Resources

Ask Betsy's Team - Frequently Asked Questions

OSBA staff answers some common (and not so common) questions about board governance, board members' roles and responsibilities, good practices, running board meetings and board conflict. Don't see the answer to your question? Ask Betsy's Team!

Dear members:

Your Ask Betsy Team is dedicated to assisting you by responding to all of your questions. Additionally, we are committed to providing you with the best possible information, tools, and practices in a timely manner. There are times when we must research, or consult with other OSBA staff members to provide an answer to your questions. In these circumstances, we ask for your patience as the normal response time could potentially be delayed. Please expect an initial response, by phone or email, within 24-48 hours of submitting your question, and be aware that additional follow-up could take more time. If your question is time sensitive, please be sure to specify your deadlines in your initial request.

Thank you, we look forward to hearing from you!

Legal Disclaimer: The information contained on this site should not be construed as legal advice. If you need legal advice regarding your particular situation, please seek the advice of OSBA’s legal services or independent counsel.

The most recent questions are listed below.

Should the board secretary be present at ALL meetings; special and executive? - 5/20/13

Can a superintendent endorse a board candidate running for their board? If they can't endorse, can they give a quote about the candidate? - 5/10/13

Staff has asked whether it is okay to bring in home baked goods to share with their classroom and I was not sure of the answer. Our school has taken the position to not allow home baked goods in the classroom but is this practice actually a prohibited state or federal law? - 4/26/13

I am an elected school board member and am not up for election this year. Can I write a letter to the editor of the local paper and campaign in other ways in support of two candidates for open seats? - 4/19/13

What is the potential liability for both a charter committee member and the charter school for a potentially defamatory comment made by the committee member? - 4/12/13

If our board chair resigns as chair yet remains on the board, do we need a resolution to accept that? Or, can the board just accept the resignation and approve a resolution electing another board member as chair? - 4/05/13

If our board chair resigns as chair yet remains on the board, do we need a resolution to accept that? Or, can the board just accept the resignation and approve a resolution electing another board member as chair? - 4/05/13

Can a quorum of the board compel board members to attend meetings? We have a minority of members who might not attend a meeting where they will be faced with criticism. The majority of the board wants the minority to attend. - 3/28/13

Our board is planning to meet with another school district board to discuss mutual concerns. Are there any special provisions which need to be followed? - 3/22/13

One of our board members has volunteered some contracting services to the district, but I believe they would like to pay him for some future services. Is that legal and/or ethical? - 3/15/13

Must executive session minutes be separate from regular session minutes, or can they be contained in the body of the regular session minutes? - 3/08/13

Although the charter school board meeting dates are posted on the school calendar and anyone can request a packet of materials that will be used at the school board meeting, do the agenda and the minutes need to actually be posted where the public can read them? - 3/01/13

Are public schools required by state or federal law to display an American flag or have students say the Pledge of Allegiance? - 2/22/13

Can we evaluate our superintendent on goals in executive session? - 2/14/13

Can we appoint to our budget committee a person who works part-time for the district, making less than $100 a month? - 2/08/13