BDF - Advisory Committee to the School Committee

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Policy BDF

Adopted: October 5, 2006
Amended: N/A

The following statements should guide the appointment and functioning of advisory committees to the School Committee other than the student advisory committee, which is governed by the terms of the Massachusetts General Laws.

1. Advisory committees may be created by the School Committee to serve as task forces for special purposes or to provide continuing consultation in a particular area of activity. However, there should be no standing overall advisory committee to the School Committee.
2. If an advisory committee is required by state or federal law, its composition and appointment will meet all the guidelines established for that particular type of committee.
3. The composition of task forces and any other advisory committees should be broadly representative and take into consideration the specific tasks assigned to the committee. Members of the professional staff may be appointed to the committee as members or consultants, as found desirable.
4. Appointments to such committees should be made by the Committee; appointment of staff members to such committees will be made by the School Committee upon recommendation of the Superintendent.
5. Tenure of committee members should be determined by the School Committee.
6. Each committee should be clearly instructed as to:
   • The length of time each member is being asked to serve.
   • The assignment the School Committee wishes the committee to fulfill and the extent and limitations of its responsibilities.
   • The resources that the School Committee will provide.
   • The approximate dates on which the School Committee wishes to receive major reports.
   • School Committee policies governing citizens, committees and the relationship of these committees to the School Committee as a whole, to individual School Committee members, to the Superintendent, and to other members of the professional staff.
   • Responsibilities for the release of information to the press.
7. Recommendations of committees should be based upon research and fact.
8. The School Committee possesses certain legal powers and prerogatives that cannot be delegated or surrendered to others. Therefore, all recommendations of an advisory committee must be submitted to the School Committee.

The Committee has the sole power to dissolve any of its advisory committees and will reserve the right to exercise this power at any time during the life of any committee.