What is the role of the Board of Education?
The role of the school board can be summarized in the following areas:
- To provide vision and direction for the school system.
- To create policies in accordance with state law to establish standards, accountability and evaluation of essential operations of the school district.
- To prepare the budget for presentation to the county commissioners.
- To hire, support, and evaluate the Superintendent.
- To perform judicial functions by conducting hearings as appropriate.
- To advocate for the school district, staff, and especially students in all interactions with other governmental entities and the public.
How are Board members elected and how long do they serve?
Board members are elected by the registered voters residing in the Asheboro City Schools district. Members serve a six-year term on a staggered basis so that no more than four positions will expire every two years. Elections are nonpartisan and are held at the time of the November general election in odd-numbered years.
When does the Board hold their meetings?
The Board of Education meets on the second Thursday of each month at 7:30 pm in the Professional Development Center located at 1221 South Park Street on the northeast corner of the Asheboro High School campus. Periodically, the board will meet in a special called meeting, work session or planning session. All public meeting notices are posted 48 hours in advance of the meeting and are printed in the local newspaper.
How do Board of Education meetings work?
Board meetings are conducted for the purpose of carrying out the official business of the school district. The public is cordially invited to attend board meetings to observe the Board as it conducts its official business. The Superintendent, along with the Board chair establish the agenda for each meeting. All Board meetings are held in accordance with the Open Meetings Law, including notice of meetings. Those in attendance will receive an agenda and available meeting materials.
When is it appropriate for me to address the Board?
The Board of Education, as an elected representative body of the school district, wishes to provide a forum for citizens to express interests and concerns related to the school district. A part of each meeting is set aside for citizens to address the Board. A sign-up sheet will be available for any individual or group to indicate their desire to address the board. The chairperson will decide the time devoted to public comments.
How do I address an individual issue or concern?
The most productive method to resolve a concern or receive more information about a school related issue is to first speak to your child’s teacher or principal. Teachers and/or principals can resolve most issues and address your concerns in the timeliest manner. However, if you are unable to resolve matters at the building level, you should speak to the appropriate assistant superintendent or program director, and then the superintendent. If your issue remains unresolved to your satisfaction you will be referred to the Board of Education and informed of the options for further review.
What training is required to become a Board member?
Board members are encouraged to participate in professional development activities designed for them. New Board members attend orientation programs sponsored by the school district and state school boards association. Each Board member must fulfill the legal requirement to receive a minimum of 12 hours of training annually. The training shall include, but is not limited to, public school law, public school finance and duties and responsibilities of local boards of education. Training may be provided by the school district, the North Carolina School Boards Association, the National School Boards Association; the School/Institute of Government; or the Department of Public Instruction. High quality training is necessary to help Board members effectively fulfill their responsibilities as leaders of public education in North Carolina.
How can I access school board policies and other board information?
All school board policies and “Board Briefs,” a summary of board meetings, and meeting agendas are available on the Asheboro City Schools website at www.asheboro.k12.nc.us under ACS Board. Also, physical copies of all school board policies are open for inspection at the board of education offices during office hours.