Whenever the Board deems it necessary, the Wapello Board of Directors may appoint a committee composed of citizens, staff, or students to assist the Board. Committees may be formed by a board vote, board resolution, and/or if the board designates authority, through the Superintendent. The vote, resolution, and/or designation will outline the duties and purpose of the committee. Once formed, the duties and purpose will be recorded in writing for the existence of the committee. Only the board or, if designated, the Superintendent may change the duties and purpose of the committee. Committees are advisory in nature and have no duty or responsibility other than that specifically stated in the board resolution, vote, or destination.
There are two types of committees the board may form depending on the purpose of the committee:
Standing committees are formed to research, analyze, develop deeper knowledge and possibly to provide recommendations to the board on topics that require continuous, ongoing attention. These committees continue to exist and offer recommendations to the board and will only dissolve by board action.
Ad hoc committees are formed to research, analyze, develop deeper knowledge and possibly to provide recommendations to the board on topics that have a one-time, specific purpose. These committees will automatically dissolve upon the delivery of its final recommendation to the board or upon the completion of the duties outlined in the board resolution, vote, or designation.
When possible, and when the necessary expertise required allows, the committee members will be representative of the school district community and shall consider the various viewpoints on the subject matter. The Board may designate one or more Board members and the superintendent to serve on a committee. The committee will select its own chairperson, unless the Board designates otherwise.
The board will consider any recommendations received from the committee. The board retains the authority to make a final decision on all issues. Committees may be subject to the open meetings law.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.12(2) (1993).
281 I.A.C 12.3.3(3), .3(8), .5(8).
Cross Reference: 103 Long-Range Needs Assessment
211 Open Meetings
212 Closed Sessions
215 Board of Directors' Records
605.1 Instructional Materials Selection
707.6 Audit Committee
900 Principles and Objectives for Community Relations
Approved: 07/18/95
Reviewed: 01/08/04; 11/9/11; 10/14/15; 11/11/20; 8/13/25
Revised: 7/13/06; 10/8/25
Committees Generally
The board or superintendent, when designated, have discretion to form committees. The specific purpose of each committee varies depending on the type of committee (standing or ad hoc) and the subject matter. Generally, the primary purpose of a committee is to reduce the amount of work required of each board member, concentrating expertise on a subject matter to the committee. The committee gives advice on the specific subject matter that leads to recommendations to the board. The advice should focus on the specific purpose and duties stated in the board resolution establishing the committee. It is the board’s role to take action based on recommendations received from the committee. Committees cannot legally obligate the district in any manner, only the board has the power and authority to do so.
Most committees are subject to the open meetings law. As required by Iowa law, newly appointed committee members must undergo and complete training on the responsibilities and requirements for open meetings and open records laws. The training must be approved by the Iowa Public Information Board.
Role of Committee Members
The primary role of committee members is to bring a diversity of viewpoints and a level of expertise to the committee, working with each other towards a common goal. In doing so, it is important to listen to and respect the opinions of others. When the committee makes a recommendation to the board it is important for the committee members to support the majority decision of the committee. A committee will function best when its members work within the committee framework, bringing items of business to the committee for discussion.
Committee Framework
Only the board or the superintendent, when designated, has the authority to appoint members to a committee. The board may request input from individuals or organizations, or it may seek volunteers to serve. Committees consist of a committee chair (often a board member) who assists the committee with staying on topic, encourages participation from each committee member and reports the committee’s findings and recommendations to the board. Boards must follow the legal limitations or requirements regarding membership of a committee.
Committees should appoint a secretary who takes the minutes of the meeting to document the meeting and any recommendations to be brought to the board. The secretary and the committee chair may be the same designated member. The secretary of the committee will submit all documentation to the board secretary for legal compliance with the open meetings law.
Terms of Office
Unless otherwise stated in the resolution, appointed committee members will serve two-year staggered terms. The staggered terms will expire so there is no more than one third of the terms expiring at the same time. The board should be prepared for committee transition by having a list of candidates ready for appointment to that committee.
Removal and Vacancies
A committee member may be considered for removal from a committee should the committee member fail to attend a certain number of meetings within a specified time frame, as specific in the resolution. Committee members are expected to contribute to the committees in meaningful ways. Lack of attendance disrupts the purpose of the committee and the role of the committee member. Removal is not automatic and must go before the board. Vacancies are filled in the same manner as the initial appointment, by the board or superintendent.