School Board Policy

100 -- BOARD OF EDUCATION

110 Designation of District

The legal name of the District is Anchorage School District (hereinafter referred to as the District).

111 Definition of Staff

The definition of staff shall be all full or part-time regular permanent employees of the District.

(Section 111 - Added on November 9, 1987)

112 Primacy of Collective Bargaining Agreements

In the event that a direct irreconcilable conflict exists between a provision of the School Board Policy Manual and a duly negotiated, legally permissible provision of a collective bargaining agreement or the Exempt Employees' Administrative Procedures between the Board and a certificated or classified employee group, the provision of the collective bargaining agreement or the Exempt Employees Administrative Procedures will take precedence if the conflicting provisions cannot be otherwise harmonized. It is the intent of the Board that this subsection be strictly construed and limited to situations of direct conflict.

113 Amendment or Suspension of Policies, Rules and Regulations

Except as otherwise provided by law, any policy or rule of the Board may be suspended or waived by a five–member majority vote of the Board, except:

The Superintendent may, in case of emergency, suspend any policies or rules and regulations as they pertain to the administration of the schools; provided, however, that the Superintendent shall immediately inform the School Board President, (if unavailable, the next ranking officer), and report the facts and the reasons for such suspension at the next meeting of the Board, and provided further that the suspension shall expire at the time of said report unless continued in effect by the Board.

(Section 113 replaces Section 148 which was deleted November 23, 1998 because of duplication.)

114 Nondiscrimination

The Board is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of race, religion, sex, age, national origin, economic status, disability, and other human differences.  No person shall be excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of educational opportunities and services, academic or extracurricular, offered by the District.  It is the policy of the District to comply with the statutes, regulations, and executive orders enforced by Federal, State, and Municipal agencies, including but not limited to Executive Order 11246, Title 41, part 60-1, 60-2, 60-3, 60-20, Title VI and VII of the Education Amendments Acts of 1972, and Chapter 18 of Alaska Statute 4 AAC 06.500 - 4 ACC 06.600. 

(Section 145 - Approved March 19, 1984 and Subsequently Revised as Section 114)
(Section 114 – Revised November 12, 2007)

114.1 Display of Prejudice Toward Others

The Anchorage School District believes strongly that a learning environment must be structured to reflect diverse cultural traditions and contributions. Furthermore, the Anchorage School District values diversity among students and staff and believes that all students and staff have the right to participate in school activities free from prejudice. The Anchorage School District has zero tolerance for any behaviors that ridicule, harass, intimidate, or otherwise threaten students, staff and community members on school campus or at school activities.  Individuals and/or groups are in violation of this policy if they:

1. Make demeaning remarks directly or indirectly, such as name-calling, racial slurs or "jokes”; or

2. Physically threaten or harm an individual; or

3. Display visual or written materials or deface, damage, or destroy property or materials; or

4. Perform any other act that is clearly discriminatory or harassing in nature;

Because of the person’s race, creed, gender, national origin, age, marital status, political or religious beliefs, physical or mental disabilities, family, social, or cultural background, or sexual orientation.

Students or staff members who believe that they have been the subject of harassment and/or discriminatory behavior will report the incident immediately to the principal or department supervisor. Complaints regarding harassment/discriminatory behavior will be investigated immediately.

Any student, staff or community member who violates on school campus or at school activities this policy by engaging in conduct defined above that directly or indirectly causes intimidation, harassment or physical harm to another student or staff member will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.

(Section 145.1 - Approved December 14, 1992 and Subsequently Revised as Section 114.1)
(Section 114.1 – Revised June 25, 2001)
(Section 114.1 – Revised November 12, 2007)

114.2 Harassment and Discrimination

The Anchorage School District affirms the right of all students and employees to pursue their education or occupation with dignity in a safe environment.  Discrimination and/or harassment of employees and students will not be tolerated in the School District. School District includes School District facilities, School District premises, and non-school property if the student or employee is at any school sponsored, school approved, or school related activity or function, such as field trips or social and athletic events where students are under the control of the School District or where the employee is engaged in school business.

It is prohibited to harass, discriminate against, or grant a discriminatory advantage based on race, creed, gender, national origin, age, marital status, political or religious beliefs, physical or mental conditions, family, social, or cultural background, or sexual orientation.

Harassment and/or discrimination by Board members, administrators, employees, parents, students, vendors, and others doing business with the School District is prohibited.  Employees and students whose behavior is found to be in violation of this policy will be subject to discipline, up to and including, discharge, suspension, or other appropriate action.  Other individuals whose behavior is found to be in violation of this policy will be subject to appropriate sanctions as determined and imposed by the Superintendent or Board.

Sexual harassment shall include, but not be limited to, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

1. submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment or a student's education or other school status;

2. submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment or educational decisions affecting such individual; or

3. such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonable interference with an individual's work performance, educational attainment, or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or school environment.

Disciplinary action can be taken against those individuals who are found to have made a false or frivolous accusation.

Employees who believe they have experienced an act of harassment and/or discrimination should report the matter immediately to their supervisors.  Supervisors shall investigate the issue and advise the EEO Office.  In addition, employees may also report the incident to the EEO Office directly or to an outside agency, i.e., the Municipality of Anchorage Equal Rights Commission, an Ombudsman, State of Alaska Human Rights Commission, the U. S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or the Office for Civil Rights.

Students who believe they have experienced an act of harassment and/or discrimination should report the matter immediately to a staff member.  The school principal or designee shall investigate the issue and advise the EEO Office.  In addition, students may also report the incident to the EEO Office directly or an outside agency, i.e., the Municipality of Anchorage Equal Rights Commission, an Ombudsman, the State of Alaska Human Rights Commission, the U. S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or the Office for Civil Rights.

(Section 532.244 - Revised March 16, 1987)
(Section 532.244 - Deleted March 29, 1994 and Revised as Section 145.2 March 29, 1994 and Subsequently Revised as Section 114.2)
(Section 114.2 – Revised June 25, 2001)

120 General Organization

The District shall be governed by the Anchorage School Board (hereinafter referred to as the Board). The Board shall consist of seven (7) members elected at large to lettered seats A-G by the qualified voters of the District. A Board member must have the same qualifications as required to become a municipal voter in the District.

(AS 14.12.030, 14.12.080)
(AMC VI, 6.01

122 Term of Office

The term of office of a Board member is three (3) years and until a successor takes office.

(AS 14.12.050)

122.1 Filling of Vacancies

1. It is the policy of the Anchorage School District to have Board vacancies filled by the community through a public election whenever possible. In the event of a vacancy on the Board for any reason (i.e., resignation, removal, or death of a member) which does not allow for a public election, the remaining Board members shall appoint a replacement within thirty (30) days. The replacement shall be sworn in at the first Board meeting following his/her appointment and shall serve until the next regular public election when a successor shall be elected to serve the balance of the term. No replacement need be appointed if the vacancy occurs for a seat which will be up for election within thirty (30) days.

A vacancy exists when a position on the Board is no longer occupied by a Board member. A successor to the Board member shall not be selected until a vacancy occurs. Under no circumstances shall the incumbent participate in the deliberations or voting process in the selection of the incumbent's successor.

(Section 122.1 (a) Approved September 11, 1989)
(Section 122.1 (a) – Revised November 20, 2000)

2. Within five (5) calendar days the vacancy, the Board shall advertise in the local media the following information:

   (1) The existence of the vacancy.

(2) The length of the unexpired term and the length of the term for which appointment is to be made prior to the next regular public election.

(3) The qualifications for the office: the candidate must be a registered voter; at least 18 years of age; and a resident of the Municipality of Anchorage. The applicants will be provided with information about School Board service and a copy of the Public Official Disclosure Requirements, which will be due within thirty (30) days of taking office.

(4) That applications for the vacant seat must be submitted to the Office of the Superintendent.

(5) That applications shall include the applicant's name, home and mailing address, phone numbers, occupation, resume, and a statement of the reasons why the applicant wishes to become a member of the Board. The application shall also include a question asking whether the applicant has ever been convicted of, admitted to committing, or is awaiting trail for any crime involving moral turpitude. (PTPC Regulation 10 AAC 10.030) The application may also include other information which the applicant deems pertinent (including recommendations of registered voters and/or community organizations, etc.). If more than one vacancy exists, the application must indicate which seat the applicant seeks to fill.

(6) The date and time by which applications must be received.

3. The Board shall accept applications for fourteen (14) calendar days following the initial advertisement of the vacancy (or the first business day thereafter if the 14th day would occur on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday). All applications shall be forwarded to the Municipal Clerk’s office as soon as received for verification of the applicant’s qualifications.

At the close of the fourteen (14) day application period, the Board shall announce to the public the names of all applicants. If no properly complete applications are received within the application period, then any member of the Board may place a name in nomination either by written notice to the other Board members prior to the special meeting described in Section (d) or by placing a name in nomination at that meeting. If more than one vacancy exists, each nomination shall be for a specific seat.

4. Within eleven (11) calendar days after a deadline for applications, the Board shall hold a special meeting for the purpose of filling the vacancy. Each candidate shall be allowed an equal amount of time to make an oral presentation if he or she desires. Candidates may be further questioned by the Board

5. After discussion by the Board, the Board will vote on each candidate. Board members may vote for as many candidates as they would like.

6. If, after the first round of voting, no candidate receives more than three votes, Board members may nominate any willing applicant present even if they had applied for other specific seats.

7. All candidates receiving at least four (4) votes in the first round of voting will advance to the second round.

8. In the second round of voting, if there is a tie among two or more candidates with the greatest number of votes (but at least 4), all other candidates shall be eliminated, and the procedures outlined above shall be repeated until there is only one candidate receiving the greatest number of votes (but at least 4).

If, after this second round of voting, no candidate still receives more than three votes, the matter will be opened for debate and then another vote on all candidates nominated will be taken.

9. If at any time the membership of the Board is reduced to fewer than a quorum (i.e., less than four (4) members), the remaining members, within seven (7) days, shall appoint a number of qualified persons sufficient to constitute a quorum.

(Section 122.1 e, f, and g - Revised February 1, 1993.)
(Section 122.1 h, i, j, k, l, m, n, and o - Approved February 1, 1993.)
(Section 122.1 a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k, l, m, n, and o – Revised November 20, 2000.)

122.2 Removal from Office

When a Board member, having been notified of the regular meetings of the Board, is absent from three (3) consecutive regular meetings without having been granted prior excuse by the Board President, the other Board members may declare the position vacant and so notify the ex-member by registered mail.

123 School Board Elections

123.1 Election Procedures

Board members shall be elected at large for seats designated as Seat A, Seat B, Seat C, Seat D, Seat E, Seat F, and Seat G. Each candidate who qualifies shall have his/her name placed on the ballot. The Municipality shall conduct the election.

123.2 Date

The regular election of Board members shall be held annually as specified by Municipal Ordinance.

(Section 123.2 – Revised January 22, 1996)

130 Officers and Their Duties

At its organizational meeting, the new Board shall elect its own officers in the following order: President, Vice President, Clerk, and Treasurer.

131 President

The President of the Board shall preside at all meetings, decide all questions of order, appoint such committees as desired by the Board, execute all documents on behalf of the Board, and exercise all other powers and perform all duties required by law or Board action or ordinarily pertaining to the office of the resident. The Board President and the Superintendent shall prepare the agenda for School Board meetings.

The President shall have a vote upon all questions before the Board, and shall have the right, at his/her own discretion, to take part in the debate
on any question under consideration. He/she shall be an ex-officio member of all committees and shall be notified of all committee meetings.

(Section 131 - Revised November 23, 1998)

132 Vice-President

In the absence of the President, the Vice-President shall discharge the duties of the President.

133 Clerk

1. The Clerk shall insure that an accurate record of the proceedings of the Board is kept and that a copy of the proceedings is presented to each Board member and to the Superintendent.

2. The Clerk shall insure the proper recording of all monies collected and distributed and shall annually transmit to the Commissioner of Education a verified statement showing such receipts and disbursements.

3. The Board delegates to the Superintendent's office the performance of all ministerial duties of the Clerk.

134 Treasurer

The Treasurer is the custodian of the monies of the District. He/she shall pay no money from the treasury except for purposes authorized by law. The Treasurer shall give bond with sureties as the Board and the State may require. The Board delegates to the Superintendent's office the performance of all ministerial duties of the Treasurer.

(AS 14.14.020)
(Section 130 - Revised February 8, 1988)

140 Powers and Duties of the Board

The Board is the policy-making or legislative branch of the District. The powers granted to the Board are set forth in Titles 10, 14 and 29 of the Alaska Statutes.

143 Board Policies

143.1 Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to guide the Board to consistently develop policies focused on high-level governance and to avoid diversion of Board time and attention to issues that are not so important that they must be decided by the Board.

143.2 General Principles

School Board policy governs District activities by outlining goals, standards, and principles that guide or prescribe actions and that encourage or constrain behavior by district employees, students and others in their interactions with the District.  Board policy should establish goals, standards, and principles that have policy-level significance for the governance of the District but should leave to the superintendent the authority and responsibility to adopt administrative rules and regulations to implement Board policy.

143.3 Policy Content

Board policy should

1. state the purpose and intent of the policy to provide for consistent understanding over time;

2. focus on results rather than methods, on ends rather than means, unless the Board is convinced that specific methods or means must be mandatory or forbidden as a matter of governance policy;

3. avoid specifics and details of administrative and operational issues;

4. leave to the sound discretion and flexibility of the administration any requirement, restriction, target or other detail that is not so important that the requirement, restriction, target or other detail should not be altered without a public hearing at a Board meeting and affirmative action by the Board;

5. provide for oversight to ensure effective implementation and evaluation of both the policy and its administrative implementation.

143.4   Policy Development

1. Policy and policy revisions may be proposed from a variety of sources, including but not limited to a recommendation by the superintendent, by a task force chartered by the superintendent after consultation with the Board, by a task force chartered by the Board after consultation with the superintendent, by Board members or by the policy committee of the Board.

2. Proposed new policies or policy revisions will first be presented to the policy committee of the Board for review in consultation with the administration and for recommendation to the Board. A super majority of the Board may override this requirement.

3. Prior to adoption, all proposed new policies or policy revisions shall be given two readings as published agenda items at regular or special meetings of the Board. At each reading, there shall be an opportunity for public and staff testimony, and the proposed policy may be amended by the Board. At first reading, the Board may reject the policy or revision or approve it as proposed or with amendments and may also refer it back to the policy committee of the Board for further consideration and recommendation. If the Board rejects the policy or revision at first reading, no second reading is required.

4. On second reading, the version approved on first reading will be returned to the Board. If the superintendent or committee has recommended any changes prior to second reading, the Board may, by majority vote, elect to substitute a version with superintendent- or committee-recommended changes incorporated in lieu of the version passed on first reading.

143.5   Policy Dissemination

The Superintendent or designee shall make available to the public the Board policies and the administrative rules and regulations required to put them into effect.

(Section 143 – Revised December 4, 2006)

144 Expectations for Performance

The Board shall adopt and periodically review expectations for performance of the instructional program of the District, including statements of instructional goals, priorities among instructional goals, expectations for student achievement and short and long range goals for instructional improvement.

(Section 144 - Approved September 12, 1983)

146 Board of Appeals

The Board shall constitute a board of appeals on all school matters or it may, through the Board President, appoint an impartial hearing officer to conduct hearings and submit findings to the Board. When a hearing officer is appointed, in addition to his/her findings, all written materials presented at each level of the grievance shall be presented to the Board. When the Board hears the appeal of a student or employee disciplinary action, in addition to the written material presented, a recorded copy of the hearing or a summary of the hearing before the Superintendent (if it is not recorded) shall be available for Board review.

If the administration's recommendation for expulsion is not appealed to the Board, a Board hearing is not required. Student reinstatements are not required to be heard by the Board.

Exceptions to this policy include negotiated agreements which may have overriding appeals language and civil or legal appeals which supersede School Board authority.

146.1 Recommendations From The Office Of The Municipal Ombudsman

The School Board shall receive investigative reports and recommendations from the Office of the Municipal Ombudsman in a timely manner as in other school matters. The School Board shall constitute the Board of Appeals on reports and recommendations from the Office of the Municipal Ombudsman and the School Board shall take action on such reports and recommendations as it determines appropriate.

(Section 146.1 - Approved February 14, 1994)

149 Board Self-Evaluation

Annually, the Board shall conduct a self-evaluation of their performance. The Board may direct the Superintendent to recommend methodology and/or facilitation. The self-evaluation shall focus on collective Board performance. The written report shall be developed in executive session and filed confidentially by the School Board secretary. School Board members may review the evaluations. All other access requires majority approval of the School Board.

(Section 147 – Election Policy – Deleted January 22, 1996)
(Section 148 – Amendment or Suspension of Policies, Rules and Regulations – Deleted November 23, 1998 because of duplication. See Section 113)

150 Board Members - Role of Individual

151 Limitation on Responsibilities as Individuals

1. Board members have authority only when acting as a body in regular and special session.

2. The Board shall not be bound in any way by any statement or action on the part of any individual Board member except when such statement or action is pursuant to Board policy, of special instructions by the Board, or under specified delegation of responsibility.

3. Individual Board members who receive citizens' comments, petitions, or complaints which may warrant Board action shall request that same be transmitted in writing to the Board President and to the Superintendent to be considered for inclusion on the agenda.

(Section 151(c) - Revised September 11, 1989)
(Section 151(c) - Revised November 23, 1998)

152 In-Service of New School Board Member

The School Board President in cooperation with the Superintendent shall provide for in-service opportunities for newly elected or newly appointed School Board members. The School Board member shall be provided inservice in various District operations such as curriculum renewal, budget development, negotiations, personnel practices and general School District operations within a reasonable time period.

(Section 152 - Added May 24, 1993)

154 Remuneration

The compensation of Board members shall be fixed by the Commission on Salaries and Emoluments as provided by the Municipal Charter, Section 6.01(b). The entitlement of a board member to the compensation as established shall be subject to yearly budget allocation.

155 Benefits

Each seated Board member shall be eligible to participate in District group health and life insurance plans at the Board member's own expense.

156 Board Member Travel

1. Intra-District Travel

Board members shall receive no compensation or reimbursement for travel or entertainment within the District. The District will pay the actual cost of registration for locally held conferences or seminars which are attended by Board members acting in their official capacity.

2. In-State Travel

When a Board member is required to travel anywhere outside of the District but within the State on Board related activities, the member will be reimbursed in accordance with the District's travel procedures for transportation, meals, lodging, and registration.

3. Out-of-State Travel

(1) Board members may travel outside of the State at District expense only when the need for the travel and the expense involved has been approved in advance by the Board in open session. This requirement may be waived in emergency situations where the Board President and the Superintendent concur that such travel is necessitated and prior Board approval cannot be obtained. In such situations, the President shall report the action taken and the reasons therefore at the next Board meeting. A quarterly report will be prepared and submitted to the School Board which includes all completed in-state and out-of-state travel for the reporting period.

(2) When outside travel has been approved, a Board member will be reimbursed in accordance with the District's travel procedures for transportation, meals, lodging, and registration.

(Section 156 - Revised August 8, 1994)

158 Code of Ethics

The Board shall be guided by the Code of Ethics of the National School Boards' Association (Appendix I) and the Municipal Code of Ethics (AMC Section 1.15).

(Section 158 - Revised October 13, 1986)

159 Limited Liability

A Board member may not, while acting within the scope of his/her authority, be subject to personal liability resulting from the activities of the Board unless the member acted with such malicious intention or other impermissible motivation, or with such disregard of an individual's clearly established constitutional rights that the Board member's action cannot reasonably be characterized as being in good faith.

160 Meetings

161 Place

All regular and special Board meetings and work sessions shall be held in the Administration Building, unless appropriate steps are taken to notify the Board members and the public of the change of the meeting place.

162 Meeting Timeline

Meetings shall be adjourned no later than twelve midnight unless provision is made by the Board to extend the meeting by a majority vote of members of the Board present and in conformance with the Municipal Charter - Section 17.06(b).

“Except in emergency, the Assembly, School Board, and all municipal boards and commissions may take no official action between the hours of twelve midnight and 7:00 a.m., actual time. Action taken in violation of this paragraph is void.”

(Section 162 - Approved November 23, 1998)

163 Notice of Meetings

All meetings will be noticed as required by municipal regulations.

(Section 163 - Revised January 27, 1996)

163.1 Board Members

Receipt of the agenda by the Board member shall serve as sufficient notice of a regular meeting. Notice of any special meeting shall be given to each Board member in writing or by confirmed telephone message, or in person at least twenty-four (24) hours preceding the meeting time, except as such notice may be waived.

163.2 Public Notice

The agenda for the regular School Board meetings shall be public information and shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation not less than thirty-two (32) hours prior to any regular School Board meeting.

Public notice of Special Board meetings shall be posted at the District Administration Building not less than twenty-four (24) hours prior to each meeting.

(Section 163.1 and 163.2 - Revised June 28, 1993)

164 Agenda

The Board President and the Superintendent shall prepare the agenda for School Board meetings. In the unusual circumstance that items need to be added to or subtracted from the agenda, it will be announced at the beginning of the School Board meeting.

(Section 164 - Revised November 23, 1998)

165 Types of Meetings

165.1 Organizational

165.10 Temporary Chairman

The Superintendent shall preside as temporary chairman to conduct the election of the President.

165.11 Order of Business

The President shall assume the Chair and conduct the election of the officers as set forth in Section 130.

165.2 Regular Meetings

The Board shall meet on the second and fourth Monday of each calendar month at the time advertised by the Board, unless rescheduling of the regular meeting is required. Items not on the agenda may be taken up by a majority vote of the Board and placed on the agenda of a future meeting of the School Board. Five votes are required for the item to be placed on the agenda at that current meeting.

(Section 165.2 - Revised June 28, 1993)
(Section 165.2 - Revised November 23, 1998)
(Section 165.2 – Revised October 24, 2005)

165.3 Special Meetings

Special meetings may be called by the President or a majority of the members of the Board. When appropriate, special meetings will be held in conjunction with the regular meeting on the second and fourth Monday of each month. Notice shall be given as provided in Section 163. Items not on the agenda may only be taken up by majority vote of the Board and then placed on a future agenda of a meeting of the School Board. Five votes are required for the item to be placed on the agenda at that current meeting.

(Section 165.3 - Revised June 28, 1993)
(Section 165.3 - Revised November 23, 1998)

165.4 Work Sessions

Work sessions may be called by the President or by a majority of the members of the Board. Notice shall be given as provided in Sections 161 and 163. Work sessions shall be for an informal discussion of agenda issues. No official action shall be taken at work sessions.

(Section 165.4 - Revised June 28, 1993)

165.5 Continued Meetings

Any meeting may be continued to a specific future date, time and place when so voted by the majority of the Board. All Board members shall be notified at least twenty-four (24) hours in advance of the call-to-order of a continued meeting, reconvened. No public notification of the meeting is required if it is held at the time announced publicly at the meeting which was adjourned. Items not on the agenda may only be taken up by five votes of the Board members.

(Section 165.5 - Revised November 23, 1998)

165.6 Executive Sessions

1. The School Board may recess to meet in executive session to discuss the following subjects if the express nature of the subject is stated in the motion calling for the session:

(1) pending litigation;

(2) labor negotiations with School District employees or other matters that, if immediately disclosed would tend to affect adversely the finances of the School District;

(3) matters which tend to defame or injure the reputation of persons.

(4) Matters which by law, Municipal Charter, ordinance, or the terms of labor contracts are required to be confidential.

2. No official action may be taken in executive sessions. The public shall be excluded and the session shall be electronically recorded. The tapes shall be available for public access according to the following schedule:

(1) If the session concerns pending litigation, the release date shall be when all causes of action have been resolved by final judgment or when further claims arising from the matter are otherwise barred.

(2) If the session concerns labor negotiations, the release date shall be one–year following the expiration of the labor contract that is the subject of the negotiations.

(3) If the session concerns matters provided for in b.1 above, except labor negotiations, the release date shall be a date certain set by the School Board at the conclusion of the executive session.

(4) If the session concerns matters which tend to defame or injure the reputation of persons or concerning matters provided for in a.4 above, the School Board may set a release date or may provide that no release shall occur.

3. The School Board may extend the time periods set forth in Section 165.6 b. (above) only for good cause shown.

4. Notwithstanding any provisions of Chapter 3.90 to the contrary, tapes or minutes of an executive session shall be available only to School Board members or authorized school administrative staff until the date of release (if any) as authorized under the provisions set forth above.

(AMC Section 29.10.050)

166 Minutes

1. Minutes of all Board meetings shall be kept by the Board Secretary as the permanent official record of the District. The Superintendent's office shall act as custodian of the minutes. Such minutes shall be approved by the Board and signed by the President and the Clerk. All approved Board minutes shall be available to the public for inspection at the office of the Superintendent during normal business hours.

2. Board meetings shall be tape recorded by the School Board Secretary for use in preparing the minutes. After the minutes have been approved as provided in Section (a), the tapes shall be maintained by the School Board Secretary for a period of not less than one year. Until erased, tapes shall be available to the public for inspection at the office of the Superintendent during normal business hours. (This section does not apply to executive sessions, grievance or personnel hearings before the Board.)

3. Executive Session Board meetings shall be tape recorded. The tapes are available only to School Board members or authorized school administrative staff until the date of release (if any) as authorized under the provisions in AMC Section 29.10.050.

(Section 160 - Approved December 17, 1984)
(Section 166 c. - Revised November 11, 1996)
(Section 166 a. - Revised November 23, 1998)

170 Operating Procedures

171 Rules of Order

Parliamentary procedures not provided for in these policies or by statute or regulation shall be determined by Robert's Rules of Order, Revised.

171.1 Quorum

1. A quorum shall be present at all meetings of the Board, including work sessions.

2. A majority of all members of the Board (four) shall constitute a quorum.

172 Order of Business

The School Board shall annually or as otherwise needed establish the order of business for the School Board meetings. The agenda shall provide for efficient operation of District business and shall provide opportunity for community input on issues before the School Board.

(Section 172 - Revised June 13, 1994)

173 Committees

173.1 Advisory Committees

The Board may appoint advisory committees of citizens or staff on a temporary basis, and shall set forth in writing the purpose of the committee's work. The only function of such committee is that of advising and recommending. Board members and the Superintendent, or his/her designee, are ex-officio members of such committees.

173.2 Student Advisory Board

1. A Student Advisory Board consisting of representatives of each secondary school is established. The purpose of the SAB is to advise the School Board as to the wants and needs of students.

(Section 173.2a - Revised September 13, 1993)
(Section 173.2a – Revised August 26, 2002

2. The School Board may allow for a student representative from the Student Advisory Board to serve as an advisory ex-officio member of the School Board. The student representative shall advise and assist the School Board in matters relating to students of the District and shall act as a liaison between the School Board and the Student Advisory Board. Selection will be in accordance with procedures developed/established by the Superintendent.

(Section 173.2b - Revised May 8, 1995)
(Section 173.2b – Revised August 26, 2002

3. The Superintendent shall establish procedures to govern the composition and organization of the Student Advisory Board.

(Section 173.2 - Revised September 13, 1993)

173.3 Minority Education Concerns Advisory Committee

1. The School Board recognizes the importance of community participation in the decision-making process. The Minority Education Concerns Advisory Committee shall be composed of eleven members. All members will be appointed to the committee by the Board. The MECAC shall represent the diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds of students in the School District to the extent that qualified persons apply. The MECAC shall receive common community concerns and make recommendations to the Board relating to the education of minority students K through 12 Districtwide.
   (Section 173.3 - Revised September 14, 1987; Revised January 8, 2001)

2. The School Board may allow for a representative of the Minority Education Concerns Advisory Committee (MECAC) to serve as an advisory ex-officio member of the School Board. The representative shall serve at the pleasure of the Board and shall be a current member of the MECAC. The MECAC representative shall advise and assist the Board in matters relating to minority students and their families in the Anchorage School District and shall act as a liaison between the Board and the minority community.
   (Section 173.3b - Adopted May 8, 1995)

 

173.4 Military Delegate

A non-voting delegate representing Fort Richardson Army Post and Elmendorf Air Force Base shall be appointed by the Board. The delegate shall serve at the pleasure of the Board and shall be a resident of the area served by the military reservation schools operated by the District by contract. The military delegate shall advise and assist the Board in matters relating to military reservation schools operated by the District and shall act as liaison between the Board and the military community.

(AS 14.12.030 (e))

173.5 Board Subcommittees

The Board President shall appoint Board members to subcommittees. The Board President is also responsible for the appointment of subcommittee chairs. Standing Board subcommittees include, but are not limited to, the following: Audit and Policy subcommittees.

(Section 173.5 - Adopted February 13, 1995)

174 Voting

A majority of all Board members (four) shall be required to carry any measure, unless as required by Robert's Rules Of Order, Revised. All votes of the Board shall be by roll call, electronic device or other public method as defined by Board rule. The votes of all Board Members shall be recorded. On completion of the vote the President shall announce the number of affirmative and negative votes and whether the motion has carried or failed.

174.1 Abstentions

The School Board will determine when a School Board member has a conflict of interest that would prevent a School Board member from voting. The Board recognizes that when no conflict of interest requires abstention, its members must vote on issues before the Board. No member of the Board may vote on any matter in which he/she has a direct or indirect financial interest.

(Section 174.1 - Approved May 9, 1994)

174.2 Consent Agenda

Matters requiring Board action may be placed on a Consent Agenda for approval upon a single motion. Any Board member may request the removal of any item so placed to be considered separately.

174.3 Reconsideration

A motion to reconsider a vote may be made only by a member who voted on the prevailing side and seconded by any other member of the Board. The motion must be made and seconded during the meeting at which the action to be reconsidered was taken, or by providing written notice to the Superintendent within 24 hours of the adjournment of the meeting by the moving party and the second.

Reconsideration of motions passed at first reading will be allowed at the second reading when the action discussed requires two readings.

A proper motion to reconsider, once seconded, suspends implementation and effect of the decision for which reconsideration is sought, until the Board takes action on that motion at a future School Board meeting.

(Section 174.3 - Revised November 23, 1998)

174.5 Rescinding

A motion to rescind a previously adopted action may be moved by any member, but must be seconded. A majority of the members must approve the motion for the item to be placed on the agenda at the next meeting. Five votes are required for the item to be placed on the agenda at that current meeting.

174.6 Majority

Approval of any measure requires at least four votes.

174.7 Two Readings

Policy changes and the Proposed Financial Plan will require a first and second reading before adoption. For actions which require two readings, the second reading is to be considered a new meeting.

176 Presentations to the Board by Individuals or Groups

176.1 Subject Matter Presentations

The School Board encourages public participation and testimony in conducting its business. The public is seen as an important part of the Board’s decision-making process through written and oral testimony. These Board procedures specify how public involvement may occur on a regular basis.

1. Individuals wishing to testify at a Board meeting must personally notify the Superintendent's office by the specified times or sign-up to testify with the Board secretary in the Board Room prior to the meeting being called to order, stating his or her name, phone number, and the subject of the testimony.

2. Testimony to the Board normally shall be limited to three (3) minutes. The Board President may modify the length of testimony and the number of, and ordering of, the speakers.

(Section 176.1 - Revised December 12, 1988)
(Section 176.1 - Revised November 23, 1998)
(Section 176.1 – Revised November 26, 2001)
(Section 176.1 – Revised April 15, 2002)

176.2 Complaints Regarding Pupils or School Personnel

The Board shall not hear any complaints against pupils or District employees unless such complaints have been heard by the Superintendent through proper channels, including the Citizens Complaint process. Exceptions to this policy include negotiated agreements which may have overriding appeals language and civil or legal appeals which supersede School Board authority.

(Section 176.2 - Revised September 11, 1989)
(Section 176.2 - Revised November 23, 1998)

176.3 Recognition from the Floor

Recognition from the floor, when no previous requests have been made, may be granted only at the President's discretion.

(Section 170 - Approved December 17, 1984)