It is the policy of the Linn-Mar Board of Directors to recognize and maintain the distinction between those activities which are appropriate to the board as the legislative, governing body of the school district and those administrative activities which are to be performed by the superintendent of schools and the staff in the exercise of delegated administrative authority. The board is entrusted with public funds and is responsible for overseeing the improvement of student outcomes, including student academic achievement and skill proficiency. As the governing board of the school district, the board has four duties to perform: legislative duty, executive duty, evaluative duty, and quasi-judicial duty.
Legislative: As a representative of the citizens of the school district community, the board is responsible for legislating policy for the district. As a policy making body, the board has jurisdiction to enact policy with the force and effect of law for the management and operation of the school district.
Executive: The board selects a chief executive officer, the Superintendent of Schools, to operate the school district on the board’s behalf. The board delegates to the superintendent the authority to carry out board policy, to formulate and carry out rules and regulations, and to handle the administrative details in a manner which supports and is consistent with board policy.
Evaluative: The board has a responsibility to review the education program’s performance under its evaluative duty. The board regularly reviews the education program and ancillary services. The review includes a careful study and examination or facts, conditions, and circumstances surrounding the amount of funds received or expended and the education program’s ability to achieve the district’s educational philosophy and goals for the district.
Quasi-Judicial: The board serves as a neutral arbiter for hearings related to student suspension or expulsion proceedings and certain employment termination hearings and appeals. This important power was granted by the Iowa Legislature and cannot be delegated. To preserve the board’s neutrality to hear and decide upon these matters, the board does not investigate or become involved in student disciplinary matters or employment matters that may come before it and would require the board to serve in its quasi-judicial role.
The Board of Directors also has the duty of providing the financial means by which the educational program is delivered and further ensures that the community is informed on the needs, purposes, values, and status of the schools.
Adopted: 6/70
Reviewed: 9/10; 10/11; 4/13; 9/16; 10/19; 10/22
Revised: 8/14; 9/21; 7/22
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): §§ 274.1; 279; 280.12; 281 IAC 12.3(2)
IASB Reference: 200.3