Board of Education Policy Table of Contents Preface Civility Policy Notice of Nondiscrimination SECTIONS A. SCHOOL DISTRICT ORGANIZATION B. SCHOOL BOARD OPERATIONS C. GENERAL SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION D. FISCAL MANAGEMENT E. BUSINESS MANAGEMENT F. FACILITY EXPANSION PROGRAM G. PERSONNEL H. NEGOTIATIONS I. INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM J. STUDENTS K L GENERAL PUBLIC RELATIONS INTERORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONS M RELATIONS WITH OTHER EDUCATION AGENCIES
PREFACE The policies contained in this manual are the result of a combined effort of the Kansas Association of School Boards, Unified School District 232 Board of Education and district staff. Policies are principles adopted by the school board to provide the administration with clear guidance and direction for handling the daily operations of the school district. They tell what the board wants and may at times include why and/or how they want it done. This manual is currently divided into twelve sections of policies. These sections are: A -- SCHOOL DISTRICT ORGANIZATION B -- SCHOOL BOARD OPERATIONS C -- GENERAL SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION D -- FISCAL MANAGEMENT E -- BUSINESS MANAGEMENT G -- PERSONNEL (certified and non-certified) H -- NEGOTIATIONS I -- INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM J -- STUDENTS K -- GENERAL PUBLIC RELATIONS L -- INTERORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONS M -- RELATIONS WITH OTHER EDUCATION AGENCIES When Using This Manual This manual was created to aide user in quickly locating all policies related to a particular topic. The reader is encouraged to check any cross-referenced policies. These policies do not contain State and Federal statutory language, except where necessary, or negotiated contract language. Definitions 1. When the masculine pronoun is used throughout these policies, it is intended to refer to both feminine and masculine antecedents. 2. Wherever the word "superintendent" or "principal" occurs, the words "or designated representative" are assumed to be included. SCHOOL DISTRICT CIVILITY POLICY Unified School District No. 232 believes interactions among individuals should be of a positive and productive nature. In accordance with this belief, it is the policy of the School District to treat everyone -- fellow employees, students, parents, patrons, visitors, anyone having business with the district -- with fairness and respect. The district also expects that anyone having interaction(s) with employees of the district will treat them with professionalism, courtesy, dignity, and respect. BOE Adopted 6/04/2001 & 11/05/2007
Notice of Nondiscrimination It is the policy of USD 232 not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, national origin, sex, religion, or disability in its programs, activities or employment, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups to its facilities as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other relevant state and federal laws. Inquiries regarding compliance with applicable civil rights statutes related to ethnicity, gender, age discrimination or equal access may be directed to Director of Human Resources, 35200 W. 91st Street, De Soto, Kansas 66018, phone 913-667-6200. Inquiries regarding compliance with applicable statutes regarding Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act may be directed to the Director of Special Services, 35200 W. 91st Street, De Soto, KS 66018, phone 913-667-6200. Interested persons, including those with impaired vision or hearing, can obtain information as to the existence and location of services, activities and facilities that are accessible to and usable by disabled persons by calling the Director of Special Services. Any act of retaliation against any person who has engaged in a protected activity, as that term is defined by law, is prohibited.
A SCHOOL DISTRICT ORGANIZATION A... District Authority Home Rule Authority of the board to conduct district business. ABE... District Goals and Objectives Long-range Planning AC... School District Grade Levels Grade level configurations. AD... District Attendance Areas (See AG) The board shall review school attendance areas {as needed} and make changes as warranted. ADA... School Census The board may direct the superintendent to conduct a census for planning purposes. AE... School Year At a minimum, the board shall provide a school year that meets the requirements of state law. AEA... School Calendar (See IKD) The board shall establish a calendar for each school year. AEB... Extended School Year (See JBD, JCDA) Conditions under which the board may extend the regular academic year. Extended Learning Opportunities for Students The board may require extended learning opportunities for students not meeting minimum academic requirements as defined by the board AF... School Day The board determines start and end times of the school day and other time schedules. AG... Closing School Buildings (See AD) The board reserves the right to close school building(s) as provided for in current law.
A District Authority The governance of the district shall be vested in the board. Home Rule The board shall have authority to conduct district business without specific statutory delegation. The board may transact all school district business and adopt policies the board deems appropriate to perform its constitutional duty to maintain, develop and operate local public schools. BOE Approved 09/07/2004 & 11/05/2007 Unified School District #232 Board Policy
ABE District Goals and Objectives (See BK) The board shall annually establish and review long-range goals and objectives to guide district operations. All district personnel shall direct their efforts toward achieving district goals and objectives. The superintendent shall give the board periodic reports on progress made towards achieving district goals. The board shall participate in long-range planning through an annual meeting with the superintendent and designated staff to review progress on the implementation of board priorities, initiatives, and long-range plans. The board also shall consider and act upon objectives and major activities proposed by the superintendent to achieve district goals. The superintendent shall develop necessary procedures to implement this policy. BOE Approved 09/07/04 & 11/05/2007 Return to Section A Table of Contents
AC School District Grade Levels The district will be organized on a pre-k -5, 6 8 & 9 12 plan. The instructional organization of USD 232 is the pre-kindergarten-5, three (3), four (4) plan whereby the elementary schools include prekindergartner through grade five (5); middle schools include grades six (6) through eight (8); and high schools include grades nine (9) through twelve (12). BOE Approved 09/07/04 & 11/05/2007 Return to Section A Table of Contents
AD District Attendance Areas (See AG) The board shall review school attendance areas {as needed} and make changes as warranted. The superintendent shall, annually, or as needed, prepare a written report for the board concerning changes recommended for school attendance areas for the next school year and the reasons for the recommendations. The board shall consider the recommendations following receipt of the report. The recommended changes shall be made available to district patrons. The board may schedule a public hearing to seek input on the proposed changes. BOE Approved 09/07/04 & 11/05/2007 Return to Section A Table of Contents
ADA School Census The board may direct the superintendent to conduct a census of the following: The number of potential students living in the district under the age of 5 years; The number of potential students and patrons residing in the district between the ages of 5 and 21; The number between the ages of 17 and 21. The census shall also obtain information related to the planning of transportation services and other information the superintendent considers necessary. BOE Approved 09/07/04 & 11/05/2007 Return to Section A Table of Contents
AE School Year The board shall provide a school year consisting of not less than: (1) The minimum number of statutorily required school days for students K-12, consisting of not less than 2 1/3 hours for kindergarten students and 6 hours for students in grades 1-12; or (2) The minimum number of statutorily required school hours for students in grades K-12. BOE Approved 09/07/04 & 11/05/2007 Return to Section A Table of Contents
AEA School Calendar The board shall establish a calendar for each school year. On or before March 1 of each year, the superintendent shall present a recommended school calendar for the next school year. District customs, community interest, legal holidays, staff recommendations and other relevant matters shall be considered. A copy of the current calendar shall be on file in the clerk s office. BOE Approved 09/07/04 & 11/05/2007 Return to Section A Table of Contents
AEB Extended School Year The board may extend the regular academic year. The superintendent shall be responsible for preparing a plan and presenting it to the board. The board may extend the regularly scheduled academic year because of the following types of circumstances which are stated by way of illustration and not by way of limitation: adverse weather conditions, building maintenance problems, personnel problems, public health reasons, or budgetary problems. Extended Learning Opportunities for Students The board may require extended learning opportunities for students not meeting minimum academic requirements as defined by the board. Students may be assigned to extended academic sessions including, but not limited to: before- or after-school; Saturday school; or summer sessions. Regulations necessary to govern extended academic sessions shall be recommended by the superintendent for board approval. Truancy laws, suspension and expulsion policies and law, and all appropriate portions of the student behavior code shall apply during extended academic sessions. (See JBD, JBE, JDD and JCDA) BOE Approved 09/07/04 & 11/05/2007 Return to Section A Table of Contents
AF School Day The board shall establish the time of beginning and ending the school day and other time schedules. BOE Approved 09/07/04 & 11/05/2007 Return to Section A Table of Contents
AG Closing School Buildings (See AD) Upon request of the board, the superintendent shall present to the board plans for efficient use of all school attendance centers. The board reserves the right to close school building(s) as provided for in current law. BOE Approved 09/07/04 & 11/05/2007 Return to Section A Table of Contents
B - SCHOOL BOARD OPERATIONS BA... Goals and Objectives BAJ... Gifts BBBB. New Member Orientation BBBF.. Reimbursement for Expenses BBC... Board Committees BBE... Attorney BCAC. Special Meetings BCAE.. Public Hearings (See BCBI) BCB... Conflict of Interest BCBD. Agenda BCBF.. Rules of Order BCBG. Voting Method Abstaining Vote BCBH. Minutes BCBI... Public Participation BCBJ.. News Coverage BCBK. Executive Sessions (See KB) BDA... Policy Development System Adoption BE... School Board Records BG... Memberships (See BE) BK... Board Self-Evaluation
BA Goals and Objectives The Board of Education will adopt goals annually. BOE Approved 09/07/04 & 11/05/2007 Return to Section B Table of Contents
BAJ Gifts No board member shall solicit or accept gifts or gratuities from companies or individuals who have 1) indicated to the District or the board member a likelihood of submitting a proposal on a District or school contract; 2) an outstanding RFP or bid with the District or school, or 3) negotiations for a contract with the District or a school. A board member may accept gifts; however, before accepting a gift or promotional item from any source and/or any gift or gratuity from an entity with an existing contract with the district where the receipt does not represent a conflict of interest or exceeds $100.00, the board member shall report the acceptance to the President of the Board of Education. All gifts or contributions in excess of $100.00 shall be reported to the Board of Education. BOE Approved 03/08/2010 Return to Section B Table of Contents
BBBB New Member Orientation The superintendent and board president and/or vice president shall conduct an orientation program to acquaint new board members with board policy, district operations, and procedures. The orientation shall also describe the duties and responsibilities of board members, the superintendent, the clerk and treasurer. Newly elected and newly appointed board members shall be encouraged to attend workshops for new board members. Prior to the time they officially take office, newly elected board members shall be invited to attend all board meetings, except when the board is in executive session. (See BCBK) They shall receive copies of all agendas, reports and other communications received by current board members except information or material of a confidential nature. BOE Approved 09/07/04 & 11/05/2007 Return to Section B Table of Contents
BBBF Reimbursement for Expenses No board member shall be reimbursed for expenses incurred for any travel unless the travel has been approved by the board. Any payments to board members must be in the form of a reimbursement for amounts previously paid by the board member, and receipts shall be provided by the board member in accordance with the provisions of GAN. BOE Approved 09/07/04 & 11/05/2007 Return to Section B Table of Contents
BBC Board Committees The board shall operate at all times as a committee of the whole. There shall be no standing or temporary board committees except as provided for in this policy. Board members may serve on district committees which advise the board. Sub-committees of the board may be assigned on a temporary basis and shall consist of no more than three board members. Board subcommittees are subject to the open meetings law. Advisory Committees After considering administrative recommendations, the board may establish advisory committees. The type and function of each advisory committee shall be dictated by district needs. No financial assistance shall be furnished any committee without prior board approval. The superintendent or his/her designee shall monitor each committee s progress and relay information to the board. As requested, each committee shall report in writing to the superintendent and/or the board. The board may dissolve any advisory committee at any time. No committee shall exist longer than one year unless reappointed by board action. BOE Approved 09/07/04 & 11/05/2007 & 12/09/14 Return to Section B Table of Contents
BBE Attorney The board shall appoint an attorney to handle legal matters referred by the board. BOE Approved 09/07/04 & 11/05/2007 Return to Section B Table of Contents
BCAC Special Meetings (See BCBF) Special meetings may be called at any time by the president of the board or by joint action of any three board members. Written notice, stating the time and place of any special meeting and the purpose for which the meeting has been called shall, unless waived, be given to each board member at least two clear days in advance of the special meeting. No business other than that stated in the notice may be transacted at the special meeting. BOE Approved 09/07/04 & 11/05/2007 Return to Section B Table of Contents
BCAE Public Hearings (BCBI) The board may hold public hearings on matters which the board deems appropriate. Public hearings will be held at a convenient time and a suitable place. The board president or vice-president shall preside at public hearings and shall request every participant to state name, residence and purpose for speaking. After a hearing is called to order the board may delegate another individual to run the actual hearing. BOE Approved 09/07/04 & 11/05/2007 Return to Section B Table of Contents
BCB Conflict of Interest No board member shall make or participate in the making of a contract with any person, corporation, partnership, trust or association by which he or she is employed or in whose business he or she has a substantial interest as defined by applicable statute. BOE Approved 10/06/08 Return to Section B Table of Contents
BCBD Agenda The board shall adopt an agenda at the beginning of each meeting. The superintendent shall distribute background material concerning agenda items to all board members prior to each meeting, which then shall be referred to as the annotated agenda. The board agenda shall be compiled by the superintendent in cooperation with the board president. Other board members may request items to be placed on the agenda. The agenda may include a period of time when the public may speak to the board. The annotated agenda shall be sent to all board members at least {three} calendar days prior to any regular board meeting. The agenda format may include: monthly reports to the board; a consent agenda containing routine business and information items; financial reports including monthly listing of bills ready for payment ; important correspondence; bids, specifications; attendance center reports; and requests for hearings and other such information Other items and reports may be added to the agenda. BOE Approved 09/07/04 & 11/05/2007 Return to Section B Table of Contents
BCBF Rules of Order (See BCBH) The board shall be governed by laws and rules adopted by the board. Robert s Rules of Order shall not be adopted by the board. The president (or vice president in the absence of the president) shall preside at all meetings. The president shall present each agenda item for discussion or designate the superintendent or other staff member to present the agenda item. If both president and vice president are absent, the members present shall elect a president pro tempore who shall serve only for that meeting or for that part of the meeting in which the president and vice president are absent. Any board member who wishes to make a motion, second a motion, or discuss pending business shall first secure recognition of the board president. All formal board actions shall be taken by ordinary motions unless a formal resolution is required by law. It shall not be necessary for a motion to be before the board to discuss an agenda item which has been presented by the board president for consideration. In the ordinary course of events, the board shall discuss all matters other than routine procedural questions prior to the making of a motion so reaching of consensus may be facilitated. BOE Approved 09/07/04 & 11/05/2007 Return to Section B Table of Contents
BCBGV Voting Method The board shall take action by way of motions. No motion may be acted upon until it has been seconded by a board member. The vote on all motions shall be by "yes" and "no" and will be taken by a show of hands or other public voting method. Following each vote, the president shall announce the motion carried or failed by a vote of affirmative votes to negative votes. The minutes shall indicate whether a motion passed or failed. Each board member shall have the privilege of explaining any vote. Any abstaining vote shall be counted as a "no" vote. (See KSA 72-8205) Any member may declare a conflict of interest in a particular issue and shall leave the meeting room until discussion and voting on the matter is concluded. The minutes shall note that a particular member has declared a conflict of interest and left. The minutes shall also record the time the member left the meeting and when the member returned to the board meeting. BOE Approved 09/07/04 & 11/05/2007 Return to Section B Table of Contents
BCBH Minutes Accurate minutes of each board meeting shall be taken and transcribed. The clerk shall be responsible for taking and transcribing minutes of each board meeting. The board shall designate an acting clerk if the clerk is absent. Neither the superintendent nor a board member may serve as acting clerk. Unofficial minutes shall be sent to the board prior to the next board meeting. The board shall review minutes of each meeting as soon as practicable, shall make any corrections or changes required to make the minutes accurately reflect board actions taken, and then approve the minutes as presented or changed. The minutes shall clearly reflect all motions voted on by the board, including board actions taken on motions which did not pass. The minutes will not contain a summary of each statement, either written or oral, made by a board member, a guest or a member of the staff unless the board chooses to have written remarks made part of the minutes. If a request is made, the board may direct the clerk to attach a copy of the written remarks to the original minutes. BOE Approved 09/07/04 & 11/05/2007 Return to Section B Table of Contents
BCBI Public Participation at Board Meetings Open Forum The president or presiding officer may ask patrons attending if they would like to speak during the open forum. Rules for the public forum will be available from the clerk prior to the board meeting and at the meeting itself. The board president may impose a limit on the time a visitor may address the board. The board president may ask groups with the same interest to appoint a spokesperson to deliver the group s message. Except to ask clarifying questions, board members shall not interact with speakers at the open forum. Patron-Requested Agenda Items Any patron may request addition of a specific agenda item and shall notify the superintendent prior to the meeting and state the reason(s) for the request. The superintendent shall determine whether the request can be solved by staff without the patron s appearance before the board. If not, the superintendent shall consult with the board president, and the patron s request may be placed on the next regular board meeting agenda. Handling Complaints (See KN) The superintendent may refer complaints to the board only if a satisfactory adjustment cannot be made by a principal, the superintendent, or other appropriate staff members. BOE Approved 09/07/04 & 11/05/2007 Return to Section B Table of Contents
BCBJ News Coverage The board shall provide accommodations for members of the news media present at board meetings. The superintendent shall provide copies of the board agenda to news media prior to each board meeting upon request or as required by law. Use of cameras, photographic lights, and recording devices at any board meeting shall be allowed subject to reasonable rules, which are designed to ensure orderly conduct. All recording devices, including microphones, shall be kept in an area designated for the media. Use of recording devices shall not interfere with or disrupt the meeting. No cameras or recording devices shall be allowed at executive sessions of the board. BOE Approved 09/07/04 & 11/05/2007 Return to Section B Table of Contents
BCBK Executive Session (See BBBB, BE, CN, IDAE, II, JDD, and JRB) The board shall conduct executive sessions only as provided by law, specifically the Kansas Open Meetings Act ( KOMA ). Sample Motion Motions to recess into executive session may be constructed as follows. I move that the board recess into executive session to [fill in subject(s)] pursuant to [fill in justification from 1-7 enumerated below] and that the open meeting shall resume at [fill in time] in the board room. A subject of executive session would be the matter or issue presented for discussion, and the board member must include a brief description of the subject(s) to be discussed in the motion while still protecting important privacy interests. For example, the subject could be to discuss an individual employee s performance, to hold a student discipline appeal hearing, to discuss potential litigation with our legal counsel, and/or any other matters as would appropriately fit under the justification to be utilized. Acceptable justifications for recessing into executive session include the following: 1) The non-elected personnel exception under KOMA; 2) The exception for matters which would be deemed privileged in the attorneyclient relationship under KOMA; 3) The exception for employer-employee negotiations under KOMA; 4) The exception for data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts, and individual proprietorships under KOMA; 5) The exception relating to actions adversely or favorably affecting a student under KOMA; 6) The exception for preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property under KOMA; 7) The exception under KOMA for school security matters to ensure the security of the school, its buildings, and/or its systems is not jeopardized. NO BINDING ACTION SHALL BE TAKEN DURING CLOSED OR EXECUTIVE SESSIONS When a motion is made to go into executive session, all blanks in the sample motion must be filled in. The time the board will return to the open meeting and the room in which the meeting will resume will be specifically stated. If necessary, the executive session may be extended with another motion made after the board returns to open session. BOE Approved 09/2004; 11/2007; 08/2017
BDA Developing and Adopting Policy (See CMS) The board shall adopt all new policies and delete or modify existing policies. Board policies, rules and regulations may be amended at any board meeting by a majority vote of the board. All handbooks shall be approved by the board and adopted, by reference, as a part of these policies and rules. (See GAA and JA) Drafting Policy The superintendent shall draft all recommended policy changes, including new policy recommendations. The superintendent may involve appropriate staff members, patrons or students when revising or drafting new policy. Attorney Involvement Board policies and rules may be submitted to the legal counsel to determine their legality before they are submitted to the board. Policy Dissemination The superintendent shall develop a procedure to ensure appropriate dissemination of board policy. Historical Policy Files The clerk shall keep an historical set of board policies which will reflect all revisions, amendments or other actions pertaining to every policy and rule. Public Input on Policy Individuals or groups may submit proposed changes in board policy. BOE Approved 09/07/04 & 11/05/2007 Return to Section B Table of Contents
BE School Board Records (See CN) The board shall keep records necessary to document board actions. BOE Approved 09/07/04 & 11/05/2007 Return to Section B Table of Contents
BG Memberships The board may maintain membership and participate in any organization that is deemed beneficial to the district. BOE Approved 09/07/04 & 11/05/2007 Return to Section B Table of Contents
BK Board Self-Evaluation The board may conduct an annual self-evaluation. Each board member may use a self-evaluation instrument to appraise individual performance or the performance of the board as a whole. Results of these evaluations may be discussed at least annually, and revised standards and priorities may be developed to guide the board s development in the coming year. The board considers the following conditions crucial to selfevaluation: 1. Board members should be involved in developing the standards and process to be used. The standards may include, but not be limited to: educational leadership; policy development; board member development and performance; relationships with the superintendent and other staff members; communications with the public; fiscal management; board meeting organization and committee performance; relations with cooperating agencies and other governmental organizations. 2. Evaluation shall be at a scheduled time and place with at least 6 board members present. 3. The evaluation shall be a composite of the individual board members opinion. 4. The evaluation shall discuss strengths as well as areas needing improvement. The evaluation results may be discussed in detail. BOE Approved 09/07/04 & 11/05/2007 Return to Section B Table of Contents
C - GENERAL SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION CA... Goals and Objectives of School Administration CB... Administrator Ethics CD... Administrative Line and Staff Relations CE... Superintendent of Schools CEA... Superintendent Qualifications CEB... Superintendent s Duties CEC... Superintendent Recruitment CEE... Compensation and Benefits(See CEC) CEF... Expense Reimbursement and Credit Cards (See CEE) CEG... Superintendent s Professional Development Opportunities(See CEE) CEI... Evaluating the Superintendent CEJ... Non-renewing or Terminating the Superintendent s Contract CEK... Resignation CF... Board-Superintendent Relations(See CEK) CG... Administrative Personnel Compensation Guides and Contracts Qualifications and Duties Recruitment Assignment Orientation Supervision (See GBH) Administrative Intern Program Travel Expense and Reimbursement Non-Renewal of Contract CGI... Administrator Evaluation CJ... Hiring Consultants CK... Professional Development Opportunities (See CG) CL... Administrative Teams Method of Appointment Organization Resources
Financial CM... Policy Implementation CMA... Administrative Guidelines and Procedures Staff Involvement Community Involvement Student Involvement Rules Drafting Disseminating Rules Reviewing Guidelines & Procedures Action Allowed When No Policy Exists CN... Public Records Types of Records Central/District Office Records Building Records Public Access and Request for Public Records Disposition Fee Schedule for Open Records Requests CO... Reports Retention of Documents in Certain Circumstances
CA Goals and Objectives of School Administration The goal of school administration is to create an environment in which all students can demonstrate continuous academic improvement. The superintendent must possess leadership qualities which motivate all staff members to improve the educational program and to attain the board s goals and objectives. The superintendent, in consultation with the board, shall mobilize and coordinate all available resources to carry out the district vision and shared goals. BOE Approved 06/05/06 & 03/30/09 Return to Section C Table of Contents
CB Administrator Ethics An administrator's professional behavior must conform to an ethical code. The administrator acknowledges schools belong to the public and they must provide educational opportunities to all. An administrator's actions will be viewed and appraised by the community, professional associates, and students. Therefore, the administrator subscribes to the following standards: The administrator: Makes the well-being of students the basis for decision making and action; Fulfills professional responsibilities with honesty and integrity; Supports the principle of due process as required by law; Obeys local, state and national laws; Implements all board policies, guidelines and procedures; Pursues appropriate measures to correct those laws, policies and procedures that are not consistent with sound educational goals; Avoids using an administrative position for personal gain; Accepts academic degrees or professional certificates only from duly accredited institutions; Seeks to improve the profession through research and continuing professional development; and Honors employment contracts until fulfillment or release. BOE Approved 06/05/06 & 03/30/09 Return to Section C Table of Contents
CD Administrative Line and Staff Relations (See CC and GACB) All administrators are ultimately responsible to the board. Within the limits of policy and terms of the job description, the superintendent's administrative subordinates have full authority to administer district programs. BOE Approved 03/30/09 Return to Section C Table of Contents
CE Superintendent of Schools The superintendent is the school system s administrative leader and shall have general supervision of all the schools. The superintendent is accountable to the board and is responsible for managing the schools in compliance with board policies. The superintendent may delegate powers and duties to other school personnel. Delegating power or duties, however, shall not relieve the superintendent of responsibility for any action taken. BOE Approved 06/05/06 & 03/30/09 Return to Section C Table of Contents
CEA Superintendent Qualifications The superintendent shall possess, or be eligible for, a Kansas superintendent s license. BOE Approved 06/05/06 & 03/30/09 Return to Section C Table of Contents
CEB Superintendent s Duties The superintendent shall be responsible to: serve as the district s chief administrator; carry out all board policies and procedures; oversee safe and orderly schools; ensure student achievement for all student groups; build positive school/community relations; lead the board in developing constructive board/ superintendent relations; oversee effective and efficient staff performance; practice responsible fiscal, facility and resource management; model positive professional attributes. BOE Approved 06/05/06 & 03/30/09 Return to Section C Table of Contents
CEC Superintendent Recruitment The superintendent search presents the board with an opportunity to recruit individuals who will implement the board's goals. The board shall recruit candidates who meet both state and local qualifications and who display the ability to successfully carry out the superintendent s duties. The board has the authority to choose an outside search firm to conduct all or part of the search process. The board may solicit applications from qualified staff members and may list the vacancy with placement offices. The board shall screen or select a professional committee to screen all applications and recommend finalists to the board for interviews. Selected candidates shall be interviewed by the board. (KSA 72-8202b) Board members or their designees should visit each finalist s district. BOE Approved 06/05/06 & 03/30/09 Return to Section C Table of Contents
CEE Compensation and Benefits The board shall annually determine the superintendent s compensation and benefits. Compensation shall be based on recent performance and the superintendent s ability to carry out board policy. BOE Approved 06/05/06 & 03/30/09 Return to Section C Table of Contents
CEF Expense Reimbursement and Credit Cards The superintendent s use of a district motor vehicle and a district credit card shall be confined to necessary school business. The board shall annually prescribe restrictions on the use of credit cards and shall monitor monthly receipts and reimbursement expenses. Expenses for district travel in personal vehicles or extended travel incurred in the performance of official duties shall be reimbursed in accordance with the provisions of GAN. BOE Approved 06/05/06 & 03/30/09 Return to Section C Table of Contents
CEG Superintendent s Professional Development Opportunities The superintendent shall keep updated on new educational practices and shall attend educational conferences and other learning opportunities as approved or required by the board. BOE Approved 06/05/06 & 03/30/09 Return to Section C Table of Contents
CEI Evaluating the Superintendent The board shall evaluate the superintendent using the adopted evaluation form in accordance with current legal requirements for the first four years of employment and annually thereafter. The superintendent shall use the evaluation instrument as a self-evaluation instrument before the board s evaluation. The superintendent s evaluation shall be confidential and be made available only to the board, the superintendent and others as provided by law. The evaluation instrument shall be on file at the district office with the clerk. Any revisions in the evaluation system shall include input from the superintendent. Purpose of Superintendent Evaluation The board s evaluation of the superintendent s performance shall accomplish the following: Provide an opportunity for the board and superintendent to meet and discuss the superintendent s performance and the district s management; Review, clarify and discuss the immediate and long-term goals for the district and the superintendent; Establish, discuss and clarify the major functions, responsibilities and roles of the board and the superintendent; Encourage a good working relationship between the board and the superintendent; Encourage and recognize good administrative performance; Improve the superintendent s leadership performance and district management by suggesting areas of responsibility and operating techniques that may be strengthened; and Establish reasonable standards for the superintendent's continued employment.
Evaluation Procedures The following procedures shall be used to evaluate the superintendent s performance: The board shall schedule an executive session annually to evaluate the superintendent s performance. Additional executive sessions may be scheduled during the year to discuss the district s management and the superintendent s performance. The board may request a mid-year and an end-of-year goals progress report and, if the board requests them, periodic reports on the district s operation. The superintendent s performance evaluation shall be based on the following: 1. Responsibilities defined in the superintendent s job description; and 2. Board/superintendent developed performance goals and objectives. The superintendent will provide a written copy of the goal(s) progress two weeks prior to discussion with the board. An executive session will be scheduled for the purpose of reviewing the superintendent s progress. After the evaluation is completed a copy will be maintained in the superintendent s personnel file. BOE Approved 06/05/06 & 03/30/09 Return to Section C Table of Contents
CEJ Non-renewing or Terminating the Superintendent s Contract The board may non-renew or terminate the superintendent's contract. BOE Approved 06/05/06 & 03/30/09 Return to Section C Table of Contents
CEK Resignation The superintendent may submit a resignation to the board president at a regular or special meeting. The board shall consider the resignation in light of the district s needs. BOE Approved 06/05/06 & 03/30/09 Return to Section C Table of Contents
CF Board-Superintendent Relations The board delegates to the superintendent all administrative duties. The board reserves the ultimate decision in all matters concerning personnel policy or expenditures of funds; it will normally proceed in those areas only after receiving the superintendent s recommendations. BOE Approved 06/05/06 & 03/30/09 Return to Section C Table of Contents
CG Administrative Personnel (Also see KB) The board shall employ administrative personnel as needed. Compensation Guides and Contracts Administrative personnel shall be compensated for their services with a contracted salary as recommended by the superintendent, in consultation with the board. Administrative contracts shall be reviewed annually. The superintendent shall determine the terms and length of each contract. The board s attorney may develop and review administrator contracts. (See KB) Qualifications and Duties The superintendent shall develop appropriate job descriptions for each administrative position. When adopted by the board, job descriptions shall be filed in the central office and may be published in the appropriate handbook. Recruitment The board delegates to the superintendent the authority to identify and recommend the appointment of individuals to fill vacant administrative positions. The superintendent shall screen all applicants and may use other staff members to assist. The superintendent shall make recommendations to the board. The district may pay preapprove expenses incurred by candidates interviewed for an administrative position. Assignment The board delegates, to the superintendent, recommendations in appointment, assignment, transfer, demotion, termination or nonrenewal of any administrative personnel. Orientation The superintendent shall conduct an appropriate administrative orientation program.
Supervision The superintendent shall be responsible for supervising all administrative personnel. Administrative Intern Program The board may establish, by contract with an approved administrator training institution, an administrative intern program. Travel Expense and Reimbursement Travel expense for administrative staff shall be provided in accordance with CEF and GAN. Non-Renewal of Contract Whenever the Board proposes to not renew the contract of an administrative staff member, the provisions of Kansas Statute for administrator contracts shall be observed. BOE Approved 06/05/06 & 03/30/09 Return to Section C Table of Contents
CGI Administrative Evaluation (See CEI) Administrative personnel shall be evaluated in writing by the superintendent or designee, in accordance with legal requirements for the first two years of employment and at least annually thereafter. Administrative personnel files and evaluations shall be available only to the board, the appropriate administrator, the superintendent and others authorized by law. The board's policies concerning evaluation of district administrators shall be on file with the clerk in the central office and may be published in the appropriate handbook. BOE Approved 06/05/06 & 03/30/09 Return to Section C Table of Contents
CJ Hiring Consultants (See BBG) The administration may use professional consultants. The board shall approve any consultant pay in advance or may instruct the superintendent to budget a specific amount for consultant fees. BOE Approved 06/05/06 & 03/30/09 Return to Section C Table of Contents
CK Professional Development Opportunities The board encourages, and may require, administrators to attend activities which will directly benefit the schools. The district may pay expenses to attend meetings approved by the superintendent. BOE Approved 06/05/06 & 03/30/09 Return to Section C Table of Contents
CL Administrative Teams (See BBG,CJ and ID) The board advocates the team concept of school administration. Method of Appointment The superintendent shall select the members of each administrative team. Organization The superintendent shall determine the organization of each administrative team. Resources With board approval, the team may use outside consultants and district resources. Financial The superintendent may recommend an administrative team budget to the board. BOE Approved 06/05/06 & 03/30/09 Return to Section C Table of Contents
CM Policy Implementation Administrative employees who fail to implement board policies may, by board action, be suspended, demoted, placed on probation, nonrenewed or terminated. BOE Approved 06/05/06 & 03/30/09 Return to Section C Table of Contents
CMA Administrative Guidelines and Procedures The superintendent is responsible for establishing guidelines and procedures necessary to carry out board policy and to operate the district s schools. These guidelines and procedures shall constitute the administrative handbooks governing the schools and shall be considered for approval, modification or disapproval by the board. No administrative guideline or procedure shall conflict with board policy. Copies of all handbooks will be available to the board at their request. Staff Involvement The superintendent may include representatives of those employees who will be affected at the planning stage. Community Involvement The superintendent may involve district patrons on committees or study groups whenever necessary and appropriate. Student Involvement The superintendent may consider students opinions concerning guidelines and procedures which affect them. (Also BDA) Rules Drafting All proposed guidelines and procedures may be submitted to the legal counsel to determine their legality before publication. Disseminating Rules All employees who play a role in enforcing the guidelines and procedures or who will be affected by any guideline or procedure changes shall be given copies of the pertinent revisions. Reviewing Guidelines and Procedures Administrative guidelines and procedures approved adopted by the board shall be subject to regular review by the administrative staff. Proposed changes shall be submitted to the board.
Action Allowed When No Policy Exists In an emergency when action must be taken, the superintendent shall have authority to act. Consultation with the board president and timely notification of all board members will take place as soon after the emergency as possible. Any decision shall be subject to board review at the next meeting. The superintendent should recommend any needed policy changes identified or created by the incident. BOE Approved 06/05/06 Return to Section C Table of Contents
CN Public Records (See BE, IDAE, II, HAI, JGGA, and JR et seq.) The board shall designate a Freedom of Information Officer, {the superintendent or his/her designee}, with the authority to establish and maintain a system of records in accordance with the Kansas Open Records Act and other applicable laws and may assign another district employee to handle requests for records and to serve as the custodian of the records. The custodian shall prominently display and distribute or otherwise make available to the public a brochure in the form prescribed by the local Freedom of Information Officer. Types of Records A public record means any recorded information, regardless of form or characteristics, which is made, maintained, or kept by or is in the possession of the district, including those exhibited at public board meetings. Central/District Office Records Records maintained by the superintendent shall include, but not be limited to, the following: financial, personnel, and property (both real and personal) owned by the district. Building Records Records maintained by the building principals shall include, but may not be limited to, the following: activity funds, student records, and personnel records. (See JR et seq.) Public Access All records, except those subject to exception by the Kansas Open Records Act, shall be open to inspection by the general public during regular office hours of any school or the district office. The superintendent will establish procedures for making records available on normal business days when district offices are closed. Copies of open records shall be available upon receipt of a written request containing all required information: name, address and a description of the record requested.
Requests for access to open records shall be made in writing to an official custodian of district records. The official custodian shall examine each request to determine whether the record requested is an open record or is subject to an exception by the Kansas Open Records Act. The custodian shall either grant or deny the request. If the custodian does not grant the request, the person requesting the record shall receive a written explanation of the reason for the denial within three business days of the request, if an explanation is requested. If the requester disagrees with the explanation, the freedom of information officer shall settle the dispute. Each request for access to a public record shall be acted upon as soon as possible, but not later than the end of the third business day following the date that the request is received. If the request is not acted on immediately, the custodian shall inform the requester, within the threeday window, when and where the open record will be made available. Each custodian shall file all requests and their dispositions in the appropriate office and make reports as requested by the superintendent or the board. The board shall annually set a fee for copies of records. Advance payment of the expense of copying open records shall be borne by the individual requesting the copies. Under no circumstances shall the documents be allowed out of their usual building location without approval of the official custodian. Revenue from copying open records will be deposited in the district s general fund. Disposition All district office records shall be kept for at least the minimum length of time required by law. The clerk is designated as the official custodian of all board records maintained by the district. The Freedom of Information Officer is designated as official custodian of all district office records maintained by the district. Each principal is designated as official custodian of all
records maintained at the school level. In addition to those records required by law, the clerk shall be responsible for preparing and keeping other records necessary for the district s efficient operation. District employees shall follow the guidelines found in the student records policies. (See IDAE and JR through JRD) Retention of Documents in Certain Circumstances If a member of the Board of Education or employee of the District knows, or has reason to know, that a lawsuit or other claim has been filed, or will be filed, against the District or any officer or employee of the District, that person shall retain all documents and records, including electronic, that are relevant to, or relate in any manner to, the subject-matter of the lawsuit or claim. The Board member or employee shall immediately notify the Superintendent of the existence of such documents and records and shall retain them in their original form until further notice from the Superintendent. BOE Approved 06/2006; 03/2009; 04/2017
CO Reports The board may require reports from the superintendent or other staff members. The board delegates to the superintendent authority to request reports from any staff member. BOE Approved 06/05/06 & 03/30/09 Return to Section C Table of Contents
FEE SCHEDULE FOR OPEN RECORDS REQUESTS Once the official custodian has determined that the record(s) requested are not subject an exception to the Kansas Open Records Act, the School District shall charge fees for locating, identifying, providing access to, and making photocopies of public records, as well as supervision time by a person designated by the custodian of the records. 1) $.20 per paper copy. 2) $35 per computer run. 3) $20 per hour for administrative time. 4) $10 per hour for secretarial time. 5) All money received from fees pursuant to the Kansas Open Records Act must be remitted to the School District Treasurer at least monthly. Those receipts are to be credited to the general fund of the School District, unless otherwise specifically provided by law. BOE Approved 03/30/09 Return to Section C Table of Contents