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Section B Index
OTPS School Board Policies
Section B: School Board Operations
Introduction to Section B
Welcome to the Section B: Governance and Operations of the School Board Policies. This section is dedicated to the governance, organization, and operations of the School Board itself. It defines the Board's legal status, its role in the community, the election and term of its members, and the foundational rules for conducting its business. Understanding these policies is crucial for appreciating the structure and authority of the school district's elected leadership.
Policy Index: Section B
Use the links below to navigate to the specific policy documents within this section.
| Policy Code | Policy Title |
|---|---|
| BA | Board Legal Status |
| BAAB | Nepotism |
| BAAB-R | Employment of Family Members |
| BBA | Board Member Qualifications |
| BBB | Board Member Term of Office |
| BBF | Code of Ethics for Board Members |
| BBH | Development Opportunities, Board Members |
| BD | School Board Internal Organization |
| BD-R1 | Board of Education - Clerk, Regulation |
| BD-R2 | Board of Education - Minutes Clerk, Regulation |
| BD-R3 | Board of Education - Encumbrance Clerk, Regulation |
| BD-R4 | Board of Education - Minutes/Encumbrance Clerk, Regulation |
| BDAE | Board of Education Officers - Treasurer |
| BDAE-R | Board of Education Officer Duties - Treasurer, Regulation |
| BDFD | Healthy and Fit School Advisory Committee/Safe School Committee |
| BE | Board of Education Meetings and Notification Procedures |
| BE-R | Board of Education Meetings, Videoconference Regulations |
| BEA | School Board Meetings Agenda Preparation and Dissemination |
| BEC | Executive Sessions |
| BED | Board of Education Meeting, Public Participation |
| BED-E | Public Participation at School Board Meetings |
| BF | Administration in Absence of Policy |
| BFA | Board Policies |
| BJ | Board of Education Executive Officer - Superintendent |
| BJCD | Evaluation of Superintendent |
| BJCD-R | Superintendent Evaluation Form |
| BK | Line in Staff Relations |
| BKBB | School Social Media Accounts |
| BKBC | School District Approved Social Media Accounts |
| BPCAB | Handbooks, Administrative |
| BT | Administrative Reports |
Key Areas of Focus
Board Legal Status and Authority
This policy establishes the School Board as a legal entity and defines its powers and duties as mandated by state and federal law. It clarifies that the Board acts as a single, governing body with its authority derived from the electorate and legal statutes, not from any individual member.
Membership and Elections
Policies in this area cover the democratic process by which board members are chosen:
- Qualifications: Specifies the requirements for candidacy, such as residency, age, and any required oath of office.
- Term of Office: Defines the length of a board member's term and the procedures for filling vacancies.
Board Organization and Officers
This section details the Board's internal structure, including the selection and duties of key officers, such as the President, Vice-President, and Secretary. These officers are responsible for managing meetings, signing official documents, and ensuring compliance with procedural rules.
Board Meetings
Meeting policies are critical for transparency and effective decision-making:
- Types: Defines regular, special, and executive (closed) meetings.
- Transparency: Outlines requirements for public notice and the preparation of the agenda.
- Public Participation (BED): Establishes rules for how the public can address the Board.
Board-Superintendent Relationship
This foundational section clearly delineates the distinct roles and responsibilities. The Board sets policy and goals, while the Superintendent manages the day-to-day operations and executes those policies.
Policy Development and Review
Often called the "Policy on Policies," this defines the process the Board uses to formally adopt, review, revise, or eliminate any district policy, ensuring the manual remains current and compliant.
🔎 Need to Know
What is the difference between an individual board member and the Board itself?
An individual board member has no legal authority to act on behalf of the district. Authority rests solely with the Board as a collective body, acting officially only when a quorum is present and a vote is properly taken during a meeting.
Where can I find the dates for upcoming Board meetings?
Meeting schedules and agendas are posted on the district's main Board Calendar page.