Rich 227 - Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Board of Education?
A: The Board of Education is a group of seven elected officials, charged with conducting the public's business. [top]

Q: What are the powers of the Board?
A: The Board has broad authority to adopt and enforce all necessary policies for the management and government of the public schools. Official action by School Board members must occur at a duly called and legally conducted meeting. [top]

Q: Why do we have a Board of Education?
A: The School Code of Illinois provides that "all school districts having a population of not fewer than 1,000 and not more than 500,000 inhabitants shall be governed by a Board of Education consisting of seven members." [top]

Q: How are Board members selected?
A: School board members are elected at the biennial non-partisan election held in April in odd-numbered years as specified by Illinois Statute. [top]

Q: How long do Board members serve?
A: The term of office for School Board members shall be for (4) years. Officers of the Board, including the office of president, vice president and secretary, are elected by the board and serve a term of (2) years. [top]

Q: What is the criteria for becoming a member?
A: A School Board member must be, on the date of election, a United States citizen at least 18 years of age, a resident of Illinois and the District for at least one year immediately preceding the election, a registered voter and be neither a school trustee nor a school treasurer. A School Board member must also have filed an economic interest statement as required by the Governmental Ethics Act. (Some persons may be ineligible for School Board membership by reason of other public offices held or certain types of State or federal employment.) [top]

Q: Are Board members paid for their services?
A: No. Board members may not receive compensation for their services. [top]

Q: How often do Board members meet?
A: The Board of Education meets the 1st Thursday and 3rd Tuesday of each month, alternating among the three high schools and district office. All meetings begin at 7:30 p.m. [top]

Q: Can I attend a meeting?
A: The School Board welcomes attendance by members of the public and employees of the District at its meetings. You may schedule a prearranged presentation by submitting a written request no later than 4:30 p.m. and at least (9) nine days prior to the meeting. Alternatively, you may speak during the open forum portion of a board meeting by filling out a card and returning it to the Board Secretary prior to the start of the meeting. [top]