THE BOARD MAIN OBJECTIVE is to SET POLICIES THAT GOVERN THE EDUCATION OF ALL CHILDREN ATTENDING THE DISTRICT'S FIVE SCHOOLS, AS WELL AS THE DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS OF THE DISTRICT.
THESE responsible INCLUDE: establishing policy; defining District priorities and goals; monitoring and evaluating progress; approving contracts, bonds and the annual budget; and selecting and evaluating the Superintendent of Schools.
DEFINING PRIORITIES AND GOALS
In collaboration with the Administration, the Board defines annual District priorities and establishes specific goals, rationale and expected outcomes. It delegates to the Superintendent of Schools (the District's chief executive officer and educational leader) the authority to develop, operate and manage the educational programs to meet these goals.
MONITORING AND EVALUATING PROGRESS
The Superintendent and Central Administration regularly update the Board on progress towards goals, and Board meetings and study sessions are often devoted to presentations highlighting work in specific areas.
APPROVING CONTRACTS, BONDS AND THE ANNUAL BUDGET
The Board guides negotiations with the District’s five bargaining units and approves all final collective bargaining agreements and employment contracts, as well as vendor contracts.
The Superintendent, with some guidance from the Board and in concert with his/her staff, prepares and presents a recommended budget to the Board. After discussion and input from the community, the Board is responsible for approving a final budget to be presented for a community vote. The Board strives to approve a budget that effectively balances costs with maintaining Onteora's high instructional standards for students and staff.
SELECTING AND EVALUATING THE SUPERINTENDENT
Perhaps the most critical responsibility of a Board of Education is to select and evaluate the Superintendent. The Board provides regular feedback and a formal annual review.
SERVING ON COMMITTEES AND AS LIAISONS
Each board member serves on a number of committees, as well as a liaison to District schools and community groups. Click here for a list of committee assignments and liaison positions.