The Board will represent the district’s interests in legislative action to promote the welfare of public education in the state of Oregon or will direct those interests to be represented through the superintendent or designee. The Board will periodically study, discuss and weigh the merits of pending legislation for the purpose of determining its official position through Board action. Board members, individually or as members of professional organizations, will not seek to represent any other positions on legislative matters unless it is made clear that such representation is not the official stand of the district.

The Board desires to maintain open channels of communication between itself and the staff. The basic line of communication will, however, be through the superintendent. Staff Communications to the Board All formal communications or reports to the Board or any Board committee from staff members will be submitted through the superintendent.

To keep written policies current and relevant, the Board will continually review and update its policies. The Board also will evaluate the implementation and effect of such policies. The superintendent has continuing responsibility to alert the Board of all policies that may need revision.

In cases when emergency action must be taken and the Board has provided no guides in policy for such action, the superintendent shall have the power to act. His/her decisions, however, shall be subject to review by the Board at its next regular meeting. It shall be the duty of the superintendent to inform the Board promptly of such action and of the need for policy.

Effective Date of Policies All new or amended policies will become effective on the day after adoption by the Board, unless a specific date is included in the motion for adoption. Policy Implementation The superintendent and administrative staff will implement Board policies.

Administrative regulations are detailed directions governing the operation of the district. The superintendent is authorized to formulate such administrative regulations appropriate for the implementation of policies adopted by the Board and necessary for the consistent operation of the district. When approved by the superintendent, administrative regulations shall be distributed to appropriate district staff.

Adoption of new policies or changing existing policies is solely the responsibility of the Board. Policies shall be adopted and/or amended only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the Board when such action has been scheduled on the agenda of a regular or special meeting

The Board has the authority and responsibility to establish policy. The Board accepts the definition of policy set forth by the National School Boards Association: School Board policies are statements which set forth the purposes and prescribe in general terms the organization and program of a school system.

All Board meetings, with the exception of executive sessions, will be open to the public. The Board invites district citizens to attend Board meetings to become acquainted with the program and operation of the district. Members of the public also are encouraged to share their ideas and opinions with the Board when appropriate.

Public Participation in Board Meetings All Board meetings, with the exception of executive sessions, will be open to the public. The Board invites district citizens to attend Board meetings to become acquainted with the program and operation of the district.