The School Board welcomes communications from staff members, parents, students and community members. Individuals may submit questions or communications for the School Board’s consideration to the Superintendent or may use the electronic link to the Board’s email address(es) that is posted on the District’s website.  In accordance with the Open Meetings Act and the Oath of Office taken by Board members, individual Board members will not (a) reply to an email on behalf of the entire Board, or (b) engage in the discussion of District business with a majority of a Board-quorum.  The Superintendent or designee shall:

1. Ensure that the home page for the District’s website contains an active electronic link to the email address(es) for the School Board, and
2. Provide the Board, such as in the Board meeting packet, with all emails that are received and any feedback regarding them.

If contacted individually, Board members will refer the person to the appropriate level of authority, except in unusual situations. Board members are encouraged to copy or inform the Superintendent, when communicating with staff directly. Under no circumstances should Board members communicate directly with staff regarding policy, personnel, items of a sensitive nature, or to issue directives. Board members will not take individual action that might compromise the Board or District. There is no expectation of privacy for any communication sent to the Board or its members, whether sent by letter, email, or other means.

Board Member Use of Electronic Communications

For purposes of this section, electronic communications includes, without limitation, electronic mail, electronic chat, instant messaging, texting, and any form of social networking.  Electronic communications among a majority or more of a Board-quorum, shall not be used for the purpose of discussing District business.  Electronic communications among Board members shall be limited to: (1) disseminating information, and (2) messages not involving deliberation, debate, or decision-making.  The following list contains examples of permissible electronic communications:

• Agenda item suggestions
• Reminders regarding meeting times, dates, and places
• Board meeting agendas or information concerning agenda items
• Individual emails to the community, administrators, or school staff, subject to the other limitations in this policy.

LEGAL REF.:  5 ILCS 120/.50 ILCS 201/20.

CROSS REF.:  2:220 (Board of Education Meeting Procedure), 3:30 (Line and Staff Relations), 8:110 (Public Suggestions and Concerns)

ADOPTED:  October 22, 2007

REVISED:    June 27, 2011
                     April 13, 2015