School Board

The School Board is the governing body of the district, responsible for developing policy to ensure the proper care, management and control of district affairs, and supporting the mission of educating our students to reach their full potential. The board also hires the superintendent; approves staff hirings, resignations, terminations and leaves of absence; sets the annual local school levy; approves expenditures; approves educational programs (curriculum), and otherwise ensures that proper facilities and equipment are available to support teaching and learning in the district.

Elections
District voters elect, at large, seven residents who are United States citizens, at least 21 years of age upon taking office and not registered as a convicted sex offender. Members are elected to four-year terms on the November general election day in odd-numbered years. Four members are up for election one year and the other three are up for election two years later.

Meetings
Regular School Board meetings are generally held on the second and fourth Monday of the month, 6 p.m., at Dakota Ridge School {Quinn – link to district map of this location}, 4629 144th St. W., Apple Valley. The meeting schedule is posted at district schools, publicized in local newspapers and is on this website.
The agenda for regular School Board meetings includes the following items:

• Call to Order
• Pledge of Allegiance
• Approval of Agenda
• Recognition
• Special Communication Request
• Open Forum
• Consent
• Reports
• Old Business
• New Business
• Other Action
• School Board Member and Superintendent Updates
• Adjournment

Members of the public may participate in School Board meetings during the Open Forum and Special Communication Request portions of the agenda, and by addressing items brought up under Reports, Old Business, New Business and Other Action. Click here for more information on public participation at meetings.
School Board meetings can be viewed on demand, by agenda topic, via the district’s webstream services. {Quinn – link to Granicus ViewPage} Board meetings are also replayed on the three cable television systems that serve District 196 residents. To find program information go to District 196 Cable TV. {Quinn – link to cable TV page}

School Board Committees and Appointments
There are five ongoing School Board Committees and board members serve appointments on numerous districtwide councils and committees, and state organizations.

• Audit and Finance Committee - reviews financial matters with the assistance of the superintendent and designated staff. Members are liaisons to the district Budget Advisory Council (BAC).
• Curriculum and Instruction Committee - works with the superintendent, director of state and federal programs, and others to review and, as requested, develop recommendations pertaining to what and how students are taught. Members are liaisons to the Curriculum and Instruction Advisory Council (CIAC).
• Legislative Committee – develops and promotes legislative efforts that support District 196 programs.
• Personnel and Negotiations Committee - reviews personnel matters with the administration and works with the superintendent and administration to plan for and participate in negotiations with district bargaining groups.
• Policy Review Committee - reviews proposed new and revised School Board policies before they are presented to the full board.