Participation in board member associations are beneficial to the board.  The board shall maintain an active membership in the Iowa Association of School Boards and in organizations the board determines will be of benefit to the board and the school district.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code § 279.38 (2003).

Cross Reference:  219.2   Board of Directors' Member Development and Training
                                      219.4   New Board of Directors' Member Orientation

Approved:  11/01/2004

Reviewed:  05/18/2006, 01/17/2011, 01/18/2016, 04/20/2020

Revised:

High-achieving school boards work as a team to create high expectations for all students. Board learning is foundational to creating this solid governance structure focused on student learning for school boards. The board may participate in conferences sponsored by educational associations and agencies in addition to its own in-service programs and work sessions.

The board will work closely with the Iowa Association of School Boards' and encourage the board members to participate in qualifying learning opportunities to achieve the Annual Board Award.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 279.8, .38

Cross Reference:  219.1   Association Membership
                                      219.4   New Board of Directors' Member Orientation

Approved:  11/01/2004

Reviewed:  05/18/2006, 01/17/2011, 01/18/2016

Revised:  04/20/2020, 05/15/2023

As an elected public official, the board member is a public servant who serves without compensation.  Board members will be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties.

Prior to reimbursement of actual and necessary expenses, the board member must submit a detailed receipt indicating the date, purpose and nature of the expense for each claim item.  Failure to provide a detailed receipt will make the expense nonreimbursable.  Personal expenses will be reimbursed by the board member to the school district no later than ten working days following the date of the expense.  In exceptional circumstances, the board may allow a claim without proper receipt.  Written documentation explaining the exceptional circumstances will be maintained as part of the school district's record of the claim.

It is the responsibility of the board secretary to compile the expenses of board members and bring them to the board for audit and approval in the same manner as other claims of the school district.  It is the responsibility of the board to determine through the audit and approval process of the board whether the expenses incurred by a board member are actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 68B; 277.27; 279.7A, .8, .32 (2003).

Cross Reference:  203      Board of Directors' Conflict of Interest
                              401.7   Employee Travel Compensation
                              705.6   Credit Cards

Approved:  11/01/2004

Reviewed:  06/26/2006, 01/17/2011, 01/18/2016, 04/20/2020

Revised:  

It is the responsibility of the board to educate new board members of the duties of their position.  To acquaint new board members with the duties and role of the board of directors, each new board member may meet with the superintendent and the board secretary to become familiar with the responsibilities and the role of being a board member. 

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to ensure that new board members have an opportunity to attend an orientation conference and meet with the superintendent.  It shall also be the responsibility of the superintendent to ensure that each new board member has necessary documents and board materials including a current board policy manual.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code § 279.8 (2003).

Cross Reference:  219.1   Association Membership
                                      219.2   Board of Directors' Member Development and Training

Approved:  11/01/2004

Reviewed:  06/26/2006, 01/17/2011, 01/18/2016

Revised:  04/20/2020

In recognition of the great amount of time, energy, and talent as well as the interest of board members in the school district, past (if requested) board members shall receive lifetime single activity passes (to include their spouse) to school-sponsored activities.  During their tenure on the board, members will receive a family activity pass.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to ensure board members receive activity passes.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code § 279.8 (2003).

Cross Reference:  219      Board of Directors' Member Services
                                      401.13 Employee Activity Passes

Approved:  11/04/2004

Reviewed:  06/26/2006, 01/18/2016, 04/20/2020

Revised:  10/26/2009, 12/17/2018