BBA - School Committee Powers and Duties
Policy BBA
Adopted: October 15, 2020
Amended: October 29, 2020
The School Committee has all the powers conferred upon it by state law and must perform those duties mandated by the state. These include the responsibility and right to determine policies and practices and to employ a staff to implement its directions for the proper education of the children of the community.
The Committee takes a broad view of its functions. It sees them as:
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Legislative or policymaking. The Committee is responsible for the development of policy as guides for administrative action and for employing a Superintendent who will implement its policies.
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Appraisal. The Committee is responsible for evaluating the effectiveness of its policies and their implementation.
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Provision of financial resources. The Committee is responsible for adoption of a budget that will enable the school district to carry out the Committee's policies.
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Public relations. The Committee is responsible for providing adequate and direct means for keeping the local residents informed about the schools and for keeping itself and the school staff informed about the needs and wishes of the public.
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Educational planning and evaluation. The Committee is responsible for establishing educational goals and policies that will guide the Committee and staff for the administration and continuing improvement of the educational programs provided by the School District.
Personnel Matters
The Superintendent shall be appointed by vote of the Committee and shall directly report to the Committee as provided by law and perform all the duties that are prescribed by law and such other duties, not inconsistent thereto, as a majority of the Committee may direct.
The School Committee shall appoint, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Director of Finance and Operations, Director of Student Services, School Physician, and School Nurses. Such positions shall not report directly to the School Committee.
Source: MASC July 2016
Legal Ref.: M.G.L. 71:37 specifically, but powers and duties of School Committees are established throughout the Massachusetts General Laws.
Cross Ref.: BB, School Committee Legal Status
BDG, School Attorney
BBA PRC1 - Superintendent Evaluation Procedures
NOTE: In addition to the legal reference cited above, regional school districts should add references to M.G.L. 71:16 through 71:16I. A reference to an appropriate section(s) of regional agreement could also be added.
School Committee Policies
- A - Foundations and Basic Commitments
- B - School Board Governance and Operations
- C - General School Administration
- D - Fiscal Management
- E - Support Services
- F - Facilities Development
- G - Personnel
- H - Negotiations
- I - Instructional Program
- J - Students
- K - School-Community Relations
- L - Education Agency Relations