The School Board are Representatives and must adheir the following
Wisconsin Open Meeting Laws
https://www.doj.state.wi.us/sites/default/files/dls/open-meetings-law-compliance-guide-2010.pdf
Links to Roberts Rules of Order
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert%27s_Rules_of_Order
http://diphi.web.unc.edu/files/2012/02/MSG-ROBERTS_RULES_CHEAT_SHEET.pdf
School General Operations Codes
http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/118.pdf
Look Online
http://www.shorewood.k12.wi.us/page.cfm?p=3610
The Board of Education functions most effectively when individual Board members behave professionally and act in the best interests of the students, the District and the community. To promote acceptable conduct of the Board, Board members shall:
1. Uphold their oath of office and comply with all laws and regulations applicable to Board and District governance.
2. Respect the division of responsibilities between the Board as a policy making and monitoring body and the Superintendent and Administration as those responsible for District operations on a day-to-day basis and for implementing the Board’s policies.
3. Recognize that authority rests with the Board as a whole and act on behalf of the Board only in quorum with other Board members at a Board meeting. Members may not speak or act for the Board unless otherwise directed by a majority of the Board or performing duties of an officer as authorized by state law. Also, no individual Board member may make commitments or promises that anticipate future actions that may be taken by the Board.
4. Attend all meetings of the Board called for the purpose of conducting Board business. If a Board member is unable to attend a meeting, the member shall notify the Board President or Superintendent prior to the meeting.
5. Review relevant information prior to meetings and be appropriately prepared to positively contribute to the discussion regarding the agenda.
6. Model the type of respectful, informed and open-minded discussion and consideration of issues that Board members would like to see reflected throughout all levels of the District and its schools. Specifically, Board members should encourage the free expression of opinions by all Board members, and seek and maintain open lines of communication between the Board, District employees, and the community.
7. Base voting decisions on the Board member’s independent judgment of the best interests of the District and its students. Board members are free to voice their opinion but must give open-minded and fair consideration to the views of the other Board members, and thereafter support the majority decision of the Board.
8. Exercise judgment in requesting District information by (a) keeping in mind the potential benefit of the requested information against the likely burden imposed on employees to assemble it, and (b) expressly indicating the priority/urgency of a request for information when submitting the request.
9. Be an advocate for public education in the community, informing community members on the needs of the District as well as actions of the Board and accomplishments of the District’s educational program. Also, be responsive to the public and communicate to other Board members and the Superintendent expressions of public reaction to Board policies and school programs.
10. Conduct themselves at all times in ways likely to engender public confidence in the prudence of the Board’s management of the District and the quality of the education available to the District’s students.
11. Not disclose confidential and privileged communication. This ethical and fiduciary duty shall continue after a Board member leaves his/her elected office with respect to confidential or privileged information learned during the Board member’s tenure in office.
12. Avoid conflicts of interest and attempt to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest.
LEGAL REF.: Sections 19.33 Wisconsin Statutes 19.41 – 19.59, 19.81 – 19.98, 118.12, 120.12,
120.13, 946.10, 946.12, 946.13
CROSS REF.: 150, School Board Governance, 150 Guideline, Board Governing Principles, 153, Board Self-Evaluation, 153 Guideline, Board Self-Evaluation, 165.1, Conflicts of Interest, 522.4, Conflict of Interest