The Whitesboro Board of Education welcomes parents, students, staff members, community residents, and other interested persons to its meetings. Board members appreciate your interest in and concern for our school. The Board can better represent its constituents when members of the community take the time to observe the Board in action, express opinions and ask questions.

What is the Board of Education?

The Board is the official policy-making body of the school district. The seven members of the Board are district residents elected to staggered three-year terms of office by district voters at the annual election in May. They serve without pay. Acting by majority vote, they hold legal responsibilities for maintaining the operation of the school district.

When Does the Board of Education Meet?

The Board normally meets on the third Tuesday of each month in the Administration Building Board Room. Special Board of Education workshops are scheduled the first Tuesday of each month (see calendar for specific dates). All meetings are open to the public.

How are the Board of Education Meetings Conducted?

School Board meetings are governed by State Education Law, decisions by the NYS Commissioner of Education, Federal Law, and local board policy. Parliamentary procedure is followed by the Board, with all actions taken by vote in open session.

The agenda is the order of business for the meeting and is prepared in advance by the Superintendent in conjunction with the Board officers. The agenda and appropriate background materials are delivered to Board members the week before the meeting so that they have the opportunity to prepare for the scheduled discussions and actions. Some items on the agenda may have been studied and discussed at previous Board meetings. Actions on such items may seem "cut and dry" or hasty, when in reality they have been well-considered by Board members.

May You Speak at the Meeting?

You may speak during the time allocated for public comment which is early on the agenda and repeated on the end of the agendas for regular meetings and some special meetings.

If you have a question, please bring it in written form to leave with the Board. Do not expect an immediate response because the Board will have to research your question. Please note that visitors do not join in any Board discussion or debate.

What is Executive Session?

Occasionally it is necessary for the Board to conduct a discussion on a confidential matter which, under State Education guidelines, requires a "closed" or executive session. Such topics could include personnel matters involving a specific person, negotiations’ strategies, building rental, or property acquisition. Although these discussions are not open to the public, any action on an executive session item must be taken in open public session. Executive sessions are usually held before or near the end of meetings. Only items which fall in the executive category can be discussed during such a session.

What is the Meeting Format?

Call to Order - Pledge of Allegiance, Meeting Procedures, Approval of Minutes, Public Comment - Agenda Items Only, Administrative Reports, Old Business, Recommended Actions, Public Comment - Any Item, Board Reports, Financial Reports, and Adjournment.