Policy 2:140
Communications To and From the Board
The Board welcomes communications from staff members, parents,
students, and community members. Individuals may submit questions or
communications for the Board’s consideration to the Superintendent or
may use the electronic link to the email address(es) for members of the
Board of Education that is posted on the District’s website. In
accordance with the Open Meetings Act and the Oath of Office taken by
members of the Board of Education, individual members will not (a) reply
to an email on behalf of the entire Board, except for the President of
the Board or (b) engage in the discussion of District business with a
majority of a Board-quorum.
The Superintendent or designee shall:
- Ensure that the home page for the District’s website
contains an active electronic link to the email address(es) for the
members of the Board of Education, and
- Provide the Board of Education with a summary of these questions or
communications and provide, as appropriate, his or her feedback
regarding the matter.
If contacted individually, Board members shall refer the person to
the appropriate level of authority, except in unusual situations. Board
members’ questions or communications to staff or about programs will be
channeled through the Superintendent’s office. Board members shall not
take private action that might compromise the Board or District. There
is no expectation of privacy for any communication sent to the Board or
its members individually, whether sent by letter, email, or other
means.
Board Member Use of Electronic Mail
For purposes of this section, electronic communications includes,
without limitation, electronic mail, electronic chat, instant messaging,
texting, and any form of social networking. Electronic communications
among a majority or more of a Board-quorum shall not be used for the
purpose of discussing District business.
Electronic communications among members of the Board of Education shall
be limited to: 1) disseminating information, 2) messages not involving
deliberation, debate, or decision-making; and 3) discussion of District
business by less than a majority of a quorum of the Board or any of its
subcommittees.
The following list contains examples of permissible electronic communications:
- Agenda item suggestions
- Reminders regarding meeting times, dates, and places
- Board meetings agendas or information concerning agenda items
- Individual emails to community members, subject to the other limitations in this policy
Adopted: February 17, 1998
Revised: February 20, 2007; March 14, 2016