Forum ( may be added by majority vote of Board members present)
16. Calendar
17. Adjournment
18. Closed Session, if needed
The order of business may be altered or suspended at any meeting by a majority vote of Board members present.
LEGAL REF.: Section 19.85(1) 19.83(2), 1984 Wisconsin Statutes
CROSS REF.: 181, Rules of Order
APPROVED: November 11, 1974
REVISED: July 9, 1984
June 11, 1990
November 11, 1996
December 11, 2000
October 9, 2006
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172 SPECIAL BOARD MEETINGS
Special meetings may be called by the Board President or, in his/her absence, by the Board Vice-President or Board Clerk or upon written request of at least four members of the Board.
The School Board shall meet at least once each month and at other times consistent with state law.
Notice of special meetings must be given by personally notifying each member of the time of meeting, or by leaving a written notice at his/her residence or place of business at least 24 hours before the time of such meeting, unless such prior notice is waived by unanimous agreement. Business to be transacted at a special meeting shall be mentioned in the call for the meeting.
Special meetings may be adjourned to a later date by action duly taken. Such meetings shall serve as a continuation of the meeting. At such adjourned meeting, all business may be regularly transacted which would have been proper in the meeting from which adjournment is taken.
Special meetings of the Board shall be open to the public, except as specifically provided by state law. Public notice of Board meetings shall be given in accordance with state law.
LEGAL REF.: Sections 19.84 Wisconsin Statutes
120.43(2)
APPROVED: November 11, 1974
REVISED: November 11, 1996
December 11, 2000
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173 CLOSED SESSIONS
All Board of Education meetings shall be open to the public except as posted and allowed by state law. Wisconsin State Statute 19.84, Open Meetings Law.
LEGAL REF.: Sections 19.84 Wisconsin Statutes
19.85
APPROVED: October 8, 1979
REVISED: December 11, 2000
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174 BOARD ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING
The Board organizational meeting shall normally be held on the fourth Monday of April, unless changed by a majority vote of the Board.
At the organizational meeting, the Board shall elect Board officers, as required by state law, and may also perform such other functions as setting dates, times and places for regular meetings, appointment of auxiliary personnel, and the like.
LEGAL REF.: Section 120.43(1) Wisconsin Statutes
CROSS REF.: 141, Board Officers
APPROVED: November 11, 1974
REVISED: April 19, 1976
October 11, 1976
November 11, 1996
December 11, 2000
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181 RULES OF ORDER
The rules of parliamentary procedure as embodied in Robert's Rules of Order shall govern the Board in its deliberations. Should any con-flict occur, however, between Robert's Rules of Order and Board policy, Board policy shall prevail.
All matters presented to the Board and requiring reference shall be re-ferred by the Board President to the proper committees without motions unless objection is made.
APPROVED: November 11, 1974
REVISED: November 11, 1996
December 11, 2000
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182 QUORUM
The majority of the entire Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. In the absence of a quorum, the only official action that the Board may take is to adjourn the meeting to another time and/or date.
APPROVED: November 11, 1974
REVISED: November 11, 1996
December 11, 2000
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183 VOTING METHOD
An "aye" and "nay " vote shall be entered whenever one Board member shall demand the same.
In all cases the vote to appropriate money shall be taken by roll call. A majority of the Board members voting shall be required for approval of appropriations.
All nay votes shall be recorded and set upon the minutes.
LEGAL REF.: Section 19.88 Wisconsin Statutes
CROSS REF.: 184, Minutes
APPROVED: November 11, 1974
REVISED: November 11, 1996
December 11, 2000
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184 MINUTES
Board of Education meeting minutes shall include the following:
1. The classification (regular, adjourned or special), date, and place of meeting
2. The call to order stating time, person presiding, and his/her office
3. The record of the roll call of Board members
4. A notation of the presence or absence of the Superintendent and a notation of other administrative staff members
5. A record of any corrections to the minutes of the previous meetings and the action approving them
6. A record of all communications presented to the Board
7. A record of the hearing of all petitions of citizens
8. A record of any reports of Board or staff members
9. A record of each motion placed before the Board
10. Special marking to indicate policy matters
The minutes shall be filed permanently and indexed for reference purposes.
All reports requiring Board action, resolutions, agreements and other writ-ten documents may be made a part of the minutes by reference, and if so, shall be placed in the files as a permanent record.
Recording of Votes
A Board member may request that his/her vote be recorded and with the approval of the other Board members, he/she may also append at that time a statement indicating the reason for his/her vote.
Use of Tape Recordings
Tape recordings of Board meetings, if taken, shall be preserved and stored for a period of time no less than specified by state law. They are utilized as internal administrative tools by which the construction of the official minutes may be aided. The Board Secretary has the right to utilize such recordings in the construction and/or correction of the minutes. All usage by a Board member(s) must be in the office of the Superintendent with the Superintendent present. The recordings may not be taken from the Board office.
Public Access to Minutes
The original copy of approved Board minutes may be shown to the public upon re-quest in the presence of the Superintendent or any Board member, provided, however, that they shall not be removed from the Board office except by vote of the Board. Copies of approved minutes of open sessions shall be distributed by the Board Secretary to each school building in the District, the public library, and mailed to interested citizens on request, and shall be made available in accordance with state law.
LEGAL REF.: Sections 19.21 Wisconsin Statutes
19.88
120.11(4)
120.43(4)
CROSS REF.: 823, Access to Public Records
APPROVED: November 11, 1974
REVISED: November 11, 1996
December 11, 2000
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185 BOARD COMMITTEES
Standing Board committees shall be appointed by the Board President at the organizational meeting. The full Board will approve the President's appointments.
The Board may, from time to time appoint temporary (ad hoc) committees from its own membership for study and fact finding.
Public notice shall be given for all Board committee meetings in accordance with state law and established procedures.
LEGAL REF.: Section 19.84 Wisconsin Statutes
CROSS REF.: 171.1, Notification of Board Meetings
185.1, Business Services Committee
185.2, Personnel Services Committee
185.3, Educational Services Committee
APPROVED: November 11, 1974
REVISED: November 11, 1996
December 11, 2000
185.1 BUSINESS SERVICES COMMITTEE
This committee shall consist of two members with the Board President serving as a non-voting member unless there are less than two members attending. The Superintendent and the Director of Business Services shall be advisory members of this committee.
This committee shall consider items related to buildings and grounds, finance, insurance, transportation, and food services. Responsibilities shall include, but not be limited to, those specific items listed below.
The Business Services Committee shall:
1. Recommend the purchase of supplies of a maintenance nature, the purchase of maintenance and buildings and grounds equipment.
2. Make recommendations regarding care, repair, upkeep, and additions to all school district property, land, and buildings in the district.
3. Make recommendations regarding new construction projects. Changes and additions, which may be necessary as construction progresses, shall be referred to this committee.
4. Make recommendations regarding equipment and supplies purchased by the school system and shall recommend the purchase of supplies, materials, and equipment not approved by other committees.
5. Recommend employment of an auditor to make an audit of the financial records at least once a year and submit the report to the Board of Education for approval.
6. Work with the staff, keep abreast of all legislative matters on the city, state, and federal level which may affect school operations and within the committee function. It will recommend to the Board of Education, the direction to be followed in the various areas involved.
7. Review annually, an estimate of the expenses of the schools for the ensuing fiscal year.
8. Have prepared for its review a report showing a comparison of expenditures with the budget. This committee shall review all special funds and approval disbursements from these special funds.
9. Review and make recommendations regarding insurance of all properties and compensation insurance on all employees.
10. Review and make recommendations regarding food services and transportation contract negotiations.
APPROVED: November 11, 1974
REVISED: March 1979 August 7, 2002
August 15, 1988
October 10, 1988
November 11, 1996
May 10, 1999
December 11, 2000
185.2 PERSONNEL SERVICES COMMITTEE
This committee shall consist of two members with the Board President serving as a non-voting member unless there are less than two members attending. The Superintendent of Schools and Director of Human Resources shall be advisory members of this committee.
This committee shall consider items relating to personnel and negotiations. Committee responsibilities shall include, but not be limited to, those specific items listed below.
The Personnel Services Committee shall:
1. Consider standards of qualifications for all employees, and make recommendations on the salaries and wages for all employees.
2. Meet on all matters relating to the welfare of employees. It shall meet with a committee of the appropriate bargaining unit when necessary or with individual teachers or employees.
3. Recommend employees to the Board of Education for approval.
4. Be responsible for negotiations with the Wisconsin Rapids Education Association; secretarial, clerical, and aide employees; custodial and maintenance employees; school lunch employees; and administrators. This committee shall consider and make recommendations to the Board of Education on all matters pertaining to negotiations with organized employees.
5. Review all budget requests regarding personnel.
6. Work with the staff, keep abreast of all legislative matters on the city, state, and federal level which may affect school operations and within the committee function. It will recommend to the Board of Education, the direction to be followed in the various areas involved.
7. Review and make recommendations on attendance boundary issues.
8. Be responsible for development plans for the Board.
9. Review policies recommended by standing committees, only after their first reading. This committee shall review the Board of Education policy books at regular intervals and shall identify policies which are in need of revisions.
APPROVED: November 11, 1974
REVISED: April 9, 1977 August 7, 2002
August 5, 1982
August 15, 1988
October 10, 1988
November 11, 1996
May 10, 1999
December 11, 2000
185.3 EDUCATIONAL SERVICES COMMITTEE
This committee shall consist of all seven Board of Education members. The Superintendent of Schools, and the Director of Curriculum shall be advisory members of this committee.
This committee shall consider items relating to curriculum, instruction, policy, students, and community affairs. Committee responsibilities shall include, but not be limited to, those specific items listed below.
The Educational Services Committee shall:
1. Consider and recommend actions on courses of study and other matters relative to the general educational policies of the school system.
2. Be responsible for the development of long-range plans.
3. Review and make recommendations on all long-range curriculum planning and resources and major curriculum and instructional revisions.
4. Review the instructional program to insure compliance with all state and federal requirements. Administrators will bring issues and concerns to the attention of the committee.
5. Review and make recommendations regarding budget requests for instructional materials.
6. Review and make recommendations regarding all federal program requests related to curriculum.
7. Work with the staff, keep abreast of all legislative matters on the city, state, and federal level which may affect issues pertaining to curriculum and instruction. It will recommend to the Board of Education the direction to be followed in the various areas involved.
8. Respond to the community’s information needs and will recommend a program of community relations.
9. Review and make recommendations regarding Pupil Services and student activities. This committee shall be responsible for Pupil Services policy development, and the Activities Code.
10. Be responsible for organizational development including the staff development plans for the administration and professional staff.
11. Recommend appropriate sub-committees to provide citizen and/or staff suggestions regarding specific instructional programs of the Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools.
12. Be responsible for approving grants requiring District funds or programs requiring funding beyond the grant.
APPROVED: April 9, 1977
REVISED: March 1979, August 15, 1988, October 10, 1988, October 14, 1996, June 9, 1997
May 10, 1999, December 11, 2000
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186 CITIZENS' ADVISORY COMMITTEES TO THE BOARD
The Board may from time to time appoint citizens' advisory committees to investigate and make recommendations on particular issues designated by the Board. Advisory committees shall be appointed primarily as fact-finding groups and to advise the Board. Advisory committees will not be appointed to advise on matters requiring decision by the Board unless adequate time is available for a thorough study by the committee.
The Board shall have the sole power to dissolve any of its advisory committees and shall reserve the right to exercise this power at any time during the life of any committee.
The Board shall seek the advice of the Superintendent before establishing or dissolving any advisory committee.
Advisory committees should be appointed only when there is a definite function to be performed, and this function should be indicated to the committee in writing when it is appointed. Advisory committees will not make recommendations outside of their stated purpose, issues or functions as specified by the Board. Specific topics for study or well-defined areas of activity shall be assigned in writing to each committee immediately following its appointment. Each committee shall be instructed as to:
1. The length of time each member is being asked to serve.
2. The service the Board wishes it to render.
3. The resources the Board intends to provide to help it complete its job.
4. The approximate dates on which the Board wishes it to submit reports.
5. The time and place of the first meeting.
6. The importance of allowing time at each committee meeting to receive oral and/or written input from the public.
7. The Board policies governing citizens' committees to help clarify relationships from the beginning.
8. Its relationships with the Board as a whole, with individual Board members, with the Superintendent, with the media and with the other members of the professional staff.
9. The approximate date on which the Board wishes to dissolve the committee.
When the Committee presents its final report to the Board, it will be in writing. A majority and minority report will be allowed if the committee does not have consensus on the final report that is to be presented to the Board.
Upon completing its assignment, each committee either shall be given new problems or shall be dissolved promptly. No committee shall be allowed to continue for prolonged periods without a definite assignment.
Publicity
The Board shall see that the public is made aware of the services rendered by such committees of citizens as it may appoint and shall see that the public is informed of all major conclusions and recommendations made by such committees. Public notice of committee meetings shall be given in accordance with state law.
Prospective Members and Appointments
Prior to an advisory committee being formed, the Board will advertise the purpose and proposed scope of the committee to the public through the local media and allow sufficient time for members of the public to volunteer to serve on the committee.
The Board President and Committee Chair will make the selection of the citizen representatives to serve, prior to recommendation to the Board for approval.
District staff will serve on citizen advisory committees in the capacity of staff and will not serve as parents or taxpayers.
The Superintendent shall maintain a record of persons who have served on advisory committees, may be currently serving, or who have expressed a willingness to serve. When committee members are needed for citizen advisory committees to the Board, the Superintendent shall submit names of qualified persons, giving preference to those who have not previously served. The Board may appoint members from this list or from any other source it deems appropriate.
All appointments of citizens to advisory committees for the Board shall be made by the Board. The chair of an advisory committee should be chosen from among the lay members.
All appointments of staff members to citizens' advisory committees for the Board shall be made by the Superintendent with the approval of the Board. If staff members are appointed to any citizens' advisory committee for the Board, they shall constitute a minority of any such committee.
Board members shall not be official members of advisory committees, but may visit sessions of the committees ex officio.
LEGAL REF.: Section 19.84 Wisconsin Statutes
APPROVED: November 11, 1974
REVISED: November 11, 1996
December 11, 2000
October 9, 2006
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187 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AT BOARD MEETINGS
The Board, as a representative body of the School District, wishes to provide an avenue for any citizen to express his/her interest in and concerns for the schools. Accordingly, the public is cordially invited to attend Board meetings.
Board meetings are conducted for the purpose of carrying on the business of the schools, and therefore, are not public meetings, but meetings held in public.
Meetings are closed to the public only during closed sessions, the purpose of which is to discuss matters that should be confidential by their very nature.
In order that the Board may fairly and adequately discharge its overall responsibility, citizens who wish to make requests, representations, or proposals to the Board are requested to direct these to the Board Secretary, who will deal with them according to rules adopted by the Board. The intent of the rules is:
1. To allow everyone who wishes it, a fair and adequate hearing.
2. To allow the Superintendent to take direct action, or to recommend action to the Board, when policies have already been established by the Board.
3. To minimize the possibility of the Board's making ill-advised, illegal, or improper rulings due to hasty action in the ab -sence of adequate information and study, especially when a po-licy does not exist, a change in policy is proposed, or an ex-ception to policy is specifically requested.
4. To see to it that the time so devoted does not interfere with the fulfillment of the Board's tasks.
LEGAL REF.: 19.82(2) Wisconsin Statutes
19.84
CROSS REF.: 187-Rule, Guidelines for Public Participation at Board Meetings
173, Closed Sessions
APPROVED: November 11, 1974
REVISED: November 11, 1996
December 11, 2000
187-(Rule) GUIDELINES FOR PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AT BOARD MEETINGS
School District citizens have the expressed right and are encouraged to attend Board meetings and to listen to and observe the deliberations of its members. The following rules are adopted to preserve the or-derly pursuit of Board business and to provide proper opportunities for legitimate and objective discussion and analysis of the issues presented.
1. Any citizen may request the opportunity to speak regarding any issue included in the agenda and may be recognized to speak at the appropriate time regarding issues which are not on the agenda.
a. Every person who requests the opportunity to speak to the Board should submit in advance of the meeting a written request to the Board Secretary stating his/her name, address and the topic about which he/she wishes to speak.
b. The Board President shall determine whether it is in the interest of the Board to allow the request and if so, shall ask the Board Secretary to place it on the agenda.
2. The President may limit the time allowed for the presentation. If there are numerous requests to address the Board on the same subject, the President may select representatives to speak on each side of the issue.
3. Every citizen who wishes to speak must be recognized by the Board President.
4. The Board will not hear oral complaints regarding school personnel except in the manner provided for elsewhere in Board policy.
5. All persons seeking the opportunity to speak at a Board meeting are to ad-dress the President and may direct questions or comments to Board members or other officers of the school district only upon the approval of the President. Board members and the Superintendent may have the privil-ege of asking questions of any person who addresses the Board.
These rules are not designed to restrict the scheduled appearance of citizens who have regular business with the Board and whose presentations are provided for in the agenda. Participation by citizens who are present as witnesses in any hearing or by vendors or other business representatives who are present for the consideration of bid awards is guided by rules affecting these special procedures. Participation by employees and their representatives is guided by the personnel policies and rules, except, of course, that all employees have the right to attend Board meetings in the same manner as all other citizens. Recognition of individuals who are not citizens of the School District is determined by the President.
APPROVED: November 11, 1974
REVISED: November 11, 1996, December 11, 2000
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190 RECOGNITION
Retiring Board Members:
Retiring Board members shall be recognized and thanked for their service to the schools and the community.
An appropriate plaque will be awarded to each retiring member, so worded as to convey recognition and gratitude for the services rendered.
Student Representatives:
Student representatives to the Board shall be appropriately recognized and thanked for their services to the schools and community at the conclusion of their term.
An appropriate plaque shall be awarded to each student representative upon completion of his or her term of service so as to convey recognition and gratitude for services rendered.
Employee Retirement/Resignation:
Retiring School District employees shall be appropriately recognized and thanked for their service to the schools and the community.
An appropriate plaque will be awarded to each employee who has ten (10) or more years of total service with the district upon their resignation or retirement.
Outstanding Employee Performance:
The Board encourages the recognition of employees for outstanding accomplishments in performance throughout the school year. It shall be the Superintendent's responsibility to inform the Board of employees whose accomplishments merit formal recognition from the Board.
Community Recognition:
The Board may present a special recognition award to a group or individual in the community in recognition of outstanding contributions to the youth of the Wisconsin Rapids area. The award shall be presented at a community function to be determined annually by the Board.
APPROVED: March 10, 1975
Revised: January 14, 1980, February 2, 1981, June 13, 1983,
October 12, 1977, December 1985
November 11, 1996, December 11, 2000
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