Board of Education Policy 1310: Powers and Duties of the Board

As a Central School District, the Board of Education shall have powers and duties as set forth in New York State Education Law, principally Articles 33, 35 and 37, and other applicable Federal and State laws and regulations. In general, the Board shall have in all respects the superintendence, management and control of the educational affairs of the District and shall have all the powers necessary to exercise these powers expressly granted to it by the laws of New York State and the Commissioner of Education.

Among the various powers and duties therein enumerated are those that may be characterized as:

a) Personnel functions, including the appointment and removal of personnel, the adoption of salary schedules, the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, and the determination of the number of employees in the District;

b) Instructional program functions, including the approval of courses and curriculum and the selection of textbooks and equipment;

c) Financial functions, including the approval and adoption of an annual budget, proposed bond issues, and the audit of School District accounts and business procedures; and

d) School plant functions, including decisions concerning construction, renovation, and maintenance of buildings, and selection of school sites.

The most important of the powers and duties of a school board is its legislative power in regard to the educational affairs of the District. The Board establishes policy regarding all aspects of School District operations, limited only by law, regulation and contractual obligations. Critical to the exercise of its powers is the Board’s power to appoint a Superintendent of Schools who, as Chief Executive Officer, is delegated the responsibility for implementing Board policy and the day-to-day administration of the District.

Education Law Sections 1604, 1709, 1804 and 2503

Adopted May 22, 2018