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The Sault Ste. Marie Area Public School District is governed by a seven-member board of trustees. The board is the policy-making body of the school district. It selects and appoints the Superintendent as the district's executive officer and delegates to the Superintendent the responsibility for implementing its policies and plans, including the school district's curriculum. The board also has the responsibility of approving a budget and seeking tax dollars to improve school facilities.Regular Meetings
The Board of Education conducts its regular meetings on
the second Monday of the month at 5:30 p.m. in a school building within the district. The meetings are held in public and the agendas are available on the district web site and at the Superintendent's office prior to the meeting.Special Meetings
From time to time, the Board may schedule a special meeting. Special Meetings notices are posted 18 hours in advance on the front window of the Administration Building and on the district web site.Upon request to the Superintendent, the district shall make reasonable accommodations for a disabled person to attend the meetings. (Bylaw 0165.1)Elections and Terms
The seven members of the board are elected from the district at large to serve six-year terms. Terms are staggered. To be eligible for election to the board, a person must be a qualified voter and reside in the district. Terms of office commence at the first meeting in January.Public Participation
The board of education recognizes the value of public comment on educational issues and the importance of allowing members of the public to express themselves on district matters. Any person or group wishing to place an item on the agenda shall register their intent with the Superintendent no later than 10 business days prior to the meeting and include:- Name and address of the participant
- Group affiliation, if and when appropriate
- Topic to be addressed
Such requests shall be subject to the approval of the Superintendent and the board president.To permit fair and orderly public expression, the board shall provide a period for public participation at every regular meeting of the board and publish rules to govern such participation in board meetings. The presiding officer of each board meeting at which public participation is permitted shall administer the rules of the board for its conduct.Rules of the Board Concerning Public Participation
- Public participation shall be permitted as indicated on the order of business of this board and at the discretion of the presiding officer.
- Anyone having legitimate interest in the actions of the board may participate during the public portion of the meeting.
- Participants must be recognized by the presiding officer and must preface their comments by stating:
- Name
- Address
- Group affiliation, if and when appropriate
- Each statement made by a participant shall be limited to three minutes duration.
- No participant may speak more than once on the same topic unless all others who wish to speak on that topic have been heard.
- Participants shall direct all comments to the board president and not to staff or other participants.
Section 10 of the Revised School Code
It is the natural, fundamental right of parents and legal guardians to determine and direct the care, teaching, and education of their children. The public schools of this state serve the needs of the pupils by cooperating with the pupil's parents and legal guardians to develop the pupil's intellectual capabilities and vocational skills in a safe and positive environment.
Last Modified on January 29, 2024
