File: BBA

SCHOOL COMMITTEE POWERS AND DUTIES

The Greater Fall River Vocational School District Committee has all the powers conferred upon it by state law and must perform those duties mandated by the state.  These in­clude the responsibility and right to determine policies and prac­tices and to employ a staff to implement its directions for the proper education of the student of the community.

The Committee takes a broad view of its functions.  It sees them as:

1. Legislative or policy making. The Committee is responsible for the development of policy as guides for administrative action and for employing a Superintendent-Director who will implement its policies.

2. Appraisal. The Committee is responsible for evaluating the effectiveness of its policies and their implementation.

3. Provision of financial resources. The Committee is responsible for adoption of a budget that will enable the District School System to carry out the Committee's policies.

4. Public relations. The Committee is responsible for providing adequate and direct means for keeping the local citizenry informed about the schools and for keeping itself and the school staff informed about the needs and wishes of the public.

Educational planning and evaluation.  The Committee is responsible for establishing educational goals and policies that will guide the Committee and staff for the administration and continuing improvement of the educational programs provided by the School District.

Personnel Matters:

The Superintendent shall be appointed by vote of the Committee and shall directly report to the Committee as provided by law and perform all the duties that are prescribed by law and such other duties, not inconsistent there to, as a majority of the Committee may direct.

The School Committee shall appoint the Assistant/Associate/Deputy Superintendent(s), School Business Administrator, Special Education Administrator, School Physician, School Nurses, and Supervisor of Attendance.  Such positions shall not report directly to the School Committee.

SOURCE:  MASC July 2016

LEGAL REF.:    M.G.L. 71:37 specifically, but powers and duties of School Committees are established throughout the Massachusetts General Laws.

CROSS REF.:  BB, School Committee Legal Status     BDG, School Attorney

NOTE:  In addition to the legal reference cited above, regional school districts should add references to M.G.L. 71:16 through 71:16I.  A reference to an appropriate section(s) of regional agreement could also be added.

Approved by SC: 6/17/2021