School Board Policies & Procedures Manual
BENTON COUNTY SCHOOL OF THE ARTS
Chapter Code
Foundations and Basic Commitments........................................................ A
School Board Governance and Operation.................................................... B
General School Administration.................................................................... C
Fiscal Management.................................................................................... D
Support Services....................................................................................... E
Facilities Development................................................................................ F
Personnel...................................................................................................G
Negotiations............................................................................................... H
Instruction.................................................................................................. .I
Students.................................................................................................. .J
School-Community-Home Relations........................................................... K
Education Agency Relations....................................................................... L
CHAPTER A
Foundations and Basic Commitments
Police Code Policy Topic/Subject Section
AA Legal Status of Benton County School of the Arts. A-1
AB The Citizens and Their Schools A-2
AC Nondiscrimination/Equal Opportunity... A-3
AD Educational Philosophy/BCSA Mission... A-4
AE Drug-Free Schools . A-5
AF Tobacco-Free Schools... A-6
AG Gun-Free Schools... A-6
AH Safe Schools. A-7
AI BCSA Accountability and Assessment A-7
AJ Board Recognition for Accomplishment .. A-7
AK School Day....... A-8
Section A-1
Code: AA
Date Issued: 2/15/02
LEGAL STATUS OF BENTON COUNTY SCHOOL OF THE ARTS
The Benton County School of the Arts' (BCSA) legal status is that of a body corporate. The BCSA is organized and governed by the laws of the State of Arkansas relating to charter schools, by written policies adopted by the BCSA School Board pursuant to federal and state laws, and in accordance with the instructions of the Arkansas State School Board and the Arkansas State Board of Vocational and Technical Education.
Legal References:
Ark. Code Ann. Section 6-13-102
Article 14, Section 1 and Section 3, Constitution of the State of Arkansas
Corporate Name:
The corporate name of this school shall be the "Benton County School of the Arts," and it shall have the same prerogatives, powers, duties, and privileges as all other schools in this state and as provided by Arkansas law.
Legal References:
Ark. Code Ann. Section 6-13-101
Ark. Code Ann. Section 6-13-102
Section A-2
Code: AB
Date Issued: 2/15/02
THE CITIZENS AND THEIR SCHOOL
The BCSA is a legal entity for conducting a system of public education for the residents of Arkansas. The system was created by, and is governed by, Arkansas state law. Members of the School Board are state officers chosen by citizens of Arkansas to represent them in the management of their schools.
The School Board has the responsibility to implement public education and meet local citizen's desires for educating their youth. While the Board has an obligation to assess citizen's desires, it is understood that when Board members are elected, they are entrusted to exercise their best judgment to determine policies, make decisions and approve procedures.
The BCSA School Board reaffirms and declares its intent to:
Maintain two-way communications with the citizens. The public will be kept informed of the progress and problems of the school, and citizens will be urged to bring their aspirations and feelings about their school to the attention of the Board.
Establish policies and make decisions on the basis of declared educational philosophy and goals. All decisions made by the Board will be made with priority given to furthering the education of the youth enrolled in the school.
Act as a representative body for citizens of the state in matters involving public education. The Board recognizes that ultimate responsibility for public education rests with the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas, however, the Board has been assigned specific authority through state law.
Section A-3
Code: AC
Date Issued: 2/15/02
NONDISCRIMINATION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
The BCSA does not condone discriminatory treatment of students or personnel. The faculty, staff, administrator and members of the School Board are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunity to all qualified individuals.
The BCSA is committed to the policy of providing educational opportunities to all qualified students regardless of their economic or social status, and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, marital or parental status, religion, national origin, or disability.
In the area of employment (including hiring, job assignment, salaries, fringe benefits, training and other conditions of employment), the BCSA will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religious preference, age, marital/parental status or national origin, and it does not discriminate against qualified disabled individuals, in treatment or employment in its programs and activities.
All persons, agencies, vendors, contractors and other persons and organizations doing business with or performing services for the BCSA shall subscribe to all applicable federal and state laws, executive orders, rules and regulations pertaining to contract compliance.
The School Board is committed to the attainment of equal opportunity and a policy of nondiscrimination in the belief that this commitment to diversity will produce a quality educational experience for all students of the BCSA. To meet this challenge, the School Board reaffirms its intent to implement and adhere to all applicable federal and state laws, executive orders, rules and regulations which apply to the operation of the BCSA, including the following:
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 - prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin by educational programs receiving federal funds.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 - prohibits discrimination in employment (including hiring, assignments, salaries, fringe benefits, training, and other conditions of employment) on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, or sex.
The Equal Pay Act of 1963 - prohibits discrimination in salaries on the basis of sex.
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 - prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex against students or others in education programs or activities.
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act - covers people over the age of 40 and forbids discrimination in employment opportunities on the basis of age, unless age is a bona fide occupational qualification.
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination against "otherwise qualified" students and employees with disabilities.
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 prohibits discrimination against students, employees, and the general public on the basis of disabilities.
All grievances and complaints will be handled in accordance with Board regulations. The Administrator has been designated to coordinate efforts to comply with laws and regulations relating to affirmative action, nondiscrimination, and equal opportunity.
Section A-4
Code: AD
Date Issued: 2/15/02
VISION & MISSION STATEMENT, EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY
BCSA Vision Statement:
Prepare students for higher education, promote life-long learning and produce responsible citizens who will positively influence the community, the state, the nation and the world.
BCSA Mission Statement:
We are committed to preparing students of today for the challenges of tomorrow.
BCSA Beliefs:
Honest, diplomatic communication
Respect for the individual
Loyalty, integrity, respect
Recognize and respond to diversity in people and situations
Word and deed must match
Students succeed when obstacles are removed
Learning is its own reward
Parents must be involved
Successful communities begin with education
Section A-5
Code: AE
Date Issued: 2/15/02
DRUG - FREE SCHOOL
The BCSA is committed to providing a drug-and alcohol-free environment and workplace. Drug and alcohol abuse at school or during school-sponsored activities threaten the health and safety of our students and staff, and adversely affect our educational mission. The use of illegal drugs and the unlawful possession or use of alcohol is wrong and harmful.
For these reasons, the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of illegal drugs, alcohol or other controlled substances on school premises or during school-sponsored activities is strictly prohibited. These standards apply to students and school personnel. Any BCSA employee who is convicted of a federal or state drug violation must notify the BCSA Administrator not later than five (5) working days after the conviction.
Discipline, consistent with local, state and federal law (up to and including expulsion and referral for criminal prosecution), will be imposed on students who violate this policy. Discipline may include, parent-administrator conferences, detention, suspension and expulsion. Satisfactory completion of a rehabilitation program may be substituted for some or all of the discipline.
In accordance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 (amended), compliance with this policy is made a condition of employment. Discipline consistent with local, state, and federal law (up to and including termination of employment and referral for criminal prosecution), will be imposed on school personnel who violate this policy. Discipline may include, reprimand, suspension with or without pay, termination and referral for prosecution. Satisfactory completion of a rehabilitation program may be substituted for some or all of the discipline.
Legal Reference: 41 U.S.C. Section 701, et seq.
Section A-6
Code: AF
Date Issued: 2/15/02
TOBACCO - FREE SCHOOLS
BCSA personnel and visitors are prohibited the use of tobacco or tobacco products in the BCSA's enclosed areas, buildings and facilities, and in vehicles owned, leased or operated by the school.
Students are not permitted to use tobacco and tobacco products while they are on school property or while involved in an activity representing the school.
Legal Reference: Ark. Code Ann. Section 6-21-60
Code: AG
Date Issued: 2/15/02
GUN - FREE SCHOOLS
The BCSA is committed to helping create a safe school by implementing the federal "Gun-Free Schools Act of 1994". Any student who brings a gun onto school property shall be recommended for expulsion (the administrator may modify the recommendation on a case-by-case basis).
Legal Reference: 20 U.S. Code, Section 8921
Section A-7
Code: AH
Date Issued: 2/15/02
SAFE SCHOOLS
The administrator, teachers and staff are responsible, within limits imposed by available resources, for taking precautions for the health and safety of BCSA personnel and students, in compliance with applicable local, state and federal rules, regulations and laws governing school health and safety.
Code: AI
Date Issued: 2/15/02
SCHOOL BOARD ACCOUNTABILITY AND ASSESSMENT
The BCSA School Board accepts responsibility for all facets of school operations and education programs. Because it is accountable to the residents of the state, the board will maintain a program of accountability and assessment which consist of the following guiding principles:
Develop goals about operations, programs and personnel.
Provide staff, resources and support to achieve those goals - within budget.
Evaluate regularly to determine if goals are being met.
Start a performance action plan so the school can gear it's own efforts in achieving the goals.
Assess the efforts of the school, personnel and the School Board in making continuous improvement.
Code: AJ
Date Issued: 2/15/02
BOARD RECOGNITION FOR ACCOMPLISHMENT
The School Board appreciates the diligent effort made by its members, administrator, faculty, staff, student body and citizen volunteers in achieving the BCSA's goals. The Board will make it a point to recognize their service to the school. Recognition will include resolutions, comments at meetings, letters of commendation, certificates or plaques.
Section A-8
Code: AK
Date Issued: 2/15/02
SCHOOL DAY
The School Board shall set the length of the school day in compliance with Arkansas School Law and requirements of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Teachers are expected to be at work at least fifteen (15) minutes prior to the beginning of the school day, and stay at least thirty (30) minutes after the end of the school day. Exceptions to this schedule may include staff meetings, staff development activities, alternate contracts, parent-teacher conferences or duty assignments, when teachers will be expected to report earlier or stay later. The administrator may excuse teachers to leave early. Teachers who are members of professional organizations may leave early for meetings. These meetings should not interfere with the teachers' duties.
Staff shall be required to serve on one committee per calendar year.
Staff members who leave an assignment without prior approval will be docked a full or half day's pay (depending on the amount of time missed), unless an alternative is approved by the administrator.
The Administrator is expected to be in earlier and stay later than the teachers and students schedules. Exceptions to this would be professional meetings, civic club meetings, etc. If the Administrator leaves the building during the school day, they must carry a pager or cell phone in case of emergencies.
CHAPTER B
School Board Governance and Operations
Policy Code Policy Topic/Subject Section
BA BCSA School Board Operational Goals.. . B-3
BB Board Legal Status Ð Generally. .. ..B-4
BC Board Powers and Responsibilities . .B-4
BD Board Member Authority and Responsibility... ..B-5
BE Board Membership - Elections and Appointments. .. B-6
BF Board Member Qualifications .. B-7
BG Board Member Oath of Office... .. B-7
BH Removal of Board Member From Office For Non-Attendance B-8
BI Unexpired Term Fulfillment/Vacancies .. B-8
BJ Conduct of Board Members . B-9
BK Board Member Code of Ethics............ B-9
BL Board Member Conflict of Interest... B-11
BM Public Participation in Board Meetings... B-12
BN Organization of the Board. B-13
BO Method of Electing Board Officers... B-13
BP Board Officer Duties . B-14
BQ Faculty Involvement in Policy Development.. B-15
BR Personnel Policy Committee Election Form.. B-17
BS Appointed Board Officials B-18
BT Policy Adoption.. B-18
BU School Board-Administrator Relations.. . B-19
BV Board Committees . B-21
BW Advisory Committees B-21
BX School Attorney/Legal Services .. B-22
BY Board Consultants/Staff Assistants B-22
BZ Board Meetings - Generally........... B-23
BAA Regular Board Meetings .. B-23
BAB Adjourned Board Meetings... B-24
BAC Special Board Meetings B-24
BAD Executive Sessions B-25
BAE Board Meeting Procedures .. B-25
BAF Notification of School Board Meetings. . B-25
BAG Agenda for Regular Board Meetings .. B-26
BAH Quorum.. .. B-27
BAI Rules of Order B-27
BAJ Parliamentarian . B-27
BAK Suspension of Rules of Order . B-28
BAL Voting Method at Board Meetings... B-28
BAM Minutes of Board Meetings... B-28
BAN School Board Records............. B-29
BAO Public Participation at Board Meetings Ð Generally.... B-29
BAP Public Participation at Board Meetings Ð Guidelines B-29
BAQ News Media B-30
BAR Broadcasting and Taping of Board Meetings B-31
BAS School Board Work Sessions and Retreats... B-31
BAT Board Policy Process B-32
BAU Board Policy Development System. B-33
BAV Policy Adoption. . B-33
BAW Policy Revision and Review.. .. B-34
BAX Board Review of Administrative Policy Guidelines... B-34
BAY Policy Communication and Feedback B-34
BAZ Board Communications Ð Generally B-35
BBA Board Communications with BCSA Personnel . B-35
BBB New Board Member Orientation and Training .. B-36
BBC Board Member Development Activities . B-37
BBD Board Member Facilities and Services.. B-37
BBE Board Member Compensation and Expenses .. B-38
BBF Annual Board Self-Evaluation . B-39
BBG Board Memberships .. B-39
Section B-3
Code: BA
Date Issued: 8-16-77
SCHOOL BOARD OPERATIONAL GOALS
It is the objective of the School Board that every lay person in the community feels he or she is in partnership with the professional educators and the School Board who have the responsibility for continuous planning, analysis, and evaluation to see that the most effective and meaningful educational opportunities are made available to our youth consistent with the aspiration, cultural pattern, and financial ability of the community.
The BCSA School Board further acknowledges that it is responsible for the establishment and maintenance of a free public school for all children residing in Arkansas and shall make all necessary rules and regulations appropriate for the governance and conduct of school operations consistent with local, state, and federal law.
Authority and Right of Review - The School Board has final legal authority within the provision of state and federal law for the operation of the school. No policy or procedure adopted by the Board or its designee shall be construed to limit the statutory powers provided by state law to the BCSA School Board to exercise its own judgment and to make recommendations to the administrator. To accomplish this function the Board must have timely access upon request to any information, including documents, in the possession of school personnel unless such access is expressly prohibited by state or federal law.
Policy Adoption and Procedure Review - It is the responsibility of the School Board to adopt policies for the effective and efficient management of the BCSA. All policies legally adopted shall be put in written form, noted in the minutes of the meeting where such action was taken, and copies of any new, revised or deleted policies shall be promptly distributed for inclusion in official copies of the BCSA Board Policy Book maintained in various locations throughout the BCSA. Adoption or revisions of generated administrative procedures which significantly alter the manner in which a Board policy is to be implemented shall be distributed to the Board for information.
Evaluation of Policies and Procedures - The School Board is responsible for evaluating both the effectiveness of its policies and how well they have been implemented. The administrator recommends specific action to implement Board policy, and it is the responsibility of the Board to appraise the value and importance of each recommendation and to act on each proposal.
Operational Action - The School Board is responsible for developing the processes necessary for conducting Board business such as adopting a procedural form for meetings, elections of Board officers, and providing for the enforcement of state and federal law.
Executive Action - The administrator performs administrative duties for the Board by authority delegated to him or her. The School Board is responsible for holding the administrator accountable for the effective and efficient administration and leadership of the BCSA.
Quasi-Judicial Action - The School Board serves in a quasi-judicial function when it acts as a forum for hearings and appeals from parents, students, or personnel on decisions or recommendations made by the administrator or appointed designees.
Section B-4
Code: BB
Date Issued: 2/15/02
BOARD LEGAL STATUS - GENERALLY
The legal authority of the operation and management of the school program in the BCSA, is vested in the elected BCSA Board of Directors (BCSA School Board).
Legal Reference: Ark. Code Ann. Section 6-13-101
Code: BC
Date Issued: 2/15/02
BOARD POWERS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The School Board shall exercise the following powers and perform the following duties:
- Select and evaluate the administrator and support the Administrator in the proper discharge of his or her duties.
- Establish general policies for the school system in consultation with the school administrative staff and teacher representatives and in keeping with the wishes of the community and the requirements of the law.
- Employ teachers and other employees necessary for the proper conduct of the BCSA upon the recommendation of the administrator.
- Make written employment contracts with teachers and all other employees of the BCSA in the form prescribed by the Arkansas State School Board.
- Adopt salary schedules for all school personnel.
- Provide, by the exercise of its legal powers, the funds necessary to adequately finance the operation of the school.
- Revise, if necessary, and adopt and publish, as provided by law, an annual operating budget as recommended by the administrator.
- Require and evaluate the reports of the administrator concerning the progress of the financial status of the BCSA.
- Provide for the care and custody of school facilities, grounds and other BCSA property and ensure that it is maintained in a state of good repair.
- Seek at all times the cooperation of citizens, county and city officials.
- Ensure that the courses of study for all grades, prescribed by the Arkansas State School Board or by law, are taught in the BCSA.
- Assist in presenting to the public the needs and progress of the school.
- Exert authority as board members, only when acting as a board legally in session, exercising no individual administrative responsibility with respect to the school, and refraining as an individual, from commanding the services of any BCSA employee.
Propose a millage rate and an assessment ratio required to produce adequate funds to meet the financial needs of the BCSA.Removed October 12, 2002
- Cooperate with other educational agencies in the continued improvement of the structure of the BCSA.
- Do all other things necessary and lawful for the conduct of efficient and effective free public school in the BCSA.
Legal Reference: Ark. Code Ann. Section 6-13-620
Section B-5
Code: BD
Date Issued: 2/15/02
BOARD MEMBER AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITY
The BCSA School Board has power to take official action only when it meets in open session as a board and as a committee of the whole. The Board shall not be bound in any way by any statement or action on the part of any individual board member or BCSA employee, except when such statement or action is in pursuance of specific instructions by the Board.
Legal Reference: Ark. Code Ann. Section 6-13-619
Section B-6
Code: BE
Date Issued: 2/15/02
BOARD MEMBERSHIP - ELECTIONS AND APPOINTMENTS
School Board Elections
Number:
The BCSA School Board shall consist of eight (5) members elected at large by the qualified voters of the BCSA. Two School Board member shall be elected by the BCSA Staff for one year terms.
Legal References:
Historical: 1949 Ark. Acts 214; 1979 Ark. Acts 152; Ark. Code Ann. Section 6-13- 604(a) (1987).
Current: Ark. Code Ann. Section 6-13-604
Term of Office:
The term of office for each
member of the School Board shall be four (3) years, with two (2) offices
expiring each year on a rotating basis.
The rotation schedule begins
as follows:
Position
No. Expiration of Term
Position
1 1999
Position
2 1999
Position
3 2000
Position
4 2000
Position
5 1997
Position
6 1998
Position
7 1998
Position
8 1997
Legal Reference: Ark. Code Ann. Section 6-13-608
Election Date:
Members of the BCSA School Board shall be elected by non-partisan vote at the annual school board election held each year on the third Tuesday of September in accordance with the general election laws of Arkansas or as otherwise provided state law. Election of members to fulfill a vacancy shall also be held at this same time.
Legal Reference: Ark. Code Ann. Section 6-14-102
School Board Member Candidate Petition:
Any person who is qualified
may become a candidate for a place on the School Board by filing a application
in writing, signed
by twenty (20) or more qualified electors, with the School Board at least
forty-five (45) days before the annual school election, at which time the ballot
shall be closed.
Legal Reference: Ark. Code Ann. Section 6-14-111
Section B-7
Code: BF
Date Issued: 2/15/02
BOARD MEMBER QUALIFICATIONS
Except as noted in paragraph 2 below, to be eligible to serve as a member of the School Board, a person must be a qualified elector of the State of Arkansas.
Any person whose residential property (defined as a parcel of land which contains the dwelling in which the person resides no fewer than nine [9] months out of each year) overlaps two school boundaries (one of which is the BCSA) shall be eligible to be a member of the BCSA School Board, provided the individual is a qualified elector of Benton County, Arkansas and the individual has or formerly had children enrolled in the BCSA.Any person who has children enrolled in BCSA.
- No person who is elected to the School Board shall be eligible for employment in the BCSA during his or her tenure on the Board.
Legal References:
Ark. Code Ann. Section 6-13-616
Ark. Code Ann. Section 6-14-108
Code: BG
Date Issued: 2/15/02
BOARD MEMBER OATH OF OFFICE
Prerequisite: Removed 10/12/2002
Before School Board members
are eligible to begin their term on the Board, they must take the oath of office
as prescribed by Arkansas law and have it recorded in the Office of the Benton
County Clerk.
Legal Reference: Ark. Code Ann. Section 6-13-617
Oath of Office:
Each school board director
elected or appointed shall, within ten (10) days after receiving notice of
election or appointment, subscribe to the following oath:
I,
, do hereby solemnly swear or affirm, that I
will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the
State of Arkansas, and I will not be interested, directly or indirectly in any
contract made by the BCSA of which I am a director, except that said contract be
for materials bought on open competitive bid and let to the lowest bidder and
that I will faithfully discharge the duties as school director in Benton County
School of the Arts, upon which I am about to enter.
The Benton County Clerk,
upon receipt of the oath prescribed for school directors, shall immediately
commission such persons and they shall enter at once upon their duties as school
board directors.
Legal Reference: Ark. Code Ann. Section 6-13-617
Section B-8
Code: BH
Date Issued: 2/15/02
REMOVAL FROM OFFICE FOR NON-ATTENDANCE
Any member of the board who misses three (3) regular, consecutive board meetings during a school year, for any reason other than military service or illness (verified by a written sworn statement of the member's physician) of the member, may be removed from office by a majority vote of the remaining members pursuant to Arkansas law. If the Board removes a member from office, the remaining members shall appoint another individual to serve until the next annual school election, when the qualified electors shall elect in the usual manner a director to serve the unexpired term of the removed member.
Legal Reference: Ark. Code Ann. Section 6-13-619
Code: BI
Date Issued: 2/15/02
UNEXPIRED TERM FULFILLMENT/VACANCIES
The Board of Directors by a majority vote shall within thirty (30) days fill any unexpired vacancy which occurs on the Board due to death, resignation, moving outside the BCSA, failure to participate; however, any director so appointed shall serve only until the next annual school election, at which time the electors shall select in the usual manner a director to serve the unexpired term of the vacating director.
Legal References:
Ark. Code Ann. Section 6-13-611 Ark. Code Ann. Section 6-13-612
Ark. Code Ann. Section 6-13-613
Ark. Code Ann. Section 6-13-619
Section B-9
Code: BJ
Date Issued: 8-16-77
CONDUCT OF BOARD MEMBERS
Members of the BCSA School Board should strive to prepare for and attend all meetings, discuss items presented on the agenda, suggest other items for consideration when appropriate, and vote in good faith upon motions and resolutions presented.
Official decisions of the School Board can be made only at Board meetings and in compliance with state law. Board members do not have authority to speak for the Board or the BCSA and should not make out-of-meeting comments unless directed by the Board.
Board members shall be nonpartisan in dealing with school matters and they shall place the interest of the students ahead of partisan principle, group interest, or personal self-interest. Members of the BCSA School Board should also meet the following qualifications:
- Have personal integrity, intelligence and appreciation of the values of quality education.
- Be residents of Arkansas willing and capable of assuming responsibility and a leadership role in the community.
- Have the ability to work with others, have the courage of their convictions, always vote their beliefs, and be committed to and champion the role of public education in our society.
-
Be prepared and willing to invest time in the study of the problems of education in the BCSA, state and nation.
-
Be willing and able to make sacrifices of their time, knowledge and personal interest for the good of the BCSA.
Code: BK
Date Issued: 2/15/02
BOARD MEMBER CODE OF ETHICS
Position of Public Trust:
Holding public office is a trust created by confidence that citizens place in the integrity of their elected public officers. To preserve this confidence, the BCSA School Board should operate under the highest of ethical standards.
Annual Filing of Code Ethics Disclosure Form:
Each Board member is required to file the annual Code of Ethics Disclosure Form with the Benton County Clerk as specified by Arkansas law.
Legal Reference:
Ark. Code Ann. Section 21-8-305
Ark. Code Ann. Section 21-8-306
Reference Note: Usually January for existing Board members and shortly after notice of election for new Board members (see attachment to Board Policy BCA)
Board Member Code of Ethics:
I. As a member of my local School Board, representing all the citizens of my school, I recognize
1. That my fellow citizens have entrusted me with the education of the children of this school.
2. That the public expects my first and greatest concern to be the best interests of each of these children, without distinction as to who they are or what their background may be.
3. That the future of this community, this state and the Nation depends upon the quality of education we provide in the public school.
4. That my fellow board members and I must take the initiative in giving the people of this community the facts about their school, then hopefully they will readily provide the finest possible school program, staff and facilities.
5. That the authority of the Board is derived from the state, which ultimately controls the organization and operation of the school, and determines the degree of discretionary power left with the Board and the people of this community.
6. That I must never neglect my obligation to the community and the State, nor surrender these responsibilities to any person, group or organization. I have a moral and civic obligation to the Nation, which can remain strong and free only so long as public schools in the United States of America are kept strong and free.
II. In view of the foregoing consideration, I shall endeavor to:
1. Devote time, thought and study to the duties and responsibilities of a school board member so that I may render effective and creditable service.
2. Work with my fellow board members in a spirit of harmony and cooperation, in spite of differences of opinion.
3. Base my decisions upon all available facts, to vote my honest conviction in every case (unswayed by bias), and to abide by and uphold the final majority decision of the Board.
4. Remember that I have no legal authority outside the meetings of the Board and to conduct my relationships with the school staff, the citizenry and all media on this basis.
5. Resist temptation and pressure to use my position as a school board member to benefit myself or another individual or agency, apart from the interests of the school.
6. Recognize that it is just as important for the Board to understand and evaluate the educational program of the school as it is to plan for the business of school operations.
7. Keep in mind that the primary function of the Board is to establish the polices by which the school is to be administered, but that the conduct of school business shall be left to the administrator and his staff.
8. Welcome and encourage active cooperation by citizens, organizations and the media in establishing policy on current and future school operations and development.
9. Support my State and National School Boards Associations.
10. Strive toward the most effective school board service to my community, in a spirit of teamwork and devotion to public education, as the greatest instrument for the preservation of our democracy.
Source: Board of Directors, National School Boards Association
Section B-11
Code: BL
Date Issued: 2/15/02
BOARD MEMBER CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The BCSA School Board desires its members not only to adhere to laws regarding conflict of interest, but to be alert to the appearance of a conflict of interest; and to avoid actions that might embarrass themselves or the Board. The following two areas must be considered with care in order that there be no actual or perceived conflict of interest:
Pecuniary Interest:
A Board member shall not have any direct pecuniary interest in a contract with the school, nor shall the member furnish directly any labor, equipment, or supplies to the school except as permitted under Arkansas law.
In the event a Board member is employed by a corporation or business or has a secondary interest in a corporation or business which furnishes goods or services to the BCSA, the Board member shall declare his or her potential conflict of interest, and shall refrain from debating and voting upon the contract in question as recommended by Arkansas law.
It is not the intent of this policy to prevent the BCSA from contracting with corporations or businesses because a Board member is an employee of the firm. The policy is designed to prevent placing a Board member in a position where their duties to the BCSA and to the member's employment (or other indirect interest) might conflict, and to avoid appearances of impropriety even though none may exist.
All aspects of the foregoing policy shall be applicable to the administrator.
Legal References:
Ark. Code Ann. Section 6-21-601
Ark. Code Ann. Section 6-21-602
Ark. Code Ann. Section 6-21-603
Employment of Immediate Family Members:
The policy of the BCSA School Board is that no member of the immediate family (spouse, children, parents, spouse of children, brothers and sisters) of a Board member may be employed in the BCSA, unless the family member was employed prior to the Board member's election. No one may be appointed to fill a Board position that has immediate family employed by the BCSA.
Section B-12
Code: BM
Date Issued: 2/15/02
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN BOARD MEETINGS
The Board desires citizens to attend its meetings so that they may become better acquainted with the operation and programs of the school, and so that the Board may have opportunity to hear the wishes and ideas of the public. The Board does not, however, obligate itself to consider any request or proposal unless the request or proposal is submitted in writing to the administrator twenty-four (24) hours before the meeting.
PUBLIC REQUEST TO ADDRESS THE BENTON COUNTY SCHOOL OF THE ARTS
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Name of Requestor: ___________________________________
Date of Request: _____________________________________
(Note: Request must be submitted to the Superintendent no less than 24 hours days prior
to the school board meeting)
Describe the nature/business of your request:
Attach a copy of any documents you will be sharing/discussing.
The Benton County School of the Arts Board of Education will limit your comments to a maximum of five (5) minutes and no official board action regarding your presentation may be taken during the meeting.
Request to be placed on the BCSA Board of Education School Board Agenda:
____ approved
____ denied (state reason for denial: )
________________________________________ _____________________________
Signature of Superintendent Date
B-12/B-29
8/6/08
Section B-13
Code: BN
Date Issued: 2/15/02
ORGANIZATION OF THE BOARD
Date of the Organizational Meeting:
At its first regular meeting following the election, the School Board shall hold an organizational meeting to elect officers.
Legal Reference: Ark. Code Ann. Section 6-13-618
School Board Officers:
Officers elected annually by the School Board from its membership are as follows: President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Financial Secretary. Each officer shall serve for a term of one (1) year, or until a successor is elected and qualified.
No member of the School Board shall serve more than two (2) consecutive terms as president.
Legal Reference: Ark. Code Ann. Section 6-13-618
Code: BO
Date Issued: 2/15/02
METHOD OF ELECTING BOARD OFFICERS
School Board officers shall be elected annually at the first regular monthly meeting after the election. The vote may be by secret ballot, show of hands or verbal, at the discretion of the Board. Officers shall be elected in the following order: president, vice president, secretary and financial secretary; and voting shall continue until a majority is received. The current president shall preside at this and entertain motions for the nominations of officers. If the current president is nominated for an office, he or she shall ask another Board member to assume the chair until the election for the office is complete.
When a quorum of the School Board has convened and neither the president nor the vice-president is present, the members shall elect one of their number to serve as president for that meeting.
Legal Reference: Ark. Code Ann. Section 6-13-618
Section B-14
Code: BP
Date Issued: 2/15/02
BOARD OFFICER DUTIES
Board President Duties
Parliamentarian:
The President shall preside at meetings of the School Board and decide questions of order in accordance with "Robert's Rules of Order, Revised."
Appoint Committees:
The President shall appoint all committees (unless otherwise directed by the Board), sign official documents of the Board, call a special meeting of the Board whenever conditions set forth for special meetings have been met and perform other duties as may be prescribed by law or by action of the School Board.
The President shall have the same right as other School Board members to offer resolutions, to make or second motions, to discuss questions and to vote thereon.
Board Vice-President Duties:
The Vice-President shall preside at School Board meetings, in the absence of the President, and perform other duties as may be assigned by the Board.
Board Secretary Duties:
The Secretary of the School Board shall perform the duties of the president in the absence of the president and the vice-president. The Board Secretary shall keep a record of the proceedings of Board meetings, post legal notices and perform such other duties as may be designated by the Board (may be done with clerical help).
The Secretary shall be responsible for distributing copies of the minutes of each meeting to members of the School Board. Any citizen, upon request, can obtain a copy of the minutes within ten (10) working days after the meeting.
Financial Secretary Duties:
The Financial Secretary shall be the disbursing officer for the BCSA, and shall sign warrants and other orders of payment.
Legal Reference: Ark. Code Ann. Section 6-13-618
Section B-15
Code: BQ
Date Issued: 2/15/02
FACULTY INVOLVEMENT IN
POLICY DEVELOPMENT
According to Arkansas Code
Annotated 6-17-201, each school in the state shall have a set of written
personnel policies, including the teacher salary schedule. A Personnel Policy
Committee will be established to serve as a link between the Board and the
teachers, so that teachers may have input into the policy development and review
process.
A teacher, selected by the
Chairperson of the Personnel Policy Committee or his designee, will act as the
election officer of each school. This person will be responsible for conducting
the nominations and elections by secret ballot. A committee comprised of
election officers will tabulate election results and report results to the
Administrator.
A faculty meeting to elect
Personnel Policy Committee members will be held the first week of May. Teachers
will nominate at least one candidate for the position of their school
representative. The name(s) of the candidate(s) will be listed on a secret
ballot and will be elected the second week of May. Representatives elected will
hold their positions for one fiscal school year.
The committee will consist
of one teacher representative, the administrator and at least one ex-officio
school board member. Teacher members are to be elected by secret ballot by a
majority of the teachers (non-administrative) of the BCSA. Should a teacher
member of the committee resign, that position shall be filled by a special
election within one month.
Administrators will be
appointed by the School Board.
The committee on personnel
policies shall organize itself in the first quarter of each school year, elect a
chairman and secretary, develop a calendar of meetings, review the BCSA's
personnel policies (to determine if additional policies or amendments are
needed) and to review any proposed distribution of a salary underpayment from
previous years.
Either the committee or the
board of directors may propose new personnel policies or amendments, if the
proposals by the board have been presented at a regular or special meeting of
the committee at least I0 working days prior to presentation to the board. The
committee will hold a meeting within I0 working days of the boards' request to
present a board proposal to the committee.
The administrator may
recommend any changes in personnel policies to the board of directors or the
personnel policy committee. Such recommendations shall become proposals if
adopted by either the board or the committee.
The committee will present
its proposed policies or amendments to the board of directors no later than the
March regular meeting.
After presentation to the
board, final action may be taken at the next regular board meeting.
The board of directors shall
have the authority to adopt, reject or refer back to the personnel policy
committee for further study and revision any proposed policies or amendments
submitted to the board for consideration.
Other meetings may be called
by the chairperson, at the request of the School Board or upon request of any
two members of the committee at anytime during the year. More than half of the
members must be present to constitute a quorum.
Minutes of committee
meetings shall be promptly reported and distributed to members of the Board, and
posted in school.
Personnel policy proposals
written by the Board must be submitted to the Personnel Policy Committee at
least ten working days prior to presentation to the Board.
Removed 10/12/2002
Legal Ref: Arkansas Code Annotated 6-17-201
Section B-18
Code: BS
Date Issued: 2/15/02
APPOINTED BOARD OFFICIALS
It is the practice of the BCSA School Board to appoint a secretary and treasurer to the Board.
The secretary to the Board shall keep accurate minutes of all proceedings of the Board and perform such other duties the Board may assign or which are ordinarily the function of the Secretary of the School Board.
The treasurer to the Board shall receive and disburse school funds, keep financial records of transactions of the BCSA, make a monthly statement of the financial condition of the BCSA to the School Board, submit an annual statement of the affairs of the BCSA, and make such other financial reports to the County School Supervisor and Arkansas Department of Education as required by law.
Code: BT
Date Issued: 2/15/02
POLICY ADOPTION
The efficient operation of the BCSA requires the adoption of policies, procedures and guidelines that apply to all phases of the school program. These policies and regulations set the pattern for the program of education in the BCSA.
As a part of the BCSA School Board Policies and Regulations Handbook, only those policies that have been voted upon by the School Board and distributed to teachers as the BCSA Certified Personnel Policies Handbook will be considered personnel policies.
The personnel policies in effect at the time a teacher's contract is entered into or renewed are considered a part of that contract and are binding unless changed by mutual consent.
Any changes or amendments to personnel policies shall become effective the following July 1. Such amendments may become effective immediately by a majority secret ballot vote of the Board and the certified personnel.
All policies and policy revisions not identified as personnel policies may be adopted at any given meeting without prior notification.
Temporary approval may be granted at a meeting of the Board in lieu of formal policy to meet emergency conditions or special events.
This notification shall constitute an opportunity for the appropriate committee of any affected organization to meet with the Administration and the Board for consultation with reference to the proposed change(s). (Cf. BDBB-R)
Laws enacted by the Arkansas Legislature supersede any policies adopted by the BCSA School Board and the Certified Personnel Policy Committee and appear in this Certified Personnel Policy Handbook.
Legal Ref: Arkansas Code Annotated 6-17-204
Section B-19
Code: BU
Date Issued: 2/15/02
SCHOOL BOARD/ ADMINISTRATOR RELATIONS
For the BCSA to effectively meet its goals, it must be responsive to the public and, at the same time, provide for effective utilization of highly trained personnel. In pursuit of this aim, the School Board will endeavor to represent the public in establishing goals, objectives and purposes. The administrator will provide, to the best of their abilities and those of the staff, the technical competence and know-how to assist the School Board with its policy functions, to implement the policies and directives of the Board and operate the school. Through this effort the BCSA may combine the public will with the professional understanding of what constitutes an outstanding educational program.
Because the two responsibilities are related and often overlap, there can be no distinct line drawn between policy-making responsibility of the Board and policy-executing responsibility of the administrator. The following general expectations are set forth to serve as reference points in the working relationship between the School Board and the administrator:
BOARD EXPECTATIONS
Conscientious Execution:
The School Board expects conscientious execution of its policies without bias. This is to give every policy a chance of success, rather than just those policies with which the administrator is in agreement.
When a situation arises not covered by Board policy, the Board depends upon the administrator to decide if the matter requires a policy decision by the Board, or is it something that can be handled under existing policies.
Information:
The Board expects full disclosure from the administrator of all pertinent information regarding all aspects of BCSA operations. Such information should include all important issues, controversial and non controversial, and is to be presented in an objective and unbiased manner. When action is warranted by the information, the administrator is to supply recommendations relative to possible alternatives. The Board further expects that the administrator will give ample time to study all items on which action is needed.
Administrator Support:
The Board expects the administrator to support it fully to the public and to defend its decisions even though they may be contrary to his or her recommendations. The administrator is to share the responsibility for unfavorable as well as favorable results. This sense of loyalty is essential for a smoothly functioning organization.
Professional Ethics and Conduct:
The School Board expects the administrator to abide by any recognized Code of Ethics for Professional School Administrators.
The Board expects the administrator to conduct all official business with the School Board as a whole and not with portions of the Board or with individual members. The Board derives its legal authority only when acting as a whole and must perform its duties as a team and only in duly constituted meetings as specified by Arkansas law.
ADMINISTRATOR EXPECTATIONS
Respect for Board Policy:
The administrator can expect the School Board to establish and live by a complete set of sound, written policies, covering all phases of Board operation. Within the limitations of these policies it is the function of the Administrator to administer the affairs of the BCSA.
Support of the Board:
The Administrator can expect full support from the Board as long as he or she is in their employ. The Administrator can further expect protection against unfair demands and excessive or unwarranted criticisms. Differences or disagreements are matters of private information and are resolved in an atmosphere of honesty and sincerity.
Function as a Whole:
The Administrator can expect the Board to conduct official business only at duly constituted meetings and only after both the Administrator and Board have had adequate time to study all topics under consideration. The Administrator can also expect the Board to operate as a whole or unit rather than as factions or individuals.
Personnel Matters:
In matters concerning BCSA personnel, the Administrator can expect the School Board to deal with all school employees through him or her as the chief executive officer for the BCSA.
Code of Ethics:
The Administrator can expect the School Board to abide by the Board Member Code of Ethics (see BCA) and to carry out their duties as outlined in BCSA Board Policy BBA.
Evaluation of Administrator Performance:
The Administrator has a right to be advised when the School Board is displeased with his or her job performance and to have an opportunity to make any necessary improvement. The Administrator should also be informed when his or her job performance is pleasing to the Board. Periodic performance appraisals are deemed necessary to give the Administrator adequate feedback on his or her job performance. Such performance appraisals are not to dictate how the Administrator's job should be done, but rather to provide the feedback necessary for both formative and summative evaluation.
Section B-21
Code: BV
Date Issued: 2/15/02
BOARD COMMITTEES
Special or standing committees may be appointed by the president at the discretion of the Board or by a majority vote of the Board. Any special committee appointed by the president or the Board will be discharged when the committee's work is completed or earlier if dissolved by a majority vote of the entire Board. All reports of standing or special committees shall be made directly to the Board as a whole.
Code: BW
Date Issued: 2/15/02
ADVISORY COMMITTEES
The School Board may establish advisory committees as a means of involving citizens and others in making suggestions for the operations of the BCSA. The establishment and functioning of advisory committees will be subject to the following requirements:
The Board will create the committee and issue its charge, and the committee's duties and responsibilities will be fully outlined when it is appointed.
All advisory committees will be temporary. They can be disbanded at any time by the School Board, by majority vote, and shall be disbanded when their reports have been made to the Board.
Committee members shall be appointed by the Board. Vacancies will be filled by the Board with the advice of the committee. Persons appointed will be residents and others concerned with public education that is able to give the effort, time, and talents needed for the committee's charge. At the discretion of the School Board, one or more of its members may be appointed to serve on the advisory committee.
The School Board may appoint the chairperson, or it may appoint a committee member to serve as chairperson until the committee selects a chairperson from its membership.
Meetings will be announced to all committee members and Board members through the office of the Administrator. Members of the Board, and the Administrator or a designee, may attend advisory committee meetings.
At the conclusion of its assignment, the committee will submit a written report to the Board. Only the School Board as a whole has authority to act on the report.
Section B-22
Code: BX
Date Issued: 2/15/02
SCHOOL ATTORNEY/LEGAL SERVICES
The BCSA School Board may retain an attorney as needed for legal counsel and service in the affairs of the BCSA. The selection, retainer, and fees shall be determined annually by the Board at its regular June meeting.
The school attorney is authorized to render services as are approved in advance by the Board or the Board's designee, the administrator.
Except in unusual circumstances, all communications between the school attorney and BCSA personnel and Board members shall be directed through the Administrator or his or her designee or the president of the Board. If inquiries are addressed directly to the school attorney by other BCSA personnel, responses--in writing--shall be channeled through the Administrator or the president of the School Board.
Legal Reference: Ark. Code Ann. Section 6-13-623
Code: BY
Date Issued: 2/15/02
BOARD CONSULTANTS/STAFF ASSISTANTS
The BCSA School Board may enlist the services of consultants to provide specialized advice or assistance to the BCSA concerning educational, legal, management or administrative matters where it is deemed appropriate.
When knowledge or technical skills are needed that cannot be provided by school personnel, outside consultant assistance may be considered.
Any proposed contracts with outside consultants shall be submitted to the Board for approval, and will be accompanied by figures showing the actual or estimated cost of the consulting project to the BCSA. Where appropriate, bids for consulting services will be sought but the Board will have ultimate discretion with respect to selection.
Consultants who serve the BCSA will exercise no authority over the work of BCSA personnel, but will act only as advisor in the field in which they are qualified to provide assistance.
Section B-23
Code: BZ
Date Issued: 2/15/02
BOARD MEETINGS - GENERALLY
The School Board shall meet in regular monthly session(s) on a day and week designated for the year as established during the regular June Board meeting preceding the completion of each school year.
All meetings of the BCSA School Board shall be held in the School Board Building located at 2877 West Walnut, unless a different location shall be designated by a majority of the Board. The time and place of each meeting shall be designated by the Board and will be properly publicized in accordance with Arkansas law.
All meetings of the School Board shall be open to the public. The order of business of any regular meeting shall include an opportunity for the citizens to address the Board. The Board does not, however, obligate itself to consider any request or proposal unless such request or proposal is submitted in writing to the administrator at least five (5) business/school days before the scheduled meeting. This requirement is necessary in order to get the item placed on the Board Meeting Agenda and obtain background information and/or data regarding the item to allow informed consideration of the issues.
Legal References:
Ark. Code Ann. Section 6-13-619
Ark. Code Ann. Section 25-19-106
Code: BAA
Date Issued: 2/15/02
REGULAR BOARD MEETINGS
The board will meet in regular session at least once a month and will schedule other official Board meetings and committee meetings as are necessary. The Board, in June, will establish a 12-month calendar of School Board meetings. Once adopted, this calendar will be changed only by a majority vote of the Board, except in the case of an emergency when the Board president may be permitted to make a change.
Legal Reference: Ark. Code Ann. Section 6-13-619
Section B-24
Code: BAB
Date Issued: 2/15/02
ADJOURNED BOARD MEETINGS
Any legal meeting of the School Board may be adjourned to a specific time and place. Only items on the agenda of the meeting adjourned may be acted upon at the reconvened meeting. The reconvened meeting will begin where the original meeting left off.
Code: BAC
Date Issued: 2/15/02
SPECIAL BOARD MEETINGS
Special meetings of the School Board shall be called by the president or secretary or any three (3) members of the Board or when petitioned to do so by a petition in writing signed by at least fifty (50) electors in the BCSA.
Except in cases of emergency, each member of the Board must be notified at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the special meeting as to the time, place, date and purpose of such meeting. Notice of any special meeting shall be given to the news media as soon as is feasible but, at a minimum, at least two (2) hours prior to the time for the meeting to convene.
No action shall be taken at any special meeting of the Board which does not come within the purpose or purposes set forth in the call for the meeting. Only business related to the call of the meeting will be considered, except by unanimous consent of the members present.
Legal References: Ark. Code Ann. Section 6-13-619
Ark. Code Ann. Section 25-19-106
Section B-25
Code: BAD
Date Issued: 215/02
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS
Within any regular or special meeting of the School Board, an executive session may be held for the purpose of considering employment, appointment, promotion, disciplining or resignation of any school employee or board member. The only person who may attend executive sessions of the Board are the administrator, the employee's immediate supervisor, the employee in question, and any person being interviewed for the position of administrator. Neither the BCSA's attorney nor the employee's attorney may attend an executive session. No minutes shall be taken during an executive session of the Board.
Executive sessions must never be called for the purpose of defeating the purpose or spirit of Arkansas law concerning Open Public Meetings. No resolution, rule, contract, regulation, policy, or motion considered or arrived at in executive session will be legal unless, following the executive session, the School Board reconvenes in public session and presents and votes on the matter.
Legal Reference: Ark. Code Ann. Section 25-19-106
Code: BAE
Date Issued: 2-17-97
BOARD MEETING PROCEDURES
Meetings should be formal enough for the orderly conduct of school business, but at the same time, informal enough to encourage and allow free discussion and to promote group thinking and action.
The Board wants to be aware of the problems, concerns, requests and suggestions of the community, but not allow the prolonged discussions of such items to interfere with attention to the affairs of the BCSA.
Code: BAF
Date Issued: 2/15/02
NOTIFICATION OF BOARD MEETINGS
Notification to the General Public:
All meetings, regular or special, of the BCSA School Board are open to the public. It is the policy of the Board to announce well in advance whenever practical through the news media, the date, time, and place of all regular and special meetings and the major topics to be discussed (an agenda). All school personnel are also invited to attend Board meetings.
Notification to Board Members:
Written notice of each regular meeting, with an attached agenda, of the School Board shall be delivered to each member at least three (3) days prior to each meeting.
Except in the case of an emergency, written notice of all special meetings shall be given to the members of the Board at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the time stated for the meeting to convene. The written notice shall indicate the date, time, place and purpose(s) for the special meeting.
Notification to the News Media:
Notice of all meetings shall be given to members of the news media as soon as is feasible and at least two (2) hours prior to the time for the meeting to convene.
Section B-26
Code: BAG
Date Issued: 2/15/02
AGENDAS FOR REGULAR BOARD MEETINGS
Order of Business:
The order of business at a regular meeting of the BCSA School Board shall be as follows:
1. Call to order
2. Establish quorum
3. Announcements
4. Approval of minutes
5. Business
6. Comments from school patrons
7. Executive session, if necessary, followed by open session
8. Adjournment
Agenda Dissemination:
No action will be taken on any matter that has not been placed on the formal agenda delivered to Board members in advance of the meeting unless a quorum is present and agrees to consider such matter.
The agenda and supporting materials, including pertinent background information and recommendations, shall be prepared by the administrator and distributed to members of the Board at least three (3) days prior to the scheduled meeting. Minutes of the previous Board meeting(s) shall also be distributed to the Board members in their meeting packet.
Board Member Preparation:
Board members shall be expected to read the information provided them, and to contact the administrator to request additional information that may be deemed necessary to assist them in their decision-making responsibilities.
Section B-27
Code: BAH
Date Issued: 2/15/02
QUORUM
A majority of the members of the School Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. A majority of the quorum voting affirmatively shall be required for the passage of any motion or resolution.
Legal Reference: Ark. Code Ann. Section 6-13-619
Code: BAI
Date Issued: 2/15/02
RULES OF ORDER
The BCSA School Board shall observe the rules of parliamentary procedure contained in "Robert's Rules of Order, Revised" except as otherwise provided by Board policy or by Arkansas law in all its deliberations.
Code: BAJ
Date Issued: 2/15/02
PARLIAMENTARIAN
Meetings of the BCSA School Board will be conducted in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order, Revised, and the Board president shall function as the parliamentarian for resolving any questions related to the rules of order in any meeting. The School Board, however, will not be precluded from pursuing deliberations in an atmosphere of free exchange of information and debate and will not be bound to adhere to the rules of order whenever more informal deliberations may be determined warranted by the Board president or the Board.
Section B-28
Code: BAK
Date Issued: 2/15/02
SUSPENSION OF RULES OF ORDER
In accordance with Robert's Rules of Order, the School Board may temporarily suspend or waive parliamentary rules of order by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present at the meeting.
Code: BAL
Date Issued: 2/15/02
VOTING METHOD AT BOARD MEETINGS
At meetings of the Board, votes on motions and resolutions will be conducted by the employment of "in favor of" and "against" or "abstention." Any member who abstains from voting shall be counted as having voted against the motion or resolution. A majority of a quorum voting affirmatively shall be required for the passage of any motion or resolution.
If a Board member announces a conflict of interest with regard to the issue under consideration, the member may leave the meeting until the voting on the issue is concluded, and the member who abstains from voting thereby shall not be counted as having voted.
Legal Reference: Ark. Code Ann. Section 6-13-619
Code: BAM
Date Issued: 2/15/02
MINUTES OF BOARD MEETINGS
Minutes of meetings of the School Board should be kept by the secretary of the Board. The minutes shall include a record of all actions taken by the Board and resolutions and motions in full and the names of members making and seconding them. Reports and documents relating to a normal motion may be omitted if they are referred to and identified by title and date.
The minutes of the previous meeting(s) shall be considered and approved by the Board at the next regular meeting. Upon approval, they constitute legal binding action and policy procedure. The minutes shall become a permanent record of the Board, shall be signed by the Board's secretary, and shall be kept in the BCSA Central Office.
Legal Reference: Ark. Code Ann. Section 6-13-619
Section B-29
Code: BAN
Date Issued: 2/15/02
SCHOOL BOARD RECORDS
All School Board records, except those enumerated by Arkansas law, shall be open for inspection and copying by the public during the regular business hours of the BCSA's central administrative office. Citizens wishing to copy Board records will be charged a nominal fee necessary to cover the cost of copying. If Board records are in active use or storage and, therefore, not available at the time a citizen makes a request, a written verification of this fact shall be given to the requestor. The notice shall state a date and time within three (3) working days when the records will be made available.
Legal Reference: Ark. Code Ann. Section 25-19-105
Code: BAO
Date Issued: 2/15/02
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AT BOARD MEETINGS GENERALLY
The Board desires citizens to attend School Board meetings so they may become better acquainted with the operation and programs of the schools, and so the Board may have an opportunity to hear the concerns and suggestions of the public. Citizens who wish to place a specific matter on the agenda must make a written request to the administrator by no later than 4:00 p.m. at least five (5) business/school days prior to the scheduled meeting. This shall come under the heading of "business" on the agenda. Citizens will be given an opportunity to address the Board under the "Comments from Patrons" portion of the agenda.
The president of the School Board will inform the audience of the procedures to be observed in addressing the Board.
Code: BAP
Date Issued: 2/15/02
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AT BOARD MEETINGS - GUIDELINES
Education is a cooperative undertaking between the school and the community, and a successful educational program can be developed only when there is understanding and open communication. Citizens of the BCSA must recognize that all regular and special meetings of the School Board are held in public but are not public meetings. The Board must adhere to its published agenda in order to effectively conduct the business of the BCSA. However, to accommodate the needs of the BCSA's patrons, the BCSA School Board allots in each of its regularly scheduled meetings up to one-half (1/2) hour for citizens' participation.
Citizens are encouraged to refer school-related problems to appropriate school personnel rather than initiate those during School Board meetings. If problems or concerns have not been resolved through the administrative process, a citizen should be allowed an opportunity to address the Board. The president or presiding officer of the Board will make every effort to recognize, in the order in which they seek recognition, citizens who wish to address the Board. Speakers are to give their names, and are to indicate whether they are speaking as an individual or representing an organization.
The major purpose of citizens' participation is for the Board to hear citizens' views on ways to improve the educational programs and processes of the BCSA. Citizens should recognize that personnel matters are not appropriate topics to be discussed at regular Board meetings. Decorum requires that such matters be entertained in executive session in order to protect the legal rights of all parties involved.
Members of the public speaking as individuals will be allotted up to three (3) minutes and members speaking for organizations up to five (5) minutes. If time does not permit all those wishing to speak to do so, a sign-up sheet will be available for those persons to register so that they can be recognized first at the next regularly-scheduled meeting.
The intent of these guidelines is to allow a fair and adequate opportunity to be heard, to allow the administrator to take action when policies have been established by the Board on the subject of the request, to provide adequate time for the Board to obtain necessary information concerning the subject, and to see that time so devoted to the discussion does not interfere with the fulfillment of the scheduled agenda of the Board.
Section B-30
Code: BAQ
Date Issued: 2/15/02
NEWS MEDIA
The School Board believes that one of it's paramount responsibilities is to keep the public informed of its actions. Consequently, the local news media is welcome to attend all regular and special meetings of the School Board with the exception of executive sessions.
- A copy of the agenda will be sent in advance to members of the news media who request it. Additionally, all reports approved by the Board shall be considered matters of official record and shall be made available to the press. However, reports-in-progress on which the Board has taken no final action shall be released only upon the Board's authority as "tentative reports", except that unofficial minutes of Board meetings may be released by the administrator or his/her designee as soon as practical.
- In order that the Board may transact its business in an efficient manner, questions from the news media will not be entertained while meetings are in progress. However, a representative of the Board will be available after each meeting to answer reporters' questions and to clarify points of discussion and action. The Board President shall be the official public spokesperson for the School Board except for circumstances when this responsibility is delegated to another Board member or school official.
- In the event that representatives of the news media are unable to attend meeting, they shall be provided upon request a summary of Board actions.
Section B-31
Code: BAR
Date Issued: 2/15/02
BROADCASTING AND TAPING OF BOARD MEETINGS
Photographic and electronic audio and video broadcasting and recording devices may be used at regular and special School Board meetings legally open to the public.
The BCSA School Board will make the necessary arrangements to have audio recordings of all regular and any special meeting that it deems appropriate. Following approval of the minutes, which will be the official record of the meeting, audio recordings will be held for six (6) months for reference, then erased. Minutes of each meeting, prepared from the audio recordings, will be filed for reference in the BCSA central office.
Code: BAS
Date Issued: 2/15/02
SCHOOL BOARD WORK SESSIONS AND RETREATS
The BCSA School Board will conduct work sessions and retreats from time-to-time in order to informally discuss in detail proposed policies, program changes or other items of concern requiring in-depth examination. Any scheduled work sessions or retreats will be open to the public.
Formal action by the Board may not be taken at such sessions or retreats.
Section B-32
Code: BAT
Date Issued: 2/15/02
BOARD POLICY PROCESS
The BCSA School Board should adopt clearly defined written policies based on a thorough understanding of the impact any policy will have on the educational processes of the BCSA. In formulating policies, the Board should consult those individuals or groups to be affected by the policies:
Staff Involvement in Policy Development
It shall be the stated policy of the School Board to encourage employee participation in the policy-making process of the BCSA. The administrator is authorized to establish such committees as necessary to study and recommend policies for the efficient and effective operation of the BCSA.
All certified personnel shall be encouraged to assist in the formulation of recommended educational policy for the BCSA through their representatives on the Personnel Policy Committee (PPC) and as provided by Arkansas law.
Citizen Involvement in Policy Development
The School Board solicits the advice and counsel of citizens in formulating policies for the operation of the BCSA. When developing or revising policies of particular concern to the public, the Board may establish a citizen's committee to offer advice and suggestions. Such committees shall be established in accordance with the Board's policy on advisory committees (see BDF).
Additionally, any citizen of the BCSA may recommend policies to the Board. Such policies or policy revisions shall be referred in writing to the administrator for administrative study and review prior to Board consideration and action.
Student Involvement in Policy Development
Most students desire greater input in the decisions which affect them, and their efforts are welcomed by the School Board. The Board views student participation in school affairs as an extension of the educational process. As a result, the Board encourages students to participate through planned programs and procedures in the governance of the BCSA and in curriculum evaluation.
As citizens of the BCSA, students have the right to acquire an education appropriate to their needs and potential, and they have the responsibility to assist in developing regulations for student conduct which provides for a learning climate conducive to the accomplishment of the educational mission of the BCSA. By participating more actively, students can be a resource to the improvement of their school and to desirable communication.
School Attorney, Administrator, and Board Involvement in Policy Development
The administrator, as the chief policy draft writer for the Board, shall seek legal counsel when, in his or her opinion or the Board's, there may be a question of legality or proper legal procedure in the development of a proposed Board policy.
The administrator (or his or her designee) shall be responsible for recasting Board consensus about policy recommendation into acceptable written form for further deliberation and/or action by the School Board.
The BCSA School Board recognizes that changing conditions often necessitates change. The Board shall periodically review its policies to reflect changing conditions and legal requirements.
The Board recognizes that while it is a policy-making body, the execution of policy is properly delegated to the administrator and his or her professional staff.
The formulation and adoption of written policies shall constitute the basic method by which the Board shall exercise its leadership in the operation of the BCSA. The study and evaluation of reports concerning the execution of its written policies shall constitute the basic method by which the Board shall exercise its control over the operation of the BCSA.
The formal adoption of policies shall be recorded in the minutes of the Board. Only those written statements so adopted and so recorded shall be regarded as official School Board policy.
Section B-33
Code: BAU
Date Issued: 2/15/02
BOARD POLICY DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM
The BCSA School Board adopts the policy development codification and dissemination system developed and recommended by the National School Boards Association referred to as the "NEPN/NSBA Policy Development System."
Code: BAV
Date Issued: 2/15/ 02
POLICY ADOPTION
Policies recommended to the School Board shall not be adopted until the next regularly scheduled Board meeting subsequent to their initial introduction. The time lapse will permit further study by Board members and allow for patron input.
Any new policy or amendment to an existing policy dealing with personnel must be presented to the BCSA Committee on Personnel Policies (PPC) at least ten (10) working days prior to any initial formal action taken by the School Board.
Any changes or additions to the personnel policies may take effect before the next fiscal year only if the changes or additions are approved by the Board and by a majority of the certified personnel employed by the BCSA voting by secret ballot.
All certified teachers and administrators shall be furnished a copy of any new policies or amendments to existing policies dealing with personnel within thirty (30) days after approval by the School Board as specified by Arkansas law.
Legal References: Ark. Code Ann. Section 6-17-204
Ark. Code Ann. Section 6-17-205
Ark. Code Ann. Section 6-17-206
Section B-34
Code: BAW
Date Issued: 2/15/02
POLICY REVISION AND REVIEW
The process of appraisal of existing written policies shall be continuous, and items may be included on the agenda at any time at the suggestion of individual Board members, the administrator (or his or her designee), or the BCSA Committee on Personnel Policies (PPC). Any policy revision or amendment shall be treated as a new policy adoption (see BGB).
The BCSA School Board shall meet as a committee of the whole at least once a year to review and appraise existing Board policies.
Code: BAX
Date Issued: 2/15/02
BOARD REVIEW OF ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY GUIDELINES
The administrator shall prepare and disseminate any administrative guidelines necessary to implement School Board policy, and shall review such guidelines periodically to determine their effectiveness in carrying out official Board policy.
The School Board shall retain the prerogative to review any and all administrative guidelines and may suggest or direct that certain guidelines be added, modified, or deleted.
Code: BAY
Date Issued: 2/15/02
POLICY COMMUNICATION AND FEEDBACK
The administrator is directed to establish and maintain an orderly plan for preserving and making accessible the policies adopted by the School Board and the administrative guidelines and regulations needed to put them into effect.
Accessibility is to extend to all BCSA personnel, to members of the Board, and insofar as is conveniently possible to all persons in the BCSA. The administrator is also responsible to ensure that all policies adopted by the Board are disseminated to BCSA personnel, citizens, and the news media as required by Arkansas law.
Section B-35
Code: BAZ
Date Issued: 2/15/02
BOARD COMMUNICATIONS - GENERALLY
Significant communications from personnel, students, parents, citizens, and other individuals or organizations to individual School Board members or to the Board as a whole, are to be conveyed to the administrator for dissemination to the entire Board with materials for the next appropriate meeting. Board meeting agendas may list for consideration communications received by the Board from the public. The listing for consideration will not include anonymous letters addressed to the Board as those will be to the Board for information only.
Communications to individual Board members requesting action or a statement of view may be acknowledged. It is recommended that an answer which commits the Board member should be avoided until the full Board has reviewed the issue. Statements of a Board member's opinion to any citizen will be clearly identified as an individual opinion which does not necessarily reflect the views of the entire Board.
Communications inviting all the members of the School Board to attend meetings and functions should be answered by the Board Secretary, to whom the individual Board members should convey their responses.
Code: BBA
Date Issued: 2/15/02
BOARD COMMUNICATIONS WITH BCSA PERSONNEL
The School Board desires to maintain open channels of communication between itself and BCSA personnel. The basic lines of communication will, however, be through the administrator.
BCSA Personnel Communication to the Board
All communications or reports to the Board or any Board committee from administrators, teachers, or other staff members shall be submitted through the Administrator. This necessary procedure will not be construed as denying the right of any employee to appeal to the Board from administrative decisions on important matters, provided the Administrator shall have been notified of the forthcoming appeal and that it is processed in accordance with Board policy or state law. BCSA personnel are also reminded that Board meetings are public meetings and provide an excellent opportunity to observe first hand the Board's deliberations on items of concern and to participate as provided by Board policy.
Board Communications to BCSA Personnel
All official communications, policies, and directives of employee interest and concerns will be communicated to BCSA personnel through the administrator. The Administrator shall employ such means as are appropriate to keep BCSA personnel informed of the Board's actions and concerns.
Visits to School
Individual Board members interested in visiting school or classrooms will make arrangements for visitations through the administrator. Such visits will be regarded as informal expressions of interest in school affairs and not as "inspections" or visits for supervisory or administrative purposes. Official visits by Board members will be carried on only under Board authorization and with the full knowledge of BCSA personnel, including the Administrator and building administrators.
Social Interaction
BCSA personnel and Board members share a keen interest in the school and education generally, and it is expected that when they meet at social affairs and other functions, they will informally discuss such matters as educational trends, issues, and innovations and general BCSA problems. However, BCSA personnel are reminded that individual Board members have no special authority except when they are convened at a legal meeting of the School Board or vested with special authority by Board action.
Section B-36
Code: BBB
Date Issued: 2/15/02
NEW BOARD MEMBER ORIENTATION AND TRAINING
Orientation of New Board Members
Each new member of the School Board will be afforded every opportunity to become oriented to the functions and responsibilities entailed by election to the Board. It will be the duty of the administrator and the administrative staff to assist each new member-elect to understand the Board's functions, policies, procedures, and operation of the BCSA before he or she takes office. At a minimum, the following procedures will be employed.
The new electee will be given selected materials on the functions of the School Board and of the school;
The incoming member will be invited to meet the Administrator and his or her administrative staff and to discuss the services they provide for the Board; and
A copy of the School Board's policies will be provided each new member of the Board.
Required Training
Newly elected Board members will complete the legally mandated minimum of six (6) hours of training and instruction in Arkansas school law and in the laws governing the powers, duties, and responsibilities of school boards.
Legal Reference: Ark. Code Ann. Section 6-13-629
Section B-37
Code: BBC
Date Issued: 2-17-97
BOARD MEMBER DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES
Board members are encouraged to participate in the activities of the Arkansas School Boards Association and the National School Boards Association. Members of the BCSA School Board should strive to become well informed in order to effectively perform their duties.
Code: BBD
Date Issued: 2-17-97
BOARD MEMBER FACILITIES AND SERVICES
For purposes of records storage, study, meeting preparation, and other related needs, space will be made available at the administrative central offices for the use of School Board members.
In addition to all official Board correspondence and reports being provided through the office of the administrator, clerical services will be made available to Board members upon request for school related matters. Administrative assistance also will be available to Board members. All such services and assistance will be coordinated by the administrator.
Section B-38
Code: BBE
Date Issued: 2-17-97
BOARD MEMBER COMPENSATION AND EXPENSES
No member of the BCSA School Board shall receive compensation for his or her services as a member or as an officer of the Board.
Board members may receive reimbursement for expenses incurred while conducting official business, if so authorized by the School Board as a whole. This reimbursement will be provided under the per diem guidelines set by the BCSA.
Section B-39
Code: BBF
Date Issued: 2-17-97
ANNUAL BOARD SELF-EXAMINATION
Annually the BCSA School Board will plan for and carry through an appraisal of its functioning as a Board. This appraisal may be based on a broad set of criteria. The appraisal plan will be developed by the Board President and an ad hoc committee appointed by the Board as a whole, working with the administrator. Such appraisal instruments may be used as the Board considers desirable. Upon Board approval, an outside consultant may develop and lead the appraisal session or sessions.
Code: BBG
Date Issued: 2-17-97
SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERSHIPS
The BCSA School Board will maintain memberships in the national and/or state school board associations and take an active part in the activities of these groups. It may also maintain institutional memberships in other educational organizations which the administrator and the Board find to be of benefit to Board members and BCSA personnel.
CHAPTER C
General School Administration
Policy Code Policy Topic/Subject Section
CA General Administration Goals and Objectives.......... C-2
CB Administrator Ð Generally. C-2
CC School Administrator Qualifications. C-3
CD Recruitment of Administrator...... C-4
CE Administrator Powers, Duties and Responsibilities.. C-4
CF Administrator Administrative Procedures... C-6
CG Administrator's Contract....... C-7
CH Administrator's Salary, Compensation, and Benefits... C-8
CI Administrator's Conduct C-8
CJ Administrator's Professional Development Opportunities C-9
CK Administrator's Consulting Activities....... C-9
CL Evaluation of the Administrator C-9
CM Line and Staff Relationship-BCSA.. C-11
CN Line and Staff Relationship-Central Office Administrators.. C-12
CO Line and Staff Relationship-Administrator/Principals... C-13
CP Administrator.. C-14
CQ Administrative Personnel - Generally.... C-14
CR Administrative Personnel - Selection and Terms of Employment.. C-15
CS Administrative Personnel - Selection Criteria.... C-16
CT Administrative Personnel - Assignment and Transfer.. C-16
CU Administrative Personnel Ð Evaluation... C-17
CV Administrative Personnel Ð Retirement.. C-17
CW Administrative Personnel - Health Examination.... C-18
CX Administrative Personnel - Time Schedules.. C-18
CY Administrative Personnel Ð Expenses C-18
CZ Development of Regulations C-18
CAA School Board Review of Regulations. C-19
CAB Communication of Regulations C-19
CAC Handbooks and Directives C-19
CAD Administrative Consultants... C-20
Section C-2
Code: CA
Date Issued: 2/15/02
GENERAL ADMINISTRATION GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The administration of the BCSA responsible, within the guidelines established by School Board policy, for the direction and coordination of students and staff in their efforts to reach the educational goals and objectives adopted by the Board. Administration must be based upon positive human relationships in order to serve as the foundation for the effective operation of the entire educational system. Without such a base, the BCSA will lack that uniting force which makes everybody in the organization feel important regardless of the tasks or duties which he or she is assigned.
The BCSA School Board expects the administration to demonstrate expertise in:
The processes of empowerment, teamwork, decision making, and communication.
Planning, organizing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating educational programs.
The effective coordination of resources within the school and the community so as to enable people to do things together for education that they might never be able to do separately.
The demonstration of leadership.
The development and maintenance of close working relationships and channels of communication within the school and community.
The development of a climate of cooperation toward attaining the educational goals and objectives set by the Board.
Code: CB
Date Issued: 3-10-97
ADMINISTRATOR - GENERALLY
It will be the policy of the BCSA School Board that the Board delegates its executive powers to the administrator so that he or she has the necessary flexibility to effectively manage and lead the BCSA according to the provisions of Board policy, federal, and state law. The School Board reserves to itself the ultimate decision on all matters concerning policy, expenditure of funds, and those matters specified as the responsibility of the Board as enumerated by federal or state law.
Section C-3
Code: CC
Date Issued: 3-10-97
SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR - QUALIFICATIONS
To be eligible for the position of administrator a person must possess those qualifications set forth by the Arkansas Department of Education and the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The Board considers these to be minimum standards and shall seek to employ a person who exceeds these requirements whenever possible.
The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools for Administrator are as follows: have earned at least 60 hours of graduate credit, inclusive of the masters degree; no less than 30 semester hours of graduate credit shall have been in administration, supervision, and related fields; a minimum of four years of professional experience.
The Administrator must live in the BCSA or be willing to relocate to the BCSA.
In addition to the minimum requirements as set forth by the state and the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, the Administrator shall possess the following qualifications:
Have good character and unquestionable morals and integrity.
Have the ability to think clearly and independently and exercise good judgment.
Have the capability to accept responsibility and to make decisions.
Demonstrate effective and efficient educational and business leadership.
Have the ability to select and develop capable school personnel.
Have knowledge, skills, and understandings of the purposes and processes of public education.
Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate with others.
Have a disposition that lends itself to cooperation with school personnel, community groups, and citizens of the BCSA.
Section C-4
Code: CD
Date Issued: 2/15/02
RECRUITMENT OF ADMINISTRATOR
To provide the most capable leadership available for the BCSA, the School Board will engage in a search for applicants for the position of administrator. The services of consultants may be engaged to assist in screening candidates to be interviewed by the Board.
In seeking candidates for the position of administrator, the Board may ask for assistance from the Arkansas Department of Education and the state universities.
Code: CE
Date Issued: 3-10-97
ADMINISTRATOR POWERS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The administrator is the chief executive officer of the BCSA and is the administrative head of all divisions and departments of the BCSA. The Administrator shall provide the leadership necessary to develop and maintain the best possible educational programs and services. The Administrator shall supervise, either directly or indirectly, all employees of the BCSA and shall report to the School Board. The Administrator's specific responsibilities shall be as follows:
- Attend and participate in all meetings of the Board and its committees, except when his or her own employment or salary is under consideration.
- Prepare and submit to the Board recommendations relative to all matters requiring Board action, placing before the Board such necessary and helpful facts, information and reports as are needed to insure the making of informed decisions.
- Report to the Board such matters as deemed necessary to the understanding and proper management of the school, or as the Board may request.
- Maintain a set of written policies and procedures for the guidance of the school and advise the Board on the need for new and/or revised policies.
- Interpret for the staff and cause to be implemented all Board policies and all federal and state laws relevant to public education.
- Submit to the Board a clear and detailed explanation of any proposed procedure that would involve either departure from established policy or the expenditure of substantial sums.
- Assume responsibility for the overall financial planning of the BCSA and for preparation of the annual budget recommendation, and submit it to the Board for review and approval.
- Establish and maintain efficient procedures and effective controls for all expenditures of school funds in accordance with the adopted budget, subject to direction and approval of the Board.
- Define educational needs and formulate policies and plans for recommendation to the Board.
- Secure and recommend for employment the best qualified and most competent personnel.
- Assign, transfer, and define the duties of all personnel as the interest of the BCSA may dictate, and report such action to the Board for information and record.
- Temporarily suspend or place on probation, as provided by law, any employee for just cause, and report such action to the Board.
- Recommend to the Board for final action the promotion, salary changes, demotion, or dismissal of any employee.
- Summon employees of the BCSA to attend such regular and special meetings as are necessary to carry out the educational program of the BCSA.
- Serve as the medium for all communication with the Board from all school employees.
- Delegate at own discretion to school personnel the exercise of any duties and authority with the knowledge that such does not relieve the Administrator of final responsibility for the action taken under such delegation.
- Accepts responsibility for the general efficiency of the school, for the development of the school staff, and for the educational growth and welfare of the students.
- Make decisions, rules and give such instructions to school employees, as may be necessary to make the policies and regulations of the Board effective in the management of the school, and in all matters not covered by these regulations, to act in his or her discretion if action is necessary, but to report such action to the Board for its information and approval.
- Represent the Board as liaison between the school and the community.
- Establish and maintain a program of school-community relations designed to keep the public well informed of the activities, needs, problems and achievements of the school, thus effecting a wholesome and cooperative working relationship between the school and community.
- Develop and implement strategies that are designed to effect wholesome and cooperative working relationships among and between all school employees.
- Keep abreast of the latest educational trends by advanced study, by visiting school systems elsewhere, by attending educational conventions and conferences, and by other appropriate means.
- Recommend to the Board for its adoption all courses of study, curriculum guides, and major changes in texts and time schedules to be used in the school.
- Make recommendations with reference to the location and size of new school sites and additions to existing sites; the location and size of new buildings or school sites, the plans for new school buildings, all appropriations for sites and buildings; and improvements, alterations and changes in buildings and equipment of the BCSA.
- Serve as the Board's ex-officio financial secretary and as an ex-officio member of all Board committees.
- Assume responsibility for the use and care of all school buildings, grounds, vehicles, and property.
- Abide by the Code of Ethics for School Administrators, and statement of School Board expectations of the Administrator.
- Perform other tasks as assigned by the Board.
Section C-6
Code: CF
Date Issued: 2/15/02
ADMINISTRATOR - ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
Administrator Roles
The operation of the schools in all its aspects shall be under the direct administration of the administrator operating in a ministerial capacity with respect to legislation passed by state agencies or by the School Board, and in an executive capacity with respect to policies agreed upon by the Board.
The administrator, after consultation with interested persons, shall present to the Board a plan for the administration of the school setting out clearly the methods of procedures to be used in the formulation of the budget; for requisitions, ordering of an payment of supplies, equipment, and special services; for the operation of physical plant; the selection of teachers; for the operation of the supervisory program; for the transportation of pupils; for internal administrative methods; for methods of handling suggestions and complaints from the public; for plans for promotion; for standards of achievement; for extra curricular activities, and the handling of funds connected therewith; for health services; for reports to parents; for courses of study and curricula; for school discipline; for educational and financial accounting and inventories of fiscal properties; for school attendance; for rules governing absence of employees; for publications; and for such other areas as he or she may choose, with approval of the School Board, or as the School Board may from time to time designate.
Information to the Board
The administrator shall keep the School Board informed with respect to the operation of the various plans adopted as Board policy so that members of the Board may be fully aware of their effect upon the school. All such plans shall be subject to modification upon recommendation by the Administrator to the School Board or by direct action of the Board at any meeting.
The administrator or any member of the Board, at any time, may propose that all or part of a plan for the administration of any of the above phases or work of the school may be made a matter of Board regulation, and such proposal shall be considered in the regular manner established for the enactment of rules and regulations.
Decisions
If any administrative problem arises within the school, and it is not covered by previously adopted administrative procedures, the Administrator shall have the power to act, but his or her decisions shall be subject to review by action of the Board at its next regular meeting.
Section C-7
Code: CG
Date Issued: 3-10-97
ADMINISTRATOR'S CONTRACT
The appointment of the administrator will be secured through an explicit written contractual agreement, which will state the terms of the contract, compensation and other benefits, and other conditions of employment. The contract will meet all state requirements and will protect the rights of both the School Board and the Administrator.
The BCSA School Board shall appoint the administrator for a term not to exceed three years. The contract shall be reviewed annually at the February meeting of the Board and may be renewed. If at any time, in the opinion of the majority of the Board, the Administrator's services are deemed unsatisfactory, he or she shall be notified in writing and given an opportunity to correct the conditions. If the unsatisfactory conditions are not appropriately corrected, the Administrator shall be given notice in writing at least three months before expiration of his or her contract that the Administrator's services will not be retained.
Legal Reference: Ark. Code Ann. Section 6-17-301
Section C-8
Code: CH
Date Issued: 3-10-97
ADMINISTRATOR'S SALARY, COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The Administrator's salary, compensation, and benefits shall be established by the School Board at the time of contract issuance or renewal.
Code: CI
Date Issued: 3-10-97
ADMINISTRATOR'S CONDUCT
The Administrator is expected to be ethical in all his or her dealings and will observe established professional rules of conduct and shall not:
Disclose or use confidential information acquired in the course of employment to further substantially his or her personal financial interests.
Accept a gift of substantial value or substantial economic benefit tantamount to a gift of substantial value which would tend to improperly influence a reasonable person in his or her position or which he or she knows or should know is primarily for the purpose of rewarding the Administrator for action taken in which he or she exercised discretionary authority.
Engage in a substantial financial transaction for the Administrator's private business with a person he or she supervises.
Perform any action in which he or she has discretionary authority which directly and substantially confers an economic benefit on a business or other undertaking which the Administrator has a substantial financial interest or in which he or she is engaged as a counsel, consultant, representative, or agent.
It is permissible for the administrator to receive:
An occasional non-pecuniary gift which is insignificant in value.
A non-pecuniary award publicly presented by a nonprofit organization in recognition of public service.
Payment or reimbursement for actual and necessary expenditures for travel and subsistence for attendance at a convention or other meeting at which the Administrator is scheduled to participate.
Reimbursement for or acceptance of an opportunity to participate in a social function or meeting which is not extraordinary when viewed in light of the Administrator's position.
Items of perishable or nonperishable value including but not limited to meals, lodging, travel expenses, or tickets to sporting, recreational, educational, or cultural events.
Payment for speeches, debates, or other public events reported as honorariums.
Section C-9
Code: CJ
Date Issued: 3-10-97
ADMINISTRATOR'S PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
The BCSA School Board encourages the Administrator to make every effort to stay abreast of educational trends and to seize opportunities for exploring new ideas and programs that may be used to advantage the BCSA. The Board may approve the payment of the Administrator's expenses for attending local, state, and national workshops, conferences, and conventions.
Code: CK
Date Issued: 3-10-97
ADMINISTRATOR'S CONSULTING ACTIVITIES
The administrator will devote his or her full-time, skills, labor, and attention to the direction and supervision of the BCSA, and will not, during the term of employment, be engaged in any other business. By agreement with a majority of the members of the Board, however, the Administrator may undertake for remuneration consultative work, speaking engagements, writing, lecturing, membership and office in educational and civic organizations, or other professional duties and obligations.
Code: CL
Date Issued: 2/15/02
EVALUATION OF THE ADMINISTRATOR
An important responsibility of the School Board is the evaluation of the administrator and its obligation to supervise and oversee his or her job performance. This annual performance appraisal serves a number of purposes:
The Board discharges its responsibility to insure the effective performance of the Administrator;
A determination is made as to what the School Board expects the Administrator and his or her staff to accomplish;
The respective roles of the Board and the Administrator are clarified;
Problem areas are identified with respect to the Administrator's performance and BCSA needs, and methods of improvement are suggested;
Particular strengths of the Administrator's leadership should be noted;
Effective communication between the Board and the Administrator is facilitated;
Accountability of the school to students, parents, teachers, administrators and citizens is fostered.
To effectively accomplish their responsibility of evaluation, the Board will at least annually:
Conduct a formal evaluation of the Administrator's performance.
Use a written appraisal form or forms as adopted and amended from time to time by the School Board.
Meet in executive session to review and assess the Administrator's performance and to discuss the formal evaluation process. After such session, the Board will meet with the Administrator and share its comments and if necessary, an action plan will be formalized, and goals for improvement established.
Issue a written summary evaluation report to the Administrator that cites meritorious as well as deficient performance and confirms the establishment of an action plan and formulation of goals for improvement.
Maintain and update a comprehensive position description for the job of Administrator.
Section C-11
Code: CM
Date Issued: 2/15/02
LINE AND STAFF RELATIONSHIPS
School Board
Administrator
Executive Secondary Elementary Principals Executive Director
Director Program Program Director of
Business Director Director Personnel Technology
Assistant Administrators
Certified Staff Classified Staff
Section C-12
Code: CN
Date Issued: 2/15/02
LINE AND STAFF RELATIONSHIP-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
Section C-13
Code: CO
Date Issued: 2/15/02
LINE AND STAFF RELATIONSHIP-ADMINISTRATOR
Administrator
TEACHERS COUNSELOR LIBRARIAN HEAD CUSTODIAN
TEACHER SECRETARY LIBRARY CUSTODIAN
ASST. AIDE
OFFICE STAFF
Section C-14
Code: CP
Date Issued: 2/15/02
ADMINISTRATORS
Within the limits of Arkansas law, School Board policy, and directives from the Administrator, the administrator will be the administrative authority of his or her assigned school. The administrator is responsible for a thorough knowledge of all laws, regulations, and instructions governing the position. The administrator will coordinate all administrative and supervisory activities which occur in the building. The administrator will be responsible for the coordination of the work of assistant administrators, teachers, and all building staff. The administrator will be responsible for the administration of school policies in his or her school and for making available to building staff a knowledge of such regulations as they are enacted by the School Board or formulated by the school Central Administration. The administrator is responsible for the detailed organization of the school, the assignment of duties of staff members within the school, and the administration of the instructional program.
The administrator will handle all complaints from patrons or parents which affect the school, investigate the same, and refer to the central administration all cases which cannot be adjusted satisfactorily.
The administrator is responsible for the efficiency and effectiveness of teachers and other staff members within the building and will evaluate them in accordance with established BCSA procedures.
The administrator will have the power to suspend students temporarily and make recommendations for reassignment, long-term suspension or expulsion. The administrator may assign this responsibility to the assistant administrator(s). The administrator will work closely with central office personnel to enforce the requirements of the Arkansas compulsory attendance laws.
Code: CQ
Date Issued: 2/15/02
ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL - GENERALLY
This section contains personnel policies and regulations which relate only to administrators who report directly to the Administrator and any other administrators who are directly responsible for the formal supervision and formal evaluation of staff members, and includes assistant administrators and other administrators up to executive directors. It excludes policies relating to coordinators, consultants, specialists, directors, and staff members with other titles who are responsible for the coordination and supervision of programs, in contrast to employees.
Other personnel policies can be found in the following sections:
Those relating to all BCSA personnel - GA and GB.
Those relating to all professional (certified personnel) - GC.
Those relating to all support/classified staff (non-certified personnel) - GD.
Section C-15
Code: CR
Date Issued: 2/15/02
ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL - SELECTION AND TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
Selection
Selection of administrative personnel shall be by nomination of the administrator. Administrative salaries and other benefits are based on a salary schedule adopted in March of each year by the Board of education.
Renewal
In conformity with Arkansas law, administrative personnel, except for the Administrator and any assistant Administrators, are automatically re-employed unless they are notified by May 1, by the Administrator that their contract will not be renewed. All offers to renew annual contracts shall expire if not accepted in writing and returned to the central administration office within ten days of issuance.
Administrative personnel are eligible for coverage under the state Workmen's Compensation Plan.
Terms of Employment
All terms of employment are determined at hiring or renewal pursuant to Arkansas law.
Legal References: Ark. Code Ann. Section 6-17-301 Ark. Code Ann. Section 6-17-302 Ark. Code Ann. Section 6-17-1401 et seq. Ark. Code Ann. Section 6-17-1502
Ark. Code Ann. Section 6-17-1506
Section C-16
Code: CS
Date Issued: 2/15/02
ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL - SELECTION CRITERIA
Administrative personnel shall be hired by the School Board after consideration of the recommendation by the Administrator. Selection shall be based on the following general criteria:
1. Appropriate certification.
2. Personal interview.
3. Quality of credentials.
4. Experience and past performance.
5. Knowledge of and insight into issues involving public education.
6. Health qualifications.
7. Potential contribution to the school.
Legal References: Ark. Code Ann. Section 6-17-401 Ark. Code Ann. Section 6-17-402
Ark. Code Ann. Section 6-17-410
Code: CT
Date Issued: 2/15/02
ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL - ASSIGNMENT AND TRANSFER
Appropriate placement and transfer practices for school administrators should enhance effective utilization of skills and abilities and the professional growth of individuals. These objectives can best be achieved through the provision of some variety of administrative assignment over a period of years, and the best possible matching of known administrator strengths to identified current needs of the BCSA.
The School Board delegates the authority to the administrator for the effective assignment and transfer of school administrators in the BCSA. In making decisions on assignments, the Administrator will give consideration to:
The needs of the BCSA as perceived by the Board and central administration;
Length of current assignment in the BCSA;
The administrator's expressed preferences;
The administrator's professional experience and compatibility of leadership style to the proposed assignment;
Opportunities provided for professional growth in the proposed assignment.
Legal Reference: Ark. Code Ann. Section 6-17-303
Section C-17
Code: CU
Date Issued: 2/15/02
ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL - EVALUATION
In developing and/or revising the program of evaluation, the administrative staff should be consulted.
The purpose of evaluation is to identify strengths and weaknesses of individual administrators, to assist in providing a program of improvement, and to provide a basis for recommending their re-employment, probationary status, or termination.
The evaluation shall be conducted prior to contract renewal by the Administrator and according to the provisions of Arkansas law.
All staff will be given the opportunity to critique administrative personnel using a narrative critique form which will be available in all buildings during the first week of April. The purpose of the critique is to address strengths, needs and suggestions for growth. The form should be completed in ten (10) working days. One copy will be forwarded to the administrator being critiqued. Administrative personnel will maintain a file of the narrative critiques which will be available to the Administrator. The staff member doing the critique may keep a confidential copy.
Administrative personnel may request a post conference with any employee who complete a critique form.
Legal Reference: Ark. Code Ann. Section 6-17-1501 et seq.
Code: CV
Date Issued: 2/15/02
ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL - RETIREMENT
Employees of the BCSA upon retirement shall be eligible for benefits of the Arkansas Retirement System, and other benefits as prescribed by law.
Section C-18
Code: CW
Date Issued: 2/15/02
ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL - HEALTH EXAMINATION
Professional personnel must submit a health certificate attesting to the person's freedom from tuberculosis. The health certificate may be submitted anytime between three months prior to the start of the school year and the end of the first month's employment. Persons employed after the opening of school will have 30 days to secure a health certificate. Payroll may be delayed until a certificate is on file.
Legal Reference: Ark. Code Ann. Section 6-17-101
Code: CX
Date Issued: 2/15/02
ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL - TIME SCHEDULES
The administrator shall schedule or assign each teacher by the first day of the school term.
Code: CY
Date Issued: 2/15/02
ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL - EXPENSES
Administrative personnel may be reimbursed for expenses incurred for attendance at professional meetings as approved by the Administrator. Funds for this purpose are to be provided from the school budgets.
Code: CZ
Date Issued: 2/15/02
DEVELOPMENT OF REGULATIONS
The School Board delegates to the administrator the function of specifying required actions and designing the detailed arrangements under which the BCSA will be operated in accordance with Board policy and state law. These detailed arrangements constitute the regulations governing the BCSA.
In the development of regulations, the Administrator will involve at the planning stage those who would be primarily affected by them; for example teachers, students, parents, etc.
The School Board will adopt regulations when Arkansas state law requires the Board to do so, or if recommended by the administrator.
Section C-19
Code: CAA
Date Issued: 2/15/02
SCHOOL BOARD REVIEW OF REGULATIONS
The School Board will review, when appropriate, regulations developed by the administration to implement Board policy, but it will revise or veto such regulations only when, in the Board's judgment, they are inconsistent with policies adopted by the Board.
Regulations need not be approved by the Board in advance of issuance except as required by state law or in cases when strong community attitudes, or possible student or staff reaction, make it necessary or advisable for the regulation to have the Board's advance approval.
Code: CAB
Date Issued: 3-10-97
COMMUNICATION OF REGULATIONS
Regulations will be appropriately coded and included as regulations in the School Board's policy manual, which will be available at the central administration office and in each school building.
The administrator will also devise other means for disseminating particular regulations prior to their effective date to those personnel, students, parents, or citizens affected by any such regulation.
Code: CAC
Date Issued: 3-10-97
HANDBOOKS AND DIRECTIVES
In order that pertinent Board polices, regulations, school rules and procedures and relevant laws may be known by all personnel and students affected by them, BCSA administrators are granted authority to issue personnel and student handbooks as found necessary and as required by state law.
The School Board will review and approve the BCSA personnel handbook and student handbooks in order that the contents may be accorded the legal status of Board approved policy and regulations. The administrator shall use his or her own judgment as to whether other specific handbooks need Board approval; however, all handbooks published are to be made available to the Board for informational purposes.
Section C-20
Code: CAD
Date Issued: 3-10-97
ADMINISTRATIVE CONSULTANTS
When knowledge or technical skills are needed that cannot be provided by school personnel, consultant assistance may be considered. All consultants will be approved by the administrator or his or her designee prior to the invitation and arrangement for visitation by such person or persons to the BCSA. Any proposed contracts with consultants will be submitted to the School Board for approval, and will be accompanied by figures showing the estimated cost of services.
Consultants who serve the BCSA will exercise no authority over the work of BCSA personnel, but will act only as advisors in the field in which they are qualified to offer assistance. All supervision of personnel remains under the control of those to whom such responsibility has been delegated by the Administrator.
CHAPTER D
Fiscal Management
Policy Code Policy Topic/Subject Section
DA Inventories. . D-2
DB Activity Funds Management............ D-2
DC School Properties Disposal Procedure... D-3
DD Fundraising Activities. D-3
Section D-2
Code: DA
Date Issued: 2/15/02
INVENTORIES
For conservation and control, a continuing inventory will be kept of the BCSA's capital equipment. Each school will maintain a complete inventory book. A duplicate record book containing all school inventories will be maintained by the business office.
A running inventory of school property maintained in the BCSA warehouse will also be kept.
Supplies, small tools, and consumable materials will be inventoried annually.
Code: DB
Date Issued: 2/15/02
ACTIVITY FUNDS MANAGEMENT
The activities fund includes student organizations, parent organizations, and any other funds belonging to the student/class group or activity.
Whether these funds are collected from student contributions, club dues, for special activities, or result from admissions to special events or from other fund-raising activities, all such funds will be under the jurisdiction of the administrator. They will be properly accounted for and used only for authorized purposes.
The activity funds of each school will be audited by the auditor selected to make the audit of all BCSA funds.
Monthly reports will be submitted to the administrator regarding the status of all activity funds in such form as he/she may subscribe.
School athletic program funds will be administered separately, and a checking account will be maintained for athletic funds. Purchase orders drawn against such account will be processed and signed by the director of athletics and administrator. A monthly report of this account will be made to the administrator in such form as he/she may subscribe.
Section D-3
Code: DC
Date Issued: 2/15/02
SCHOOL PROPERTIES DISPOSAL PROCEDURE
When equipment, books, and materials become worn out, obsolete, surplus, or otherwise unusable in the school, the Administrator may authorize their disposal in a manner to the systems best advantage, provided that the unit value of the items is not more than $1000 nor the total value more than $5000. If values are in excess of those amounts, formal authorization for negotiated sale or for putting the items to bid will be obtained from the Board.
It will be certified in all bids and for all negotiated sale or for putting the items to bid will be obtained from the Board.
It will be certified in all bids and for all negotiated sales that the bidder or purchaser is not an officer or employee of the system nor a member of the immediate family of an officer or employee.
If a reasonable attempt to dispose of surplus properties fails to produce a monetary return to the system, the Administrator is authorized to dispose of them in some other way.
Any item purchased with federal money will not be sold until written authorization is given from the agency which contributed the money.
Code: DD
Date Issued: 2/15/02
FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES
No fundraising shall be permitted without prior application to and approval by the Administrator or his/her designee.
To be approved, the fundraising activity must be:
- Educationally sound and contributory to the attainment of educational objectives.
- Appropriate to the age or grade level of students to be involved.
- One in which school may appropriately engage.
- Conducted under the supervision of teachers and administrator.
- Conducted in such a manner and at such times as not to encroach upon instructional time or interfere with class time.
- Not unduly demanding of teacher time.
- Provide, wherever possible, particularly at the elementary level, parental sponsorship.
- Periodically evaluated by teachers, administration and students.
An annual report will be submitted at the end of each school term which will permit Board appraisal of the stewardship of these activities
CHAPTER E
Support Services
Policy Code Policy Topic/Subject Section
EA Use of School Facilities............ E-2
Section E-2
Code: EA
Date Issued: 2/15/02
USE OF SCHOOL FACILITIES
School facilities are provided to meet the educational needs of students. School activities shall have first priority for facility use. The School Board believes that when school facilities are not in use for school programs, the facilities which are constructed and maintained through the expenditure of public funds should be used to the fullest extent possible by community groups and agencies.
In order to assure that this accommodation may be extended to the entire community, it is necessary to ask that procedures for the use of the school facilities be adopted and made available to the general public. The administration of the school shall prescribe an orderly process for utilization of school facilities by community groups and agencies. Provisions for the control and protection of these public facilities will be established. The rules and regulations may require that cut-of-pocket expenses including extra utility, heating, administrative, and janitorial costs be reimbursed to the school under the terms of any lease or rental agreements.
The School Board reserves the right to approve or reject any request for use of school facilities.
Evening and Weekend Facility Usage
- School Related or Community Non-profit Organization
School activities may be used during evening hours and on weekends by non
profit organizations composed primarily of persons who reside within the school and by school-related organizations. Rental fees will be based according to the type and amount of services required.
- Individual or Profit Making Organization
School facilities may be used by individual or profit-making organizations on a rental or space available basis when approved by the BCSA. Rental fees will be based on size and type of facility requested, utilities, and services required. Rates are subject to change without prior written notice.
Usage Procedure
- An organization that desires the use of a school facility must make a written request at least ten (10) working days in advance and not more than ninety (90) days in advance of the date of use. The request must include the purpose of the meeting, facilities and services desired. It must be signed by the individual who will be present and in charge and who will assume responsibility, including any payment for the use of the facility.
- Requests for building/facility use shall be sent to the administrator where usage is requested.
- Upon approval of a request for a facility use, the organization will be sent a written permit which will include any fee, conditions, and equipment according to the agreement. This permit must be presented to the building supervisor at the time of the event. The organization will be sent an invoice of the rental fee at the same time the permit is issued, and payment will be due within thirty (30) days after the usage.
Facility Use Rules
- The user assumes responsibility for damage or loss that may occur to the facility, equipment and grounds.
- The user understands that alcoholic beverages are not to be consumed on the premises.
- A BCSA staff member will open the building, remain during the time of use, and lock up afterward when BCSA buildings are used by community organizations. The BCSA staff member will insure proper use of school facilities; however, the person in charge of the group using the facility shall be responsible for the conduct of the group.
- When a BCSA employee is assigned on the permit, the permit holder is responsible for paying the BCSA employee at the end of the activity. The rates will include thirty (30) minute opening and closing periods, with a minimum of two (2) hours. The rates are subject to change without prior notice.
- Rental rates include the use of the facility and equipment in the facility. An invoice will be included with the Facility Use Permit when a charge is issued. Payment for this invoice is due within thirty (30) days.
- Churches and religious organizations may use school facilities for special events, and with approval by the Board, will be allowed to use school facilities for regular religious meetings.
- Audio-visual, duplicating or copy equipment shall not be used, except by special permission of the administrator. Expenses will be paid by the user.
- School facilities and/or equipment shall not be used for purposes deemed by the Board to be contrary to the best interest of the school.
- School facilities will not be used on Sundays without special permission by the Board.
- School equipment shall not be loaned out, except by written authority of the administrator.
- Additional electrical services for major events must be coordinated by the user and at their expense.
- Security is required for major functions at users expense and must be coordinated by user.
BUILDING/FACILITY USE PERMIT
BENTON COUNTY SCHOOL OF THE ARTS
Date Issued______________
This permit authorizes the use of school facilities, subject to the conditions stated on the back of this form. The person to whom this permit is issued agrees to accept responsibility for the listed provisions.
Group Representative_______________________________________________________________
Group or Organization___________________________Number Expected:_____________________
Activity/Purpose____________________________________________________________________
Building/Facility/Room_______________________________________________________________
Date of Use________________________________________________________________________
Hours of Use_______________________________________________________________________
Additional Services and Facilities Required: ___________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
NOTE: The above named group, person, or organization agrees to indemnify and hold harmless BCSA, its officers, agents, servants, and employees from any and all liability of whatever kind or nature resulting from damage or injury to any person or property which occurs while such person, group, or organization is occupying or using school facilities or property. The school may require organizations to provide proof of liability insurance coverage for certain types of high-risk activities held on school property.
/_____ / Liability Insurance required
Use Charge:___________________Total:_________________
Security must be provided? ________Yes______ No
The Use Charge includes only those services listed.
____________________________________
Administrator
This form must be signed and should be carried by the person to whom it is issued when using the BCSA facility.
Date:_____________________Signed:________________________________________
** School events take precedence at all times. This permit may be cancelled in the event a school event needs to reschedule and utilize the facility listed. INITIALS:__
** No Smoking permitted in school buildings at any time. ** INITIALS:_______
FACILITY USAGE REQUEST FORM
Benton County School of the Arts
Name_______________________________________Telephone_________________
Address_______________________________________________________________
Group/Organization______________________________________________________
Activity/Purpose_________________________________________________________
Building/Facility/Room____________________________________________________
Date Desired________________________ Hours Desired_______________________
Additional Services______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
BENTON COUNTY SCHOOL OF THE ARTS
FACILITY USE CHARGES FOR
NON-SCHOOL OR NON-STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
AREA of SCHOOL DEPOSIT HOURLY RATE *
(Refundable)
Profit Non-Profit
Commons $50.00 $50.00 $ 100.00
Theater $100.00 $50.00 $25.00
Classrooms $50.00 $30.00 $10.00
*Any portion of an hour will be charged at the whole hourly rate.
These fees do not include set up. Set up is charged at an overtime rate based on school personnel time.
Activities for the sole benefit of school students may be exempt from use fees with approval of the Administrator.
The hourly rate is $12.50 per hour for custodial staff if needed
Payment of rental agreement may be paid at the equivalent or better as a cash or check donation. Usage fees will go into the
building maintenance and operations fund to offset costs incurred.
CHAPTER G
Personnel
Policy Code Policy Topic/Subject Section.
GA Guidelines for Cooperating Teachers. G-4
GAAA Equal Employment Opportunity... G-5
GAC Staff Development. G-5
GAD Professional Development Opportunities......... G-6
GAE Complaints and Grievances. G-7
GAE-RE Grievance Form.. G-9
GAEB Sexual Harassment G-10
GAEB-R Sexual Harassment Form. G-12
GAEC ADA Grievance... G-14
GAG Staff Conflict of Interest. G-15
GAHB Ability of School Employees to Hold Public Office G-15
GAL Salary Deductions............. G-16
GAL-E Salary Deductions............. G-17
GALA Salary Increase... G-18
GB Professional Personnel Section.......... G-18
GBA Compensation Guides and Contracts. G-18
GBBA Qualifications and Duties............. G-19
GBDA Hiring Selection Criteria. G-20
GBDB Hiring Relatives of Administrators G-21
GBE Assignment.. G-21
GBH Leaves and Absences... G-21
Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993... G-22
GBH-E Request for Leave Form G-26
Application for Family Medical Leave. G-27
Employer Response to Employee Requesting FMLA.. G-29
GBI Certified Evaluation G-31
GBKA Reduction in Force. G-31
GBM Transfer.............. G-33
GBM-E Transfer Request Form............ G-34
GBN Separation or Termination G-35
GBO Resignation. G-37
Resignation Statement.. G-38
GBPA Re-employment Contract Renewal. G-39
GBQ Retirement.............. G-39
GBRAA Health Examinations............. G-40
GBRE Extra Duty.............. G-40
GBRHA Job Related InjuriesG-40
GBRHB Professional Leaves and Absences G-41
GBRHB-RE Request for Out of BCSA Travel........... G-42
GBRIB-1 Sick Leave Bank G-43
GBRIB-R Sick Leave Bank Contribution Form G-45
GBRIB-RE Sick Leave Bank Request Form.. G-46
GBRJ Arrangement of Substitutes.. G-47
GCA Stipends.............. G-47
GCA-1 OM Stipend. G-47
GCA-2 Employee Benefits. G-48
GCAA Service Credit. G-48
GCAAA Equal Employment Opportunity... G-49
GCAE Complaints and Grievances. G-49
GCAE-RE Grievance Form.. G-51
GCAEA Directory Information. G-53
GCAEB Sexual Harassment G-53
GCAEB-R Sexual Harassment Form. G-56
GCAG Staff Conflict of Interest. G-58
GCAK Review of Personnel Records.. G-58
GCAL Salary Deductions.. G-59
GCBH Leaves and Absences... G-59
GCBH-E Request for Leave............. G-62
Family Medical Leave G-63
Family Medical Leave Application... G-64
Family Medical Leave Response. G-66
GCCDB Dress and Appearance.. G-68
GCDA Hiring-Selection Criteria/Experience... G-68
GCDB Employment of Family Members............ G-69
GCDE Payment of Debts... G-69
GCDJC Payroll Information. G-69
GDCRJ Temporary and Substitute Employees G-70
GCDT Regulation of Controlled Substances.. G-70
GCE Assignment.. G-71
GCECH Personal Use of Equipment or Facilities. G-72
GCEGA Insurance Information G-72
GCGA Salary Computations............ G-73
GCI Evaluation.............. G-73
GCI-RE Non-Certified Evaluation Form. G-74
GCK Suspension, Termination/Non-Renewal. G-75
GCKA Reduction in Force. G-76
GCKEBB Solicitations. G-76
GCM Changes of Employment Status.. G-76
GCO Resignations G-77
GCO-RE Resignation Form... G-78
GCPA Non-Certified Re-Employment Contact Renewal.. G-79
GCQ Retirement.............. G-79
GCR Work Schedules..G-79
GCRA Health Examinations............. G-80
GCRD Compensatory Time for Classified Employees. G-81
GCRH Non-Contracted Days G-81
GCRHA Additional Days After 10 years............ G-82
GCRIB Non-Certified/Jury Duty. G-82
GCRIB-1 Sick Leave Bank. G-82
GCRIB-R Sick Leave Bank Contribution Form G-84
GCRIB-RE Sick Leave Bank Request Form...G-85
GCRJ Job Related InjuriesG-86
GDT Regulation of Controlled Substances.. G-86
JGCE HIV/AIDS Policy.. G-87
STAFF REMEDIATION PLAN..G-90
STAFF ACCESS NETWORKED INFORMATION RESOURCES..G-91
Section G-4
Code: GA
Date Issued:
GUIDELINES FOR COOPERATING TEACHERS
- Cooperating teachers are responsible for the students and what happens in the classroom: therefore, they are to keep in close contact with the student teacher and the students during the entire professional semester.
- Cooperating teachers should spend time in the classroom depending upon the progress being made by the student teacher.
- While the student teacher is in charge of the class, cooperating teachers are to work with individual students or small groups from their classes on special projects for enrichment or instruction. Students may be taken out of the classroom by the cooperating teacher so that the student teacher has an opportunity to develop full control of the class.
- After the student teacher has given instructions for a specific lesson, the cooperating teacher should assist students who are having difficulties.
-
During the student
teacher's full time teaching, the cooperating teacher may
- serve as a resource person to other teachers by team teaching on special projects, helping grade papers, assisting in classes where enrollment is large, running off materials on the copy machine.
- make lesson plans
- assist/guide individual students who need one-on-one direction
- visit other classrooms
- assist with a study topic
- shadow a student
- Cooperating teachers are responsible for allowing the student teachers some full time teaching responsibilities. It has been suggested that two weeks, not necessarily consecutive, of full time teaching is appropriate. The student teacher should have observation time between weeks of full time teaching.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR COOPERATING TEACHERS
- Cooperating teachers should consent to work with a student teacher.
- Cooperating teachers should have at least three years teaching experience.
- Cooperating teachers shall have taught at least one year in the BCSA.
- Cooperating teachers must be certified in the area of teaching they are supervising.
- Cooperating teachers must be approved by a screening committee consisting of the University Supervisor, Executive Director of Personnel, and administrator.
- Cooperating teachers shall attend an orientation meeting or in-service concerning the role of the cooperating teacher.
- Cooperating teachers shall be assigned a maximum of one student teacher per school year. Exceptions will be considered in areas such as Elementary Art, Physical Education, Music and Speech Pathology.
ELEMENTARY STUDENT TEACHERS
Assignments will be split between primary (K-3) and intermediate (4-6) levels. Primary will generally be the first assignment. An effort will be made to place the student in two different buildings for their assignment.
Section G-5
Code: GAAA
Date Issued: 8-16-77
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The BCSA School Board shall conduct the school system on a nondiscriminatory and non-segregated basis. In the employment of personnel, the Board will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, or handicapping condition.
Code: GAC
Date Issued: 5-17-93
STAFF DEVELOPMENT
All certified employees of the BCSA must complete a minimum of at least 30 hours of staff development each year. Part-time employees must attend staff development activities on a pro-rated basis (i.e. half-time teachers must attend 15 hours of staff development). Any employee who misses any part of the regularly scheduled staff development activities for any reason must make up that time in other in-service activities so that a minimum of 30 hours is earned during that school year. The staff development year will begin June 1 and end May 31.
The BCSA will provide 30 hours of staff development for their certified employees. The BCSA staff development plan will be based on local needs and state and local educational goals. The classroom teachers in the BCSA will be involved in the planning and implementation of staff development activities. The plan will be kept on file at the Administrator's office, and staff development record keeping of individual participation is the responsibility of the BCSA.
Staff development programs may encompass a broad range of activities including, but not limited to conferences, inter-classroom visitations, travel, workshops, independent study, peer consultations, and college and university courses. College and university courses must relate to the teaching areas of the teacher or be shown to improve overall teaching performance. Such courses must be pre-approved by the BCSA curriculum director. Staff development may also be provided by the education service cooperatives or a professional organization to which an individual or group belongs.
To be eligible, staff development activities should be primarily to produce new skills and/or improved classroom performance in job assignments. Upon request, a teacher must be prepared to justify in advance the activity for which he/she is going to claim staff development credit. Staff development is not time for teachers to work in their rooms or for faculty meeting in which information is related or regulations or procedures explained. Staff development activities conducted during released time (time for which a substitute is hired to release the teacher from classroom duties) cannot be substituted for teacher attendance during the required five days of staff development.
Each building will establish a committee made up of administrators, grade level representatives/department heads, and /or other interested persons. This committee will meet as needed to plan, coordinate, implement, and evaluate staff development activities based on BCSA and individual needs and goals. The committee will provide documentation of in-service activities for the current school year to the BCSA level committee during the first week in May. A teacher representative from the building committee will be elected to serve on the BCSA committee.
The BCSA committee will include an elementary and secondary administrator, the teacher representative from each building, and the BCSA curriculum director. This committee will meet as needed to plan, coordinate, implement, and evaluate staff development activities based on BCSA and individual needs and goals. The BCSA committee will also meet during the first week of May to receive and review the documentation of each building's in-service activities. This documentation will be filed with the Administrator's office by May 31 of the staff development year.
Legal Ref: Arkansas Code Annotated 6-17-702
Section G-6
Code: GAD
Date Issued: 6-17-90
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
The School Board recognizes the importance of in-service education as a factor which promotes progress toward established educational goals in this school system. All instructional personnel are encouraged to acquire additional college work for the purpose of keeping up with new development in their subject matter field or for the purpose of working toward a higher degree. The administration and faculty shall make concerted effort to encourage means of defining school problems and working toward solutions of these problems. The School Board feels that the recognition and solution of such problems provide the most effective in-service education. Other activities to contribute toward in-service education shall be class visitation, workshops, consultant services, conferences, and attendance at professional meetings.
Section G-7
Code: GAE
Date Issued: 6-17-80
COMPLAINTS AND GRIEVANCES
The schools, recognizing the need for close cooperation between professional staff and immediate supervisors encourage that grievances be resolved formally within each building.
However, employees shall have the right to present grievances and in doing so shall be assured freedom from restraint, interference, discrimination, and reprisal in the preparation and processing of such formal written grievances.
If the employee's immediate supervisor determines that the employees concern does not constitute a grievance, the employee may appeal that determination. The process used will be the same as for a grievance.
The following procedure is hereby established to handle formal written grievances.
Forms for handling grievances will be developed by the Administrator and a committee, administratively appointed, to afford equal representation of each building. Such forms will be made available to professional staff in each building. Upon solution at any level, a copy of the grievance form will be placed in the personnel files in the administrator's office and the Administrator's office.
A grievance must be filed within sixty (60) calendar days of the date an employee becomes aware of or reasonably should have become aware of a grievable issue.
DEFINITION: A calendar day is any day other than a scheduled school holiday.
Levels of Grievance Processing:
Level One --administrator or Immediate Supervisor
Level Two -- Executive Director of Personnel
Level Three -- Administrator
Level Four -- School Board
LEVEL ONE: The aggrieved staff member shall request a form for filing a grievance from the administrator or supervisor. Once this form has been completed and presented to the administrator or supervisor, the individual should request a conference with the administrator or supervisor. An effort to resolve the grievance shall be made within fourteen calendar days of the requested conference.
LEVEL TWO:
- If the aggrieved staff member is not satisfied with the disposition of his grievance at Level One or no decision has been rendered within fourteen calendar days of the requested conference, he must file the grievance with the executive director of personnel within fourteen calendar days or drop proceedings. The form will be forwarded from the administrator or supervisor to the executive director of personnel.
- Within fourteen calendar days after receipt of the written grievance by the executive director of personnel, the executive director of personnel will meet with the aggrieved staff member in an effort to resolve the grievance.
- Both the executive director of personnel and the staff member have the option to request the presence of a selected representative at this conference.
LEVEL THREE:
- If the aggrieved staff member is not satisfied with the disposition of his grievance at Level Two or no decision has been rendered within fourteen calendar days of the requested conference, s/he must file the grievance with the Administrator within fourteen calendar days or drop proceedings. The form will be forwarded from the executive director of personnel to the Administrator.
- Within fourteen calendar days after receipt of the written grievance by the Administrator, the Administrator will meet with the aggrieved staff member in an effort to resolve the grievance.
- Both the Administrator and the staff member have the option to request the presence of a selected representative at this conference.
LEVEL FOUR:
If the aggrieved staff member is not satisfied with the disposition of his grievance at Level Three and if no decision has been rendered within fourteen calendar days after the meeting with the Administrator, he must request a hearing before the School Board or drop proceedings. The Board shall grant the request provided such request is made in writing in care of the Administrator or President of the Board. The Board shall meet within fourteen calendar days of the receipt of the request. This hearing shall be open to the public unless either the Administrator or the employee requests a private hearing. A closed hearing will include only the Board members and those parties involved in the previous proceedings. Parties involved may be accompanied by two selected representatives. The Board, having final authority in such grievances, shall make an effort to make fair resolution of each grievance. The Board shall have a period of ten days following the hearing in which to render a decision. The Board shall report the resolution of such grievance to the aggrieved staff member within five school days of said decision.
Legal Ref: Arkansas Code Annotated 6-17-208
Section G-9
Code: GAE-RE
Date Issued: 6-27-94
BENTON COUNTY SCHOOL OF THE ARTS GRIEVANCE FORM
SUBMIT TO administrator IN DUPLICATE. ATTACHED ADDITIONAL SHEETS IF NEEDED.
NAME____________________________________ BUILDING___________________
DATE FILED ______________________________
Date cause of grievance occurred__________________________
LEVEL ONE: Statement of grievance:_______________________________________
______________________________________________________________________Relief sought:___________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Action taken:___________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Date: __________________ Signature of Employee_____________________________
Signature of administrator_____________________________________
LEVEL TWO: Date received by Executive Director of Personnel__________________
Action taken:___________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Date:__________________ Signature of Employee __________________________
Signature of Executive Director of Personnel__________________________________
LEVEL THREE: Date received by Administrator_______________________________
Action taken:___________________________________________________________
Date__________________________________________________________________
Signature of Employee___________________________________________________
Signature of Administrator_________________________________________________
LEVEL FOUR:
Date received by President of School Board___________________________________
Date of Board Hearing____________________________________________________
Resolution by the Board__________________________________________________
Signature of Employee __________________________________
Date___________________________
Signature of President of Board____________________________
Date____________________________
Section G-10
Code: GAEB
Date Issued: 5-17-93
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
The school recognizes that harassment on the basis of sex is a violation of law and common courtesy. The BCSA is committed to providing a work environment free from sexual harassment and will not tolerate such conduct on the part of any employee. If the facts appear to support such a complaint, immediate action will be taken, including but not limited to discipline, warning, suspension, or termination of the offending personnel. The School Board expects every charge of sexual harassment to be thoroughly investigated.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the BCSA define sexual harassment as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical contact of a sexual nature when:
- Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment.
- Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment decisions affecting the individual.
- Such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual's work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment.
Forms of sexual harassment include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Verbal harassment, including derogatory comments, jokes, requests or other unwelcome sexually-oriented language.
- Physical harassment, including unnecessary or offensive touching, repeatedly brushing against another person's body, or impeding or blocking movement.
- Visual harassment, including offensive posters, cards, cartoons, graffiti, drawings, or gestures.
Any sexual harassment as defined when perpetrated on any student or employee by any student or employee will be treated as sexual harassment under this policy.
REPORTING PROCEDURE: Any person who believes sexual harassment is occurring is encouraged to immediately inform the person engaging in the behavior that it is offensive and must stop.
Time is of the essence; therefore, immediate reporting is strongly encouraged.
All employees who believe they have been subjected to sexual harassment should follow the reporting procedure set forth below.
Any person who believes sexual harassment is occurring should immediately report the offensive conduct or communication to the harassing person's immediate supervisor. All initial complaints will be investigated and resolved at the lowest possible level.
The initial investigation and the complaint shall be handled as a personnel matter in order to provide as much protection and privacy to the grievant and the accused as is permissible under state and federal law.
All reports under this policy must be made in writing on Sexual Harassment Report Form #GAEB-R. Forms may be obtained from the building personnel policy committee representative.
INVESTIGATIVE PROCEDURE: The supervisor will:
- Immediately notify the person accused of engaging in the harassing behavior that a sexual harassment report has been filed. A copy of the report will be provided to all parties involved.
- Investigate the report and take appropriate action.
- The results of the investigation will be given to all parties in-writing within ten (I0) working days of the receipt of the report.
Results of the initial report and investigation will be maintained by the supervisor unless further personnel action is warranted.
If the resolution of the initial complaint and/or subsequent action by either party does not remedy the situation, the initial investigator or grievance should report the continued behavior to the Equity Coordinator. At any point during the Equity Coordinator's investigation, any party may avail himself/herself of representation. All parties will be apprised of the representation.
Upon receipt of a report under this policy, the Equity Coordinator will obtain the file from the supervisor and begin an investigation.
The Equity Coordinator will immediately give written notice to all parties involved (including the Administrator) that the report is being investigated.
Within ten (I0) working days of receipt of a sexual harassment report, the Equity Coordinator will provide a written report to all parties (including the Administrator and, if necessary, the School Board) of the findings and recommendations.
Action, if warranted, against any employee or student will be in compliance with all state and federal laws and the Board policies of the BCSA. The Equity Coordinator, Administrator, and the School Board will make extraordinary efforts to protect the rights, privileges, and reputations of all employees and students concerned.
If the investigation and/or recommended action at any time fail to resolve the situation to the satisfaction of any party, that party may appeal to the School Board. All appeals will be conducted in compliance with BCSA personnel policy and applicable state and federal laws.
Section G-12
Code: GAEB-R
Date Issued:
BENTON COUNTY SCHOOL OF THE ARTS SEXUAL HARASSMENT FORM
Submit in duplicate to authority at the level where the grievance is to begin. Attach additional sheets if more space is needed.
Level one: Principal/Immediate Supervisor
Level two: Equity Coordinator
Level three: School Board
Name of Grievant_____________________________________________________(certified)(classified)
Building ____________________________________________________________
Date Filed___________________________________________________________
LEVEL ONE:
Received by_________________________________________________________(principal/supervisor)
Date_______________________________________________________________
- Describe the offensive conduct or communication in as much detail as possible (be specific and complete). Include the date(s) on which such conduct occurred or the communication was made and the name of the person accused of engaging in the harassing behavior.
- Relief sought: (This should be completed in detail. Be specific).
- Action taken by administrator/Immediate supervisor
Written report received by______________________________________________(employee)
Date received________________________
(My signature indicates only that I have received the written report; it does not signify agreement with the decision.)
LEVEL TWO:
Received by:_________________________________________________________(Equity Coordinator)
Date
A_____Written notice of investigation received by___________________________(employee)
Date received___________________________
B______Action taken by the equity coordinator:
Written report received by ______________________________________________(employee)
Date received
(My signature indicates only that I have received the written report; it does not signify agreement with the decision.)
LEVEL THREE: Request for School Board hearing
Received by President of School Board_____________________________________Date__________
Date of Board hearing ________________________________________________________________
Action taken by Board_________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Signature of Board President______________________________________________Date___________
Written report received by________________________________________________Date___________
(My signature indicates only that I have received the written report; it does not signify agreement with the decision.)
Optional: Attach a request for an open hearing and or request for written record
Section G-14
Code: GAEC
Date Issued: 5-17-93
ADA GRIEVANCE
The school provides this internal grievance procedure to facilitate a prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any action prohibited by the U. S. Department of Justice regulations implementing Title 11 of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Title 11 states, in part, that "no otherwise qualified disabled individual shall, solely by reason of such disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits for, or be subjected to discrimination" in programs or activities sponsored by a public entity.
Complaints should be addressed to: Equity Coordinator, 400 NW 2nd, BCSAAR 72712, or call 501-271-1100. The Equity Coordinator has been designated to coordinate ADA compliance efforts. The following procedures are to be followed to expedite such complaints:
- A complaint should be filed in writing or verbally, giving the name and address of the person filing it, and a brief description of the alleged violation of the regulations.
- The complaint should be filed within five (5) working days after the complainant becomes aware of the alleged violation.
- An investigation, as may be appropriate, will follow a filing of the complaint. The investigation shall be conducted by the Equity Coordinator. This process contemplates informal but thorough investigations, affording all interested persons and their representatives, if any, an opportunity to submit evidence relevant to a complaint.
- A written determination as to the validity of the complaint and a description of the resolution, if any, shall be issued by the Equity Coordinator and a copy forwarded to the complainant no later than ten (I0) working days after its filing.
- The Equity Coordinator will maintain the files and records of the BCSA relating to the complaints filed.
- The complainant can request a reconsideration of the case in instances where he or she is dissatisfied with the resolution. The request for reconsideration should be made in writing within ten (10) days to the administrator.
- The right of a person to a prompt and equitable resolution of the complaint filed hereunder shall not be impaired by the person's pursuit of other remedies such as the filing of an ADA complaint with the responsible federal department or agency. Use of this grievance procedure is not a prerequisite to the pursuit of other remedies.
- This entire process shall be constituted to protect the substantive right of interested persons, to meet appropriate due process standards, and to assure that the BCSA complies with the ADA and implementing regulations.
*These procedures are for members of the public, clients, visitors, and any other individuals not covered under the BCSA grievance policy.
Section G-15
Code: GAG
Date Issued: 6-3-85
STAFF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
No employee shall accept any outside employment that would interfere with professional responsibilities or create a conflict of interest.
Code: GAHB
Date Issued:
ABILITY OF SCHOOL EMPLOYEES TO HOLD PUBLIC OFFICE
All employees of the BCSA are free to exercise their rights as citizens and run for or accept appointments to public office if they so desire. However, employees should understand the following:
- By law, a school board member may not work for the school which he/she serves.
- School may not grant any employee paid leave for the purpose of permitting the employee to engage in public service of related activities.
- Employees may use their personal days and vacation days (if applicable) to engage in public service or related activities, with prior approval of their administrator or Administrator.
- In addition, upon request to the school board, a maximum of five (or a number of days selected by the BCSA) additional days of unpaid leave may be granted to the employee for the purposes of engaging in public service or related activities. If the employee's service can be replaced by the BCSA, the employee will be responsible for reimbursing the BCSA for the expense of the substitute employee.
- Employees who attempt to use sick leave days fraudulently for any purpose, including engaging in public service or related activities, will face disciplinary action up to and including non-renewal or termination.
Section G-16
Code: GAL
Date Issued: 8-16-77
SALARY DEDUCTIONS
Except for payroll deductions required by the state or federal government, all deductions made from salary shall be subject to Board approval and voluntary on the part of the individual employee. For all voluntary deductions, the employee shall complete a form authorizing the deduction and the specific amount. The Administrator is authorized to establish reasonable cut-off dates for payroll deduction request.
While it is the desire of the Board that all teachers should pay their personal financial obligations, the Board shall not become a collection agency by accepting orders from teachers to deduct certain amounts from their monthly salary until their debts are liquidated.
Legal Ref: Arkansas Code Annotated 6-17-804 & 6-17-805
Section G-17
Code: GAL-E
Date Issued: 6-15-92
SALARY DEDUCTIONS
(This is for existing employees. New hires are handled differently.)
Effective Date is the date the BCSA makes payment to the annuity or insurance company.
Beginning withholding date is the date the annuity or insurance premium is withheld from the employee's paycheck. This is the payroll on the 15th of the month prior to the effective date.
Example: Effective date is November 1, beginning withholding date is October 15
EFFECTIVE BEGINNING PAPERWORK
DATE WITHHOLDING DATE DUE
HMO/Qual. Choice October 1 September 15 August 25 Indemnity
Delta Dental May 1 April 15 March 25
Coast to Coast Vision May 1 April 15 March 25
Change an Annuity November 1 October 15 September 25
Start an Annuity November 1 October 15 September 25
May 1 April 15 March 25
Change Credit Union November 1 October 15 September 25
May 1 April 15 March 25
Vision care, Dental care, short term and long term disability may be dropped on May 1st.
An employee may start a Direct Deposit or change a Direct Deposit effective the end of any month. Paperwork (Direct Deposit form and a Deposit Slip) must be on file in the Business Office by the 10th of said month.
Section G-18
Code: GALA
Date Issued: 5-6-92
SALARY INCREASE
Any increases in funds received by the BCSA for any school year that are required to be paid to certified personnel will be distributed equally or the funds will be distributed unequally based on a majority vote of the teachers and approval by the board.
Code: GB
Date Issued: 8-16-77
PROFESSIONAL PERSONNEL SECTION
NOTE: All personnel policies and regulations in this section pertain to personnel who are required to hold a teacher's certificate issued by the State of Arkansas. Additional personnel policies and regulations relating only to administrators (both certificated and non-certificated) appear in the CG sections. (Cf. CG,CA)
Code: GBA
Issued: 5-18-87
CERTIFIED PERSONNEL COMPENSATION GUIDES AND CONTRACTS
Professional personnel shall be awarded contracts by the Board based upon the recommendations of the Administrator and administrators. Contracts are awarded annually.
Salary and other benefits shall be part of the written contract. Hours counting toward the 15 hours or 30 hours above any degree shown on the certified salary schedule must be earned after the date the degree was awarded. College work completed that will entitle a teacher to advance from one salary scale to a higher scale must be verified by an official college transcript. The annual compensation for a teacher will include or be adjusted to include the change during the fiscal year in which the verification is received by the Administrator's office. The full amount of the adjustment will be included provided the work is completed prior to the first day of the school year and the verification is received prior to January 1 of the fiscal year. One-half of the amount of the adjustment will be included if work is completed during the first semester and verification is received in the Administrator's office by May 1. The gross amount, less deductions, of any change will be divided equally between the remaining installments due a teacher. Payment of the increase is not retroactive.
In conformity with Arkansas' continuing contract law, Arkansas Code Annotated 6-17-1506, teachers are automatically re-employed unless they are notified by May 1 by the Administrator that their contract will not be renewed. (NOTE: See GNB)
All offers to renew annual contracts shall expire if not accepted in writing, properly signed and returned to the Administrator's office within thirty (30) business days of the issuance. If the executed (properly signed) contract is not received within this time period, the teaching position for which the contract was issued will be deemed vacant and the School Board will proceed to employ an individual to fill the position.
SUBSTITUTES PAY: Substitute teachers are paid a daily rate set by the Board. However, if someone substitutes for more than eleven (11) days in the same position, the substitute will be paid an additional $5.00 per day.
Legal Ref: Arkansas Code Annotated 6-17-204
Section G-19
Code: GBBA
Date Issued: 6-17-80
PROFESSIONAL PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS & DUTIES
All professional personnel employed by the BCSA must possess those qualifications set forth by the State Department of Education and the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges. It is recognized by the School Board that these qualifications are set up to promote minimum standards, therefore, it is the policy of the school to employ persons who exceed these minimum requirements whenever possible.
All instructional personnel must maintain on file in the Administrator's office the following information.
- Signed Contract
- Arkansas Teacher Certificate
- Social Security Number
- Certificate of Health - Tuberculosis
- Statement of Number of Dependents
- Official Transcript of All College Work
- Current Address and Telephone Number
All certified personnel in the BCSA will have access to any file pertaining to his/her employment or performance, kept by any supervisor or administrator, for the purpose of inventorying or reviewing.
Legal Ref.: Arkansas Code Annotated 6-17-401
Section G-20
Code: GBDA
Date Issued: 6-17-96
PROFESSIONAL PERSONNEL HIRING - SELECTION CRITERIA
Appointments of instructional personnel shall be made by the School Board upon consideration of recommendations made by the Administrator. The selection will be based on the following considerations:
The BCSA prefers to employ instructional personnel who hold a degree from a college accredited by the North Central Association or some other accrediting agency of comparable rank. It is also highly desirable that the applicant have graduated from a college whose program is approved by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).
Instructional personnel should hold a valid Arkansas teaching certificate at either the elementary- or secondary level with specific training in their teaching field as prescribed by the Arkansas State Department of Education and the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges. In rare cases, personnel may be employed before final certification is granted provided all the certification requirements have been met or outlined for completion on a specific timetable which will not adversely effect payroll or school accreditation.
The BCSA prefers to employ instructional personnel who have had successful experience at the level for which they are being considered. In computing the beginning salary for an individual, all of the teaching experience will be considered from a public school, private school or a post-secondary institution which is accredited by the state of Arkansas, the North Central Association of schools and Colleges or other accrediting agencies of comparable rank. One year of post secondary experience will be 24 semester hours taught between July 1, and June 30. Partial credit can be accumulated at 6 hours per semester until 24 hours are earned. Years of experience will not exceed the last level on the current salary schedule.
Certified personnel new to the BCSA, beginning teachers or teachers transferring from another school in state or out of state, must have a Criminal Record Check. Prospective employees are responsible for paying the required fees for this Criminal Record Check. Current cost is $10.00 for fingerprints, $15.00 for the State record check and $24.00 for the FBI record check. Necessary paperwork for completing record check may be obtained from the Personnel Department at Central Office. Steps to complete the Criminal Record Check should be taken within thirty (30) days of starting to work for the BCSA.
Upon first renewal of a Arkansas Teaching certificate, a certified employee must have a Criminal Record Check. Employees will be responsible for paying the $10.00 fee for fingerprints. The Department of Education will pay the $15.00 fee for the State Record check and $24.00 fee for the FBI record check. Necessary paperwork for completing record check may be obtained from the Personnel Department at Central Office. Steps to complete the Criminal Record Check should be taken starting in January of the year the employee's certificate expires.
Instructional personnel must possess the stamina and vigor to meet the demands of working with students.
Each applicant will be evaluated concerning the potential (s)he possesses to contribute effectively to the education of each student with whom (s)he has contact and ultimately to the strength of the total educational program.
Instructional personnel must be able to communicate effectively and have the ability to relate well to other individuals. The personal interview is one facet of helping to evaluate an individual in this most critical area.
Section G-21
Code: GBDB
Date Issued: 7-19-92
PROFESSIONAL PERSONNEL: HIRING RELATIVES OF ADMINISTRATOR
The immediate family of the Administrator will not be eligible for employment in the BCSA. The immediate family of the supervisors of certified personnel, and other administrative personnel, as the School Board may identify, will be eligible for employment in the BCSA, but not in a position under the direct supervision of the above named administrators. Immediate family, for this purpose, shall be defined to include: spouse, children, parents, brothers, and sisters.
Code: GBE
Date Issued: 8-16-77
CERTIFIED PERSONNEL
ASSIGNMENT: All teachers are subject to assignment at the direction of the Administrator. Insofar as possible, teachers shall be assigned to positions for which they are best qualified. Members of the same family will not be assigned to the same building unless necessary. Also, while keeping in mind the needs of students and the need to have a balanced faculty (race, sex, experience, etc.), reasonable efforts shall be made to honor teacher preference in assignment.
Legal Ref: Arkansas Code Annotated 6-17-303
Code: GBH
Date Issued: 6-21-93
6-19-95
LEAVES AND ABSENCES
SICK LEAVE ACCUMULATION: Full-time employees shall be allowed sick leave at full pay, at the rate of one (1) day per contract month or portion thereof. Part-time employees shall be allowed sick leave on a prorated basis. A contract month is considered to be twenty (20) working days. Such leave shall be in force beginning with the first day of the first school term for which the employee is hired. If employees leave or resign their position for any reason before the end of the school term, the BCSA shall deduct from the last pay check full compensation for any days of sick leave used in excess of the days earned. Unused sick leave shall accumulate without limit.
REASONS FOR USE: Employees may use sick leave for maternity, paternity, adoption, bereavement, personal illness or illness in the immediate family (wherever they live) which shall include the employee's spouse, children, parents, father-in-law, mother-in-law, brother, sister, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, grandparents, grandchildren, uncle, aunt, and/or other members of the family living in the same household of the employee, or step-parents who have reared the children. Sick leave when used for bereavement applies to funeral attendance and legal business related to the death.
SHARING SICK LEAVE: An employee and spouse employed by the BCSA may share up to thirty (30) days of sick leave per school year
RECORDS: A record of sick leave used and accumulated shall be established and maintained by the school for each employee. Employees shall be advised at each pay period of the status of their sick leave.
CREDIT FOR SICK LEAVE: Any employee of this BCSA who has accumulated sick leave in any Arkansas BCSA shall be granted credit by this BCSA for such sick leave, but not to exceed a maximum of ninety (90) days. The accumulated sick leave credit shall be granted to the teacher upon furnishing proof in writing from the former school.
Legal Ref. Arkansas Code Annotated 6-17-1201
Code: GBH
Date Issued: 6-27-94
LEAVES AND ABSENCES
PERSONAL DAYS: Each employee in the BCSA may use two (2) days per year of accumulated sick leave for personal days. At the beginning of the fifth year, an employee may use one additional sick day as a personal day. Days to be used prior to or following a scheduled school holiday will be approved upon written application to the employee's supervisor if substitutes are available. Applications will be dated and the time noted by the receiving offices. The number of available substitutes will be based on average daily usage. Approval will be acquired on a first come, first serve basis. The personal days allowed per year do no accumulate as personal days from year to year, but will revert to sick leave days.
LEAVE OF ABSENCE: Employees may be granted a leave of absence for one or two semesters without pay. A minimum of three years continuous satisfactory service must have been completed in the BCSA and the employee recommended for employment for the following year. This service must have been under contract as a full-time person.
EXTENDED LEAVE: In the event a teacher uses all his/her accumulated sick leave and is still unable to return to work, s/he can request extended leave. These extended leave days must be consecutive working days. Employees who receive days from the Sick Leave Bank are not eligible for extended leave. Doctor's statement must be attached to the request. The following deductions shall be made from the employee's salary: 1. first fifteen (15) working days of absence, daily rate paid to the substitute; 2. any additional days of absence will be at the full daily rate paid to the employee.
LEAVE OF ABSENCE, EMPLOYEES WITH LESS THAN ONE YEAR EXPERIENCE: The BCSA will provide unpaid leave for up to twelve (12) weeks for employees who have a medical emergency. The medical emergency must be for the employee and immediate family members (immediate family members are defined under current sick leave policies). Employees will be required to use earned sick and personal days as part of the leave. Once an employee has used all earned sick and personal days, their pay will be reduced at a daily rate for all days not worked. An employee failing to return to work at the end of the twelve (12) week period will not be guaranteed a position with the BCSA.
MILITARY: Employees may be granted leave for conscription into the service due to a national emergency. Such leave shall be approved by the Board and shall be without pay.
National Guard and Reserve personnel who attend mandatory training exercises may use two (2) or (3) personal days depending on number of years in the BCSA. Days beyond that will be without pay.
CIVIC* DUTY: Certified personnel who are called for jury duty or subpoenaed for other than personal business are paid at their regular rate and a substitute is provided by the BCSA. Jury pay will not be deducted from the regular rate of pay.
APPLICATION FORMS: Applications must be in writing on the appropriate form state clearly all the details under which the leave is to be granted. When the leave is for medical/health reasons, a doctor's statement is required for documentation and must accompany the application. Applications for leave must be submitted to the administrator. S/he will forward the application to the Administrator's office to be forwarded to the Board for action.
*Definition of Civic: Court, jury or governmental duties
Legal Ref. Arkansas Code Annotated 6-17-306
Code: GBH
Date Issued: 6-21-93
LEAVES AND ABSENCES
NOTIFICATION OF RETURN: Notification of an employee's intention to resume work or resign after a leave of absence shall be filed in writing with the administrator by March 1, if s/he intends to return in the fall, and by October 1, if the teacher wishes to return in the spring. Failure to respond by the above dates will be taken to indicate resignation. When returning from a leave due to medical reasons the BCSA may require a doctor's release prior to return to work.
PLACEMENT UPON RETURN FROM LEAVE: An employee returning from a leave of absence will be assigned, within the BCSA, to a position based on their certification.
BENEFITS: Employees who are on leave shall retain their cumulative annual sick leave.
PURCHASE OF UNUSED SICK DAYS: At the end of each year, employees with more than ninety sick leave days may sell the excess days back to the BCSA in increments of (5) five days, not to exceed (10) ten in any given year. These days will be purchased at the current substitute rate paid to substitutes who hold a minimum of a Bachelor Degree and are certified.
BOARD ACTION: All personal leave in excess of the days provided for under the "Personal Days" subsection of this policy must be approved by the Board.
FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT OF 1993
The FMLA provides up to twelve weeks of unpaid, job protected leave to "eligible" employees for certain family and medical reasons. Employees are eligible if they have worked for the BCSA for at least one (1) year and for 1,250 hours over the previous twelve months.
REASONS FOR TAKING LEAVE: Unpaid leave must be granted for any of the following reasons:
- To care for the employee's child after birth, or placement for adoption or foster care; or
- To care for the employee's spouse, children, or parent who has a serious health condition; or
- For a serious health condition that makes the employee unable to perform the employee's job.
- The BCSA will require the employee to substitute sick leave days for any part of the twelve weeks.
APPLICATION FOR FAMILY MEDICAL LEAVE:
An employee requesting Family Medical Leave must submit a written application to the Executive Director of Personnel requesting the leave. Applications are available in the Personnel Office at Central Office. The Executive Director of Personnel will respond in writing to the request within two working days.
The BCSA may require medical certification to support a request for leave because of a serious health condition, and may require second and third opinions (at BCSA expense) and a fitness for duty report to return to work.
JOB BENEFITS AND PROTECTION: For the duration of FMLA leave, the BCSA must maintain the employee's health coverage under any "group health plan." Employee will continue to pay the premium.
Upon return from FMLA leave, employees must be restored to their original position or equivalent position with equivalent pay, benefits, and other employment terms. The use of FMLA leave cannot result in the loss of any employment benefits that accrued prior to the start of an employee's leave.
CALCULATION OF THE TWELVE MONTH PERIOD: A rolling twelve -month period looking back from the date on which the FMLA leave is to begin will be used to figure the twelve month period. The BCSA must give at least sixty days notice to all employees if the method of calculation is changed.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: A detailed explanation of the Family and Medical Leave Act is on file in each building's library and administrator's office.
An employee planning to apply for FMLA leave should contact the Personnel Office for more information.
Section G-26
Code: GBH-E
Date Issued:
REQUEST FOR LEAVE
BENTON COUNTY SCHOOL OF THE ARTS
Date Requested_____________________________ Date Approved_______________________
TYPE OF LEAVE REQUESTED (CIRCLE ONE):
Leave of Absence
Military
I, __________________________________, request a leave from my present position as
_________________________________________ at__________________________________,
from______________________________________to__________________________________.
Month Date Year Month Date Year
for the reason listed below:
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
If I am unable t