School Board FAQ

The Board of Education of Illinois Valley Central Unit District 321 wishes to encourage citizens to attend its meetings and extends a welcome to you. Composed of seven members, the Board generally meets as a body on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month except December, June, and July. In addition, the Board schedules a Saturday meeting in February. Other exceptions to this regular meeting schedule are sometimes made to accommodate holidays and school vacation. (For specific dates, times and location, see the meeting calendar on this website.) These regular monthly meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. At this session, the Board acts on its business and administrative agenda.

In accordance with the Open Meetings Act, the Board has the privilege of meeting privately in executive sessions to discuss matters related to personnel, land acquisition, student hearings and to consult with legal counsel. Executive sessions are normally scheduled at 5:30 P.M. when meetings are conducted at IVCHS and at the end of meetings that are hosted at other school buildings.

What does the Board of Education do?

The Board of Education represents the citizens in matters of public education. The Board of Education makes education policy, approves and expends the funds appropriated to education, hires the Superintendent, acts on recommendations of the Superintendent regarding the hiring of professional employees, and acts in a quasi-judicial role in administrative hearings. How are meetings conducted?

Meetings are conducted in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order, Revised. A quorum of four members of the board is required to conduct business and an affirmative vote of four of the seven members is necessary at all times for the Board to take formal action on the matter at hand. Minutes of all meetings are taken and copies of public meeting minutes are available to the public after they are approved by the Board at the following meeting. Minutes will also be posted on this website at the appropriate time.

A consent agenda, which groups a number of items, may be used to expedite action on routine business matters. Other types of topics appearing regularly on agendas include architectural matters, curriculum reports and program updates from staff members, informational reports, special recognitions, bids and committee work and recommendations. Although the Board has the authority to discuss certain topics in executive session, any official action by the Board will be taken during the public session.

How can citizens give input to the Board?

In order to remain responsive to the community's needs, the Board of Education receives citizen input through a number of established channels. The Board encourages public participation by setting aside two times during regular meetings when the public may provide verbal testimony on specific topics (i.e. individual policies, school calendar proposals, budget, etc.). Time restrictions may be set by the Board President as deemed necessary.

The Board also welcomes letters or other written testimony from citizens. A letter addressed to the Board President will be copied and distributed to all members including the Superintendent. Because members of the Board do not have offices at the School District, Board members welcome calls from citizens at their homes.

From time to time, citizens may wish to make a special presentation or place an item on the Board's agenda. To do so, a citizen should submit a written request briefly stating the nature of the presentation. Such requests should be addressed to the President of the Board of Education. Final determination as to date and time will be made by the Superintendent and the Board President, who have the primary responsibility of coordinating the preparation of the agenda for each meeting.

What is the proper channel when people have a concern?

Board members encourage public involvement and will listen to views and concerns about the district. However, citizens who have a specific problem or grievance should first voice their concern through the regular school channels. The proper procedure includes contacting the local school teacher and/or principal or the director of the particular program. The majority of conflicts and concerns are resolved in this manner. Matters which are not resolved at the school level then may be brought to the attention of the Superintendent.

How does one address the Board?

When called upon by the Board President, the speaker should state his/her name and residential address and the organization represented, if any. Discussions shall be addressed to the President of the Board and then the entire membership. Public presentations may not include charges against any employee or student of the district. Delegations of more than five persons shall appoint one person to present their views before the Board.