Board Brainiacs
These are the primary duties of a Board of Education
What are setting policy, hiring/evaluating the superintendent, and fiscal oversight?
This federal law ensure education for students with disabilities
What is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)?
This is the largest source of funding for most public school districts
What is local property tax?
Board members must avoid this kind of conflict when voting on issues
What is a conflict of interest (DAILY DOUBLE - site one conflict of interest)?
A board must have this to take any official action
What is a quorum?
This individual is hired by the board to run the district's day-to-day operations
Who is the superintendent?
This 1954 Supreme Court case declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional
What is Brown v. Board of Education?
This term refers to funds received from state or federal grants for specific purposes
What is categorical aid or restricted funds?
This document outlines expected behavior for board members
What is the code of ethics (or conduct or board norms)?
This tool helps boards evaluate and set goals for the superintendent
What is a superintendent evaluation?
Boards must approve this financial plan annually
What is the school district budget?
This state law mandates open meetings for public bodies
What is the Sunshine Law (or Open Meetings Law)?
Boards must hold this type of session before approving a budget
What is a public hearing?
These are topics that may be discussed in Executive Session (site 3)
What are matters that will imperil public safety if disclosed, any matter that may disclose the identity of a law enforcement agent, proposed - pending - or current litigation, collective negotiations, personnel matters, preparation/grading/administration of exams, proposed acquisition/sale/lease of real property?
This annual board event outlines priorities and long-term planning
What is a board retreat/strategic planning session/workshop?
This term refers to the board's responsibility to ensure academic achievement and fiscal oversight
What is governance?
This term refers to the set of formal rules adopted by a school board
What is board policy?
In NYS, a school district budget exceeding the 2% tax cap must receive this to pass the budget
What is a supermajority (60%) vote?
A board member violates district policy and state open meetings law by using a group text to discuss the termination of a staff member outside a public meeting
What is improper use of electronic communication to conduct board business in violation of confidentiality and transparency laws?
Board members should review this document monthly to ensure legal compliance and transparency of district business
What are board meeting minutes?
Board members must avoid becoming involved in this area, which is the superintendent's job
What is administration/management?
This act protects student education records and privacy
What is FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)?
Boards use this long-term planning document to fund large capital projects
What is a capital improvement plan?
This is the term for using one’s board position for personal gain
What is abuse of power or misconduct in office?
This term describes when a board functions as a team and speaks with one voice
What is unified governance or collective/collaborative authority?