The district is governed by the Board of nine citizens whose members are elected by the citizens of the Townships of Amity, Union and the Borough of Birdsboro. Board members serve four-year terms and are not compensated. Vacancies are filled by appointment by the members of the Board for the unexpired portion of the term until the next municipal election.
The superintendent of schools is appointed by the Board and acts as its chief executive officer in administering its policies in the operation of the schools. The superintendent also acts as an advisor in keeping the Board informed of the needs and programs of the school. The superintendent is available to the Board as a professional resource person on such topics as recruitment and supervision of professional staff, selection of textbooks and instructional materials, development of curriculum, school building planning, and fiscal planning.
The Board has complete authority over the education and financial affairs of the school district. The Board is subject only to the limitations imposed by Pennsylvania school laws and other related State and Federal regulations. It employs personnel; approves curriculum, textbooks, and courses of study; adopts an annual budget, fixes taxes an approves all district expenditures; makes final decision on school sites, building sales, renovation plans, and construction contracts. In discharging these responsibilities, Board members have no power to act individually in the name of the Board. It is only when the Board is meeting in formal session with a majority of its members (five) present, that official action can be taken. Under this principle, members can reserve judgment until they hear the recommendation of the superintendent and discuss the matter with other Board members. Frequently the Board also consults with members of the community, staff members, and specialists in various areas.
The school board meets regularly on the 4th Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. Occasionally a holiday or other circumstance will alter this schedule. In the case of any special meeting, notices are given in advance to local newspapers. Committee of the Whole meetings and public work sessions are held on the 2nd Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. Please check our calendar for specific meeting location information.
All recommendations are considered and acted upon only in open public meetings. By state law, however, executive (private) sessions may be held in regard to personnel matters, litigation procedures, negotiations, and the purchase of land.
Your presence at public meetings in itself indicates community interest and responsible action. Two opportunities are available during the meeting for those in attendance to bring questions and timely information to the Board’s attention: For agenda items, at the beginning of the meeting, and for general items, at the end of the meeting.
When recognized by the board president, visitors are requested to rise and state their name and address. Individuals will be given three minutes to address board members.
Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call
Announcements
Procedures for Public Participation
Presentation by Public of Agenda Items
Recognitions
Routine Approval (minutes, financial approval)
Presentations by Board Members
Building and Grounds Approvals
Financial Approvals
Personnel Approvals
Program Approvals
Policy Approvals
Transportation Approvals
Old Business
New Business
Presentation by Public on Issues
Adjournment
If you, as a parent, have any questions regarding your child, the matter should first be taken up with the teacher involved. Later, the principal or administrator closest to the situation may be consulted, and if further discussion is still necessary, the problem may be referred to the superintendent. This procedure has proven most effective in the past – your questions get a direct and immediate response and it also frees the Board to consider matters that affect the entire district. Should all of these avenues fail, the Board may then be approached with concern.
