208 AD HOC COMMITTEES

Whenever the board deems it necessary,  the board may appoint a committee composed of citizens, employees or students  to assist the board.  Committees formed by the board are ad hoc committees.

An ad hoc committee may be formed by board resolution which will outline the duties and purpose of the committee.   The committee is advisory in nature and has no duty or responsibility other than that specifically stated in the board resolution.  The committee  will automatically dissolve upon the delivery of its final recommendation to the board or upon completion of the duties outlined in the board resolution.  The board will receive the report of the committee for consideration.   The board retains the authority  to make a final decision on the issue.  The committee may be subject to the open meetings law. 

The method for selection of committee members will be stated in the board resolution.   When possible, and when the necessary expertise required allows, the committee members will be representative of the school district community and will consider the various viewpoints on the issue.  The board may designate a board member and the superintendent to serve on an ad hoc committee.  The committee will select its own chairperson, unless the board designates  otherwise.

NOTE: Most, if not all, board committees are subject to the open meetings law just as the board is. The only difference between the two bodies is that committees are not required to publish their minutes. That is only a requirement specifically for school boards, not a requirement of the open meetings law. 

Legal Reference:           

      Iowa Code §§ 21; 279.8; 280.12(2). 

      281 I.A.C. 12.3(3),  .3(8); .5(8).

 

Cross Reference:           

     103             Educational  and Operational  Planning

     103.R1        Long-Range Needs Assessment - Regulation

     211             Open Meetings

     212             Closed  Sessions

     212.1          Exempt Meetings

     215             Board of Directors'  Records

     215-EH1    Board of Directors’ Records - Board Meeting Minutes

     605.1          Instructional  Materials  Selection

     605.1R1     Instructional Materials Selection - Selection of Instructional Materials Regulation

     900            Principles  and Objectives  for Community  Relations

 

Approved:  10/14/1996              Reviewed:   10/9/2023                      Revised:  10/9/2023

 

208.E1 AD HOC COMMITTEES EXHIBIT

Ad Hoc Committee Purpose and Function

The specific  purpose  of each ad hoc committee  varies.   Generally,  the primary  function  of an ad hoc committee  is to give specific  advice and suggestions.   The advice and suggestions  should  focus on the purpose  and duties stated in the board resolution  establishing  the committee.   It is the board's role to take action based on information  received  from the ad hoc committee  and other sources.   Ad hoc committees may be subject to the open meetings  law.

Role of an Ad Hoc Committee  Member

The primary  role of an ad hoc committee  member  is to be a productive,  positive  member  of the committee.   In doing so, it is important  to listen to and respect the opinions  of others.  When the ad hoc committee  makes a recommendation   to the board, it is important  for the ad hoc committee  members  to support the majority  decision  of the ad hoc committee.   An ad hoc committee  will function  best when its members  work within the committee  framework  and bring items of business  to the ad hoc committee.

Ad Hoc Committee  Membership

Ad hoc committee  members  may be appointed  by the board.  The board may request  input from individuals or organizations,  or it may seek volunteers  to serve.  Only the board or superintendent  has the authority  to appoint members  to an ad hoc committee.   Boards  must follow the legal limitations  or requirements  regarding  the membership  of an ad hoc committee.

Cross Reference:

103     Long-Range Needs Assessment

103-R1 Long-Range Needs Assessment - Regulation

211     Open Meetings

212     Closed Sessions

212.1  Exempt Meeting

215      Board of Directors' Records

215-EH1 Board f Directors' Records - Board Meeting Minutes

605.1   Instructional Coaches

605.1R1  Instructional Materials Selection - Selection of Instructional Materials Regulation

900      Principles and Objectives for Community Relations

 

                     Approved:  10/14/1996                            Reviewed:      10/9/2023                                   Revised:  10/9/2023