BDE - Board Committees

 

The committee system recognizes that board members work more efficiently through the use of subcommittees.  By allowing committees to research issues in depth and to make recommendations, a board can better focus its energy and make informed decisions more efficiently and effectively.

All standing and advisory committee meetings are open to the public unless the subject matter is deemed confidential by law.

Notice of committee meetings shall be provided in a manner consistent with the Board policy (BE - School Board Meetings).
 
Committee reports and minutes of committee meetings, if prepared, are public information subject to the Freedom of Access Law.
 
The Board recognizes that any committee mandated by state law or Department of Education regulations may require deviation from any or all of the provisions of this policy.  Any such deviations shall be identified when the Board establishes such a committee and reflected in the Board’s instructions to the committee.
 

1. STANDING COMMITTEES

Standing committees are created to perform a continuing function and remain in existence indefinitely, although the individual members of the committee may change.  Typically, appointments to standing committees are made at the board’s annual organizational meeting or shortly thereafter so that committee work can continue with minimal interruption.

 
Standing committees can be useful to its decision-making process and in the transaction of Board business.  The Board may establish such standing committees as it deems necessary to facilitate school unit governance and address ongoing school unit needs. 

 
The Falmouth School Board shall have the following standing committees: 1) Finance; 2) Policy; and 3) Facilities.  The Board may change and/or establish other standing committees it deems necessary in accordance with this policy.

 

1. Establishment and Functions of Standing Committees
   
   The following provisions apply to the establishment and functions of standing committees:

1. A standing committee shall be comprised solely of school board members and consist of less than a majority of the Board. It has only such authority as specified by the Board.

2. The Board Chair and Superintendent shall be ex officio (non-voting) members of all standing committees. Only standing committee members may vote or otherwise agree upon recommendations to be made to the full board.

3. All standing committees shall be established by vote of the Board. A motion to establish a standing committee shall state the purpose and responsibilities of the committee (the “charge”) and set the number of members comprising the committee.

4. The Board Chair will appoint members to a standing committee from
   among the membership of the Board. For existing standing committees, appointments will be made at or as soon as practicable after the School Board’s annual organizational meeting.

5. The Board Chair may also make appointments to standing committee vacancies on standing committees that occur prior to the Board’s next organizational meeting.

6. The term of appointment to a standing committee shall be until the next organizational meeting.

7. The Board Chair will appoint a chair for each standing committee.

8. Any Board member may attend standing committee meetings, but only appointed members of the committee may vote.

9. Except as authorized by law or Board action, a standing committee may
   research issues and make recommendations for Board action, but may not act for the Board.

10. A standing committee may be abolished at any time by a vote of the Board.

11. The number of members on a standing committee and/or the responsibilities of a standing committee may be modified at any time by a vote of the Board.
     

2. ADVISORY COMMITTEES

 

The Board may establish advisory committees to perform specific functions. Advisory committees may study particular problems or issues and make reports and/or recommendations to the Board, but may not act for the Board.

 
Advisory committees may include individuals who are not elected members of the Board but each advisory committee shall have at least one Board representative.
 

The Board will consult with the Superintendent before establishing or dissolving any advisory committee. The number of members, the composition of each advisory committee, and the selection of members will be determined by the Board, in consultation with the Superintendent based upon the purpose of the committee.
 

The scope and authority of any advisory committee shall be limited to that assigned to it by the Board. The Board is in no way obligated to follow advisory committee recommendations.

 
Unless given a new assignment by the Board, an advisory committee shall automatically dissolve after the Board has received the committee’s final report or recommendations. An advisory committee may be dissolved at any time by Board action. No advisory committee shall continue for a prolonged period without a specific assignment.
 

1. Establishment and function of Board Advisory Committees:

So that the Board’s intent and expectations are clear, each advisory committee shall be instructed in writing concerning:

1. The purpose of the committee, the specific issue(s) for study, and/or the scope of the committee’s activity;

2. The composition of the committee, including designation of voting and non-voting members, if applicable;

3. The length of time each member is expected to serve;

4. The role of the committee as being advisory only;

5. The resources the Board will provide to assist the committee in completing its task;

6. The expectations regarding the committee’s relationship with the Board, the Superintendent and school system personnel;

7. The designation of the individual who will be responsible for providing information to the public concerning the committee and its work;

8. The time and place of the first meeting;

9. The timeline for progress reports to the Board and/or other activities;

10. The date on which the Board expects to receive a final report or recommendations and dissolve the committee.
    
     

Legal Reference: 1 M.R.S.A. § 401 et seq.

Cross Reference: BE - School Board Meetings

Adopted: February 26, 2007

Revised: December 17, 2018