The formulation and adoption of written policies is the basic method by which the Board of Education exercises its leadership. A "policy" is a statement adopted by the Board of Education providing general guidance on a specific topic which can be implemented by administrative action or procedures.
Preliminary Development
Any Board of Education member, the Superintendent, or any District citizen may propose new policies or changes to existing policies. Suggestions from staff members or organizations are processed through
regular administrative channels.
The Superintendent or a designee is responsible for: (1) notifying those who will be affected by a proposed policy and obtaining their advice and suggestions, and (2) drafting policy recommendations into acceptable written form for further deliberation and/or action by the Board of Education. The Superintendent shall seek the counsel of the school attorney when there may be a legal question or of proper legal procedure in a policy's development.
Policy Adoption
Policies or policy revisions will not be adopted at the Board meeting at which they are introduced. Further Board consideration will be given at a subsequent meeting(s). The Board of Education may grant temporary approval to meet emergency conditions or special events which may occur before formal action can be taken.
Policy Dissemination
The Board of Education policies are available for public inspection in the administrative office during regular office hours. Copy requests can be made under the District's Access to Public Records Policy.
Administration in Policy Absence
In the absence of Board of Education policy, the Superintendent is authorized to take appropriate administrative action but shall promptly inform the Board of Education.
Suspension of Policies
The operation of any Board of Education policy not established by law or contract may be temporarily suspended by a majority vote of Board members present at a regular or special meeting.
Board Policy Review and Evaluation
The Board of Education shall periodically evaluate the execution and results of its policies and consider whether any modifications are required.
LEGAL REF.: 105 ILCS 5/10-20.5.
CROSS REF.: 3:40
ADOPTED: November 26, 1996
2:240
Adoption of the annual budget authorizes the Superintendent to purchase budgeted supplies, equipment, and services. Purchases of items not included in the budget require prior Board of Education approval, except in an emergency.
All contracts for supplies, materials, or work involving an expenditure in excess of $10,000 shall be made in accordance with the State law bidding procedure, unless specifically exempted. Sealed, competitive bidding, with certain statutory exceptions, is required. The Superintendent or a designee shall prepare the necessary legal notices. The contract will be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder, considering conformity with specifications, delivery terms, quality, and serviceability. The Superintendent or a designee shall report the results of the bidding to the Board of Education, together with a recommendation and supporting rationale. Contracts will be awarded by the Board of Education at an official meeting. Bid deposits of 10 percent of the bid amount, assuring good faith in bidding, and performance bonds to the extent of 100 percent of the contract amount, may be required.
The Superintendent shall develop procedures which will allow the purchase of good quality products and services at the lowest cost, with consideration for service, quality, and delivery promptness, and in compliance with State law.
LEGAL REF.: 105 ILCS 5/10-20.21.
ADOPTED: November 26, 1996
4:60