Welcome to a Meeting

Welcome to a Morton Community Unit School District 709 board of education meeting. The Morton District 709 Board of Education and District Administration value and promote good communication with the Morton/Groveland educational community.  As members of your School Board, we are pleased you could join us for this meeting.  This information has been prepared to facilitate your attendance.

 

Your School Board and You

 

  • The District 709 School Board is comprised of seven members who are elected by the community-at-large to serve staggered terms of four years. Board elections are held the first Tuesday in April of odd numbered years.

  • Board Members serve without compensation and are forbidden by law to vote on any business transacted by the Board in which they might have a financial interest.

  • Board Officers are elected by the School Board and serve a one-year term. Officers include a President, Vice President, and Secretary.  The Recording Secretary is employed by and acts at the direction of the Board.

  • No single member of the Board has authority over policy, or the right to act in the name of the Board.

 

Responsibilities of the Board

 

  • To employ a superintendent who is responsible to the Board for the management of the schools in accordance with state law and School Board policy.

  • To develop and adopt policies that, within the bounds of community and state guidelines and support, will provide the children of District 709 with the best possible educational experience.

  • To monitor and evaluate all aspects of the District 709 educational program and the administration of the District, in keeping with the mission statement and strategic objectives.

  • To adopt an annual budget.

  • To plan for the future of the School District.

 

Board of Education Meetings

 

  • The Board meeting dates are listed here and public notification will be provided with any changes in schedule or location.

  • The Board receives an agenda and any related information a few days prior to the meeting.  A copy of the agenda is made available at the meeting or may be obtained at the District office several days before the session.

  • Board meetings are governed by Robert's Rules of Order.

  • The "consent agenda" is used for items considered to be routine which do not require discussion or explanation as to the reason for Board action. Any Board member or citizen of District 709 may request withdrawal of any item listed under the consent agenda and move it to the agenda for independent consideration.

  • At the direction of the President, Board Members serve on the various committees, and give oral and/or written reports at each meeting.

  • Action must be approved by a majority of those Board Members present.

  • Periodically, the Board will meet for discussion purposes on single issues or topics. Although these meetings are open to the public, it is at the sole discretion of the President whether or not to allow public participation at these work sessions.

  • State law permits the Board to meet in closed session for the purpose of appointment, employment, compensation, performance, or dismissal of employees, student discipline, purchase of property, litigation, and/or negotiations.  However, no official action may be taken in a closed session. Closed Session Minutes are considered for release by the Board twice a year.

  • Special meetings may be called by the President or by any three Board Members to conduct emergency business or discuss immediate concerns affecting education in the District.  Such meetings require a 48-hour written or 24-hour personal notice providing the time, place, and purpose of the meeting.  

 

Community Participation

 

If you wish to address the Board of Education, please fill out a card (available at entrance to Board Room) with your name, address, phone number, email address and give to the Board Secretary prior to the start of the Board meeting. The Board of Education will take all presentations under consideration and respond, at the latest, by the end of the next regular Board of Education meeting. Please limit your comments to 5 minutes. Participants are expected to conduct themselves with civility and respect, and follow the guidelines outlined in Board Policy 8:30, “Visitors to and Conduct on School Property.” Further information about public participation in Board of Education meetings can be found in Board Policy 2:230.

 

Student Related Matters

 

In all matters concerning a student related issue, the Board asks that the classroom teacher be the first point of contact.  If the problem is not resolved at this level, the principal of the school should be contacted.  If the matter remains unresolved, the issue should be brought to the attention of the superintendent, who will provide advice concerning District policies and explain how, if appropriate, the matter may be brought to the attention of the Board.