The answer varies depending on whether we are talking about a K-12 board, an ESD board or community college board, AND whether or not we are in an election year for board members.
Board policy BC/BCA is the one that applies to this situation; check your policy.
For K-12 districts: In an election year the board must meet to organize some time after the election and no later than the last day of July. (ORS 255.335)
In a non-election year the board is only required to hold the organizational meeting no later than the first regular meeting after July 1, so it could be in August. (ORS 332.040)
For ESD’s:
ESD’s are required to meet each July to hold an organizational meeting, regardless of whether it is an election year. (ORS 334.100)
For Community Colleges:
Community Colleges must hold their organizational meeting after July 1, regardless of whether it is an election year.
In an election year they must hold it no later than July 31st. (ORS 255.335)
In a non- election year, they do not have to hold it in July, just after July 1. (ORS 341.283)
The law is inconsistent in requiring one date for school districts and community colleges for years where there has been an election, but allowing the meeting to be held later when there has not been an election, while ESD’s must always meet in July. Many Oregon boards do not hold a July board meeting. They meet in August to complete the items on the 'July checklist'. Confusing? Yes!!
New board members may take office any time on or after July 1. It is a good practice to always hold a meeting during July to swear in new board members, elect officers and take care of the other 'housekeeping issues' which are provided for on the July Meeting Agenda Checklist here.
An OSBA sample of Board policy BC/BCA, for a K-12 district, an ESD or a community college, regarding the re-organization meeting is available by calling the Policy Services Department.
