Role of the Board of Education
The School District of Thorp Board of Education consists of five dedicated volunteers, who are elected to staggered three year terms. The Board is responsible for several key areas: establishing policy; defining District priorities and goals; monitoring and evaluating progress; approving contracts, bonds and the annual budget; and selecting and evaluating the Superintendent of Schools.
Establishing Policy
The Board sets policies that govern the education of all children attending our district schools, as well as the day-to-day operations of the District.
Defining Priorities and Goals
In collaboration with the Administration, the Board defines annual District priorities and establishes specific goals, rationale and expected outcomes. It delegates to the Superintendent of Schools (the District's chief executive officer and educational leader) the authority to develop, operate and manage the educational programs to meet these goals.
Monitoring and Evaluating Progress
The District Administrator regularly updates the Board on progress towards goals, and Board meetings and study sessions are often devoted to presentations highlighting work in specific areas.
Approving Contracts, Bonds and the Annual Budget
The Board guides negotiations with the District’s five bargaining units and approves all final agreements and employment contracts, as well as vendor contracts.
The District Administrator, with some guidance from the Board and in concert with his/her staff, prepares and presents a recommended budget to the Board. After discussion and input from the community, the Board is responsible for approving a final budget to be presented for a community vote. The Board strives to approve a budget that effectively balances costs with maintaining Thorp School District high instructional standards for students and staff.
Selecting and Evaluating the Superintendent
Perhaps the most critical responsibility of a Board of Education is to select and evaluate the Superintendent. The Board provides regular feedback and a formal annual review.
Regular School Board Member term is 3 years.
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