Board of Education

ROLES AND DUTIES OF A SCHOOL BOARD

The governing authority of the Sunnyvale School District is vested in a five member board responsible under the controls of the State to represent the people of the district, provide leadership in the establishment of policies and to guide the governing of the school district in a manner consistent with the goals and purposes of the community and in accordance with the State Education Code.

The powers and duties of the Board include governance, executive and judicial functions.  Among its many duties, the Board adopts the annual budget and approves all expenditures; establishes district policy; authorizes employment of personnel; approves curriculum, textbooks and courses of study; and makes decisions on all contracts.

ROLES OF THE SUPERINTENDENT

The Superintendent is appointed by the Board of Education and functions as its executive officer to administer the operation of the schools.  He is also an advisor in keeping the Board informed of the operation and progress of the various programs of the schools.

The Superintendent is available to the Board as a professional resource and his recommendations usually precede Board action on questions relating to the operation, staffing and financing of the district’s programs.

SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS

Location:

The Board of Education business is conducted at public meetings held in the Board Room of the Sunnyvale School District Administrative Office located at 819 West Iowa Avenue in Sunnyvale.

Schedule:

Board meetings are generally scheduled on the first and third Thursday of most months.  The schedule can vary during the summer and holidays. Please check our website for the most up to date schedule.

Time:

Meetings are called to order at 7:00 p.m. (unless otherwise posted) The public portion of the meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. 

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

An important feature of public schools in America is that control over the education of our children has been kept close to the people.  The Board of Education believes strongly in parent and community participation, and you are encouraged to express your views on matters affecting our schools.

The Board of Education of the Sunnyvale School District welcomes you to Board meetings and will be glad to listen to your opinion on issues that the Board is considering.  The Board of Education follows a written agenda, a copy of which is available online no later than 72 hours before a scheduled meeting.

Topics not specifically listed on Board agendas may be addressed by the public under “Comments from the Public.”  This is an opportunity for citizens to make suggestions, identify concerns or request information about matters affecting the school district.  In open session the Board will not hear personal complaints of school personnel nor complaints against any person through name or inference connected with the school system.  These complaints should by referred to the Superintendent.  Speakers are asked to state their full name and affiliation, if any, and limit their comments to three minutes.