BOZEMAN PUBLIC SCHOOLS
1000 SERIES
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
R 1000 Legal Status, Operation and Organization
R 1105 Membership and Terms of Office
1110 Taking Office
1111 Elections
1111P Candidate Orientation
1112 Resignation
1120 Annual Organization Meeting
1130 Committees
1135 School Board Advocacy
1210 Qualifications, Terms, and Duties of Board Officers
1230 Clerk
R 1240 Duties of Individual Trustees
1251 Legal Services and Hearings
R 1310 District Policy and Procedures
1312 Administrative Procedures
1332 Authorization of Signatures
R 1400 Board Meetings
R 1420-1420P School Board Meeting Procedure
1420F Notice Regarding Public comment
1425 Abstentions From Voting
1440 Conduct of Meeting – Procedures
R 1441 Audience Participation
1460 Absences of Board Members
1509 Board Vision Statement
1510 Roles of the Board of Trustees
1511 Code of Ethics for School Board Members
1512 Conflict of Interest
1512F Relationships Defined and Chart
R 1513 Management Rights
1520 Board/Staff Communications
R 1521 Board/Administration Team Operating Principles
1531 Trustee Expenses
1531F Trustee Mileage Reimbursement Form
1532 Trustee Insurance
1540 Trustee Health Insurance
R 1610 Annual Goals and Objectives
1612 Long Range Strategic Plan
1620 Evaluation of Board
1621 In-Service Conference for Trustees
1630 Utilization of Montana School Boards Association
1635 Internships
1640 Board Participation in Activities
R 1650 Public Charter Schools
R 1700 Uniform Complaint Procedure
1700F Uniform Complaint Form
1900 Emergency
1905 Face Coverings as Personal Protective Equipment
Bozeman Public Schools R
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Legal Status, Operation and Organization
The legal name of the Elementary District is Bozeman School District No. 7, Gallatin County, State of Montana. The legal name of the High School District is Bozeman School District No. 7 High School, Gallatin County, State of Montana. The District is classified as a class 1 district and is operated according to the laws and administrative rules pertaining to a class 1 district.
The Board of Trustees of School District No. 7 is the governmental entity established by the state of Montana and constitutionally charged with the supervision and control of all aspects of the District’s operations.
To achieve its primary goal of providing each child with a basic system of free quality education as required by Montana Law, the Board shall exercise the full authority granted to it by the laws of the state. Its legal powers, duties, and responsibilities are derived from the Montana Constitution and state statutes and administrative rules.
Policies of the District define and frame the manner via which the District conducts its official business. The policies of the District are modified/updated from time to time to reflect the operation of the District.
All handbooks approved by the Board are regarded as and given the same significance as District policy.
Legal Reference: § 20-3-323, MCA District policy and record of acts
§ 20-3-324, MCA Powers and duties
§ 20-6-101, MCA Definition of elementary and high school districts
§ 20-6-201, MCA Elementary district classification
§ 20-6-301, MCA High school district classification
§ 20-9-309, MCA Basic system of free quality public elementary and secondary schools defined – identifying educationally relevant factors – establishment of funding formula and budgetary structure – legislative review Article X, Section 8, MT Constitution
Policy History:
Adopted on: 9/22/1986
Revised on: 9/13/2010, 8/31/2020
Bozeman Public Schools R
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Policy 1105
Membership and Terms of Office
The District is governed by a Board of Trustees consisting of eight (8) members. The powers and duties of the Board include the Broad authority to guide the Long Range Strategic Plan, adopt and enforce all policies necessary for the management and governance of the public schools. Except as otherwise provided by law, trustees shall hold office for terms of three (3) years, or until their successors are elected and qualified. Terms of trustees shall be staggered as provided by law.
All eight (8) Trustees shall participate on an equal basis with other members in all business transactions pertaining to the High School District. Only those seven (7) Trustees elected from the elementary district may participate in business transactions pertaining to the elementary schools maintained by the District.
Legal References: § 20-3-301, MCA Election and term of office
§ 20-3-302, MCA Legislative intent to elect less than majority of trustees
§ 20-3-305, MCA Candidate qualification and nomination
§ 20-3-306, MCA Conduct of election
§ 20-3-307, MCA Qualification and oath
§ 20-3-341, MCA Number of trustee positions in elementary districts – transition
§ 20-3-351, MCA Number of trustee positions in high school districts
§ 20-3-352, MCA Request and determination of number of high school district additional trustee positions – nonvoting trustee
§ 20-3-361, MCA Joint board of trustees organization and voting membership
Policy History:
Adopted on: 9/22/1986
Revised on: 8/15/2011, 3/26/2012, 8/31/2020
Bozeman Public Schools
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Policy 1110
Taking Office
A newly elected trustee shall take office as soon as election results have been certified and the newly elected trustee has taken and subscribed to an oath to faithfully and impartially discharge the duties of the office to the best of his/her ability. A newly appointed trustee shall take office, after the trustee has taken and subscribed to an oath to faithfully and impartially discharge the duties of the office to the best of his/her ability. The person shall qualify by taking an oath of office administered by the county superintendent, the superintendent’s designee, or any office provided for in 1-6-101, MCA or 2-16-116, MCA. Such oath must be filed with the county superintendent not more than fifteen (15) days after the receipt of the certificate of election or the appointment.
The District Clerk shall collaborate with the Office of Public Instruction within 14 days of trustee qualification to provide a link to the district website, if applicable, as well as contact information for trustees and clerk.
Cross Reference: 1113 Vacancies
Legal References: § 1-6-101, MCA Officers who may administer oaths
§ 2-16-116, MCA Power to administer oaths
§ 20-1-202, MCA Oath of office
§ 20-3-307, MCA Qualification and oath
Chapter 276 ( 2023) Online repository for information on trustees
Policy History:
Adopted on: 8/15/2011
Revised on: 8/31/2020, 7/10/2023
Bozeman Public Schools
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Policy 1111
Elections
Elections conducted by the District are nonpartisan and are governed by general election laws of the state of Montana. as found in Titles 13 & 20 of the Montana Code Annotated. The ballot at such elections may include candidates for trustee positions, various public policy propositions, and advisor questions.
Board elections shall be held on the first (1st) Tuesday after the first (1st) Monday in May each year. A person is legally qualified to become a trustee in a first class high school district who is a qualified voter of the district. Any five (5) high school district qualified electors may nominate a high school trustee candidate. In the elementary district, any twenty (20) electors may nominate by petition as many elementary trustee candidates as there are trustee positions subject to election at the ensuing election. The name of each person nominated for candidacy shall be submitted to the clerk of the district not less than forty (40) days before the regular school election day at which he/she is to be a candidate. If there are different terms to be filled, the term for which each candidate is nominated shall also be indicated. Any person seeking to become a write-in candidate must file a declaration of intent no later than 5:00 p.m. on the 26th day before the election.
If the number of candidates filing for vacant positions or filing a declaration of intent to be a write-in candidate is equal to or less than the number of positions to be elected, the trustees may give notice no later than twenty-five (25) days before the election that a trustee election will not take place. If a trustee election is not held, the trustees shall declare the candidates elected by acclamation and shall issue a “certificate of election” to each candidate.
A candidate intending to withdraw from the election shall send a statement of withdrawal to the clerk of the district containing all information necessary to identify the candidate and the office for which the candidate was nominated. The statement of withdrawal must be acknowledged by the clerk of the district. A candidate may not withdraw after 5:00 p.m. the day before the ballot certification deadline in 20-20-401.
Except in the event of an unforeseen emergency occurring on the date scheduled for the election, a proposition requesting additional funding pursuant to MCA 20-9-353 may be submitted to the electors only once each year -- on the regular election day.
In years when the Legislature meets in regular session or in a special session that affects school funding, the trustees may order the election on a date other than the regular school election day in order for the electors to consider a proposition requesting additional funding under § 20-9-353, MCA.
Legal References: § 13-10-211 MCA Declaration of Intent for Write-in Candidates
§ 20-3-301 MCA Qualifications of Elector
§ 20-3-304 MCA. Annual Election
§ 20-3-305 MCA Candidate Qualification and Nomination
§ 20-3-313 MCA Election by acclamation – Notice
§ 20-3-322, MCA Meetings and quorum
§ 20-3-324(4), MCA Powers and duties
§ 20-3-344 MCA Nomination of Candidates by Petition in
First Class Elementary District
§ 20-9-353 MCA Additional Financing for General Fund – Election for Authorization
to Impose
§ 20-20-105, MCA Regular school election day and special school elections – limitation – exception
§ 20-20-204, MCA Election Notice
§ 20-20-301, MCA Qualifications of elector
Policy History:
Adopted on: 9/22/1986
Revised on: 3/12/1990, 9/27/1999, 9/24/2001, 8/15/2011
Bozeman Public Schools
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Procedure 1111P
Candidate Orientation
While maintaining impartiality, the District will cooperate with candidates for the school board. The superintendent’s office will furnish each candidate with materials about the District. Additional information will be provided upon request by individual candidates.
All candidates shall be urged to attend public meetings of the board during the period of their candidacy. All public information about the school system shall be made available to them.
The board and the superintendent shall cooperate impartially with all candidates/new member(s) in providing them with information about school governance, board operations, and school programs. This cooperation, for example, may include:
The District staff shall seek to be impartial as they cooperate in the orientation of board candidates. It expects the candidates to recognize that until and unless elected to the board, their official status is that of other members of the public, and thus they are not entitled to privileged information such as is rightfully discussed in executive session.
Notices of candidates’ meetings that are sponsored by impartial, non-partisan organizations may be announced in District publications and/or be sent home by students. The following procedures shall be followed:
If a candidate is scheduled to appear or speak as a part of a school-sponsored program, all candidates for that position shall be invited to appear or to send representatives.
The school will not send home partisan materials through the students.
The superintendent shall invite all candidates to an information session. Each candidate will be given the same materials and information at these sessions.
The school board considers it important that a new member be knowledgeable about school governance and operations, and, insofar as possible, prepared to discuss and cast informed votes on matters as soon as possible.
Incumbent board members and staff shall help new board members become fully informed about the board’s functions, policies, procedures, and problems.
Policy History:
Adopted on:
Revised on: 6/24/1991
Bozeman Public Schools
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Policy 1112
Resignation
The resignation of a trustee of the District must be in writing, must stipulate an effective date, and must be submitted to the Clerk of the District.
Trustees retiring from the Board may be recognized for their service to the District by presentation of a service plaque or other appropriate activities.
Legal Reference: § 2-16-502, MCA Resignations
§ 20-3-308, MCA Vacancy of trustee position
Policy History:
Adopted on: 9/22/1986
Revised on: 9/27/1999, 9/09/2019
Bozeman Public Schools
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Policy 1113
Vacancies
A trustee position becomes vacant before the expiration of a term, when any of the following occurs:
When a trustee vacancy occurs, the remaining trustees shall declare such position vacant and fill such vacancy by appointment. The Board will receive applications from any qualified persons seeking to fill the position after suitable public notice. The Board will appoint one (1) candidate to fill the position.
Should the board fail to fill a vacancy within sixty (60) days from the creation of a vacancy, the county superintendent shall appoint, in writing, a competent person to fill such vacancy. An appointee shall qualify by completing and filing an oath of office with the county superintendent within fifteen (15) days after receiving notice of the appointment and shall serve until the next regularly scheduled school election and a successor has qualified.
Cross Reference: 1240 Duties of Individual Trustees
Legal References: 2-16-501(3), MCA Vacancies Created
20-3-308, MCA Vacancy of trustee position
20-3-309, MCA Filling vacated trustee position – appointee qualification and term of office
Policy History:
Adopted on: 9/22/1986
Revised on: 6/24/1991, 9/09/2019, 8/30/2020
Bozeman Public Schools
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Procedure 1113P
Vacancies
The Board of Trustees may choose to modify the following procedures for selection of a Trustee to fill a vacancy on the Board. In the absence of specific action to modify procedures to accommodate unique circumstances, the following steps will be followed:
Policy History:
Adopted on:
Revised on:
Bozeman Public Schools
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Policy 1120
Annual Organization Meeting
After the issuance of election certificates to the newly-elected trustees in May and no later than twenty five (25) days after the election, the board shall elect from among its members a chair and a vice chair to serve one (1) year terms. If a board member is unable to continue to serve as an officer, a replacement shall be elected immediately. In the absence of both the chair and the vice chair, the board shall appoint a chair pro tempore who shall perform the functions of the chair during the latter’s absence. The clerk shall act as board secretary.
The normal order of business shall be modified for the annual organizational meeting by considering the following matters after the approval of the minutes of the previous meetings and canvassing the election results:
Legal References: § 20-3-321 MCA Organization and Officers
§ 20-3-322(a) MCA Meetings and Quorum
Title 1, Chapter 5, Part 6, MCA Notarial Acts
Policy History:
Adopted on: 9/22/1986
Revised on: 6/24/1991, 9/27/1999, 8/15/2011, 8/31/2020
Bozeman Public Schools
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Policy 1130
Committees
Generally, the trustees will function as a committee of the whole and will not form subcommittees of the Board. Nevertheless, the Board may create Board committees as deemed necessary. All committees created by the Board to serve a clear public and governmental purpose shall comply with the open meeting laws and all other laws applicable to school board meetings.
Standing committees of the Board may be created and their purpose defined by a majority of the Board. The Board Chair shall appoint trustees to serve on such committees. An individual Board member may request a vote of the Board to affirm or reject the Chair's appointment. If the Chair's appointment is rejected, the appointment shall be made by a majority vote of the Board. Board committees shall be limited to less than one half (1/2) of the Board.
In determining whether any meeting within the school system should be held in compliance with the Open Meeting Act, the following factors, although not exhaustive or dispositive in nature, should be considered:
Legal Reference: § 2-3-203, MCA Meetings of public agencies and certain associations of public agencies to be open to public – exceptions
Bryan v. Yellowstone (2002), 2002 MT 264
Crofts v. Associated Press (2004), 2004 MT 120
Policy History:
Adopted on: 9/22/1986
Revised on: 12/11/1995, 8/14/2000, 9/12/2011
Bozeman Public Schools
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Policy 1135
School Board Advocacy
The Board of Trustees of Bozeman Public Schools believes it has a responsibility to the students, parents, and community to advocate for student achievement and quality education. In order to meet these responsibilities, the District will work vigorously for the passage of new laws designed to advance the cause of good schools and for the repeal or modification of existing laws that impede this cause.
Trustees must keep themselves and community members informed of pending legislation and actively communicate board positions and concerns to elected representatives at both the state and national level. The Board must work with legislative representatives (both state and federal), with the Montana School Boards Association, national advocacy groups aligned with Montana school districts’ interest in advocating for excellence in public education through school board leadership, and other concerned groups in developing an annual as well as long-range legislative program.
Each Trustee is encouraged to participate in the MTSBA Delegate Assembly, the MTSBA Board Legislative Contact Program and the caucuses. We also encourage each board and trustee to be aware of the importance of building a relationship with the community and local legislators, to be used to increase student success.
Strategies for doing so may include:
Policy History:
Adopted on: 8/30/2020
Revised on: 8/31/2020, 1/10/2022
Bozeman Public Schools
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Policy 1210
Qualifications, Terms, and Duties of Board Officers
The Board officers are the Chair and Vice Chair. These officers are elected at the annual organizational meeting.
Chairperson
The Board elects a Chair from its members for a one-(1)-year term. The Chair may be any Trustee of the Board, including an additional Trustee as provided for in 20-3-352(2). If an additional Trustee is chosen to serve as the Chair of an elementary district described in 20-3-351(1)(a), the additional Trustee may not vote on issues pertaining only to the elementary district. The duties of the Chair include the following:
The Chair is permitted to participate in all Board meetings in a manner equal to all other Board members, including the right to participate in debate and to vote. The Chair may make and second motions.
The chair shall strive to keep all Trustees informed regarding correspondence and issues which are brought to his/her attention.
Vice Chairperson
The Vice Chair shall preside at all Board meetings in the absence of the Chair and shall perform all the duties of the Chair during the Chair’s absence or unavailability. The Vice Chair shall work closely with the Chair and shall assume whatever duties the Chair may delegate.
Chain of Succession
In the event that neither the chair nor vice chair is available to conduct a meeting or to represent the Board, the remaining members will appoint a temporary chair.
Legal References: § 2-3-203, MCA Meetings of public agencies and certain associations of public agencies to be open to public – exceptions
§ 20-3-321(2), MCA Organization and officers
§ 20-3-351(1)(a), MCA Number of Trustee positions in high school districts
§ 20-3-352(2), MCA Request and determination of number of high school district additional Trustee positions – nonvoting Trustee
Policy History:
Adopted on: 9/22/1986
Revised on: 8/15/2011
Bozeman Public Schools
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Policy 1230
Clerk
The clerk of the Board of Trustees shall attend all meetings of the Board unless excused by the Board chairman, and keep an accurate journal of its proceedings. He/she shall have custody of the records, books, and documents of the Board. In the absence or inability of the clerk to attend a Board meeting, the Board of Trustees will designate a person to serve as clerk for the meeting.
The clerk will keep accurate and detailed accounts of all receipts and disbursements made by the School District. The clerk shall draw and countersign all warrants for expenditures that have been approved by the Board of Trustees.
The clerk will make the preparations legally required for the notice and conduct of all School District elections.
The clerk shall prepare and submit to the Board an annual financial report of receipts and disbursements of all school funds.
Legal References: 20-3-321 M.C.A. Organization and Officers
20-3-325 M.C.A. Clerk of the District
20-4-201 M.C.A. Employment of Teachers and Specialist by Contract
20-9-133 M.C.A. Adoption and Expenditure Limitations of Final Budget
20-9-165 M.C.A. Emergency Budget Limitation, Preparation, and
Adoption Procedures
20-9-221 M.C.A. Procedure for Issuance of Warrants
20-20-401 M.C.A. Trustees' Election Duties
Policy History:
Adopted on: 9/22/1986
Revised on:
Bozeman Public Schools R
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Policy 1240
Duties of Individual Trustees
The authority of individual Trustees is limited to participating in actions taken by the Board as a whole when legally in session. Trustees shall not assume responsibilities of administrators or other staff members. The Board or staff shall not be bound by an action taken or statement made by an individual Trustee, except when such statement or action is pursuant to specific instructions and official action taken by the Board.
Each Trustee shall review the agenda and attendant materials in advance of a meeting and shall be prepared to participate in discussion and decision making for each agenda item, based on a fundamental understanding of the Long Range Strategic Plan (LRSP).
Unless exempt under Montana law, each trustee shall visit every school at least once per year to examine its management, conditions, and needs in accordance with Policy 1520.
All Trustees are obligated to attend Board meetings regularly. Whenever possible, a Trustee shall give advance notice to the Chairperson or Superintendent, of the Trustee’s inability to attend a Board meeting. A majority of the Board may excuse a Trustee’s absence from a meeting if requested to do so. The Board shall declare a position vacant after three (3) consecutive unexcused absences from regular Board meetings, or when a Trustee has been absent from the District for sixty (60) consecutive days.
Board members, as individuals, have no authority over school affairs, except as provided by law or as authorized by the Board.
Cross Reference: 1113 Vacancies
1520 Board/Staff Communications
Legal References: § 20-3-301, MCA Election and term of office
§ 20-3-308, MCA Vacancy of Trustee position
§ 20-3-324(21), MCA Powers and duties
§ 20-3-332, MCA Personal immunity and liability of Trustees
Policy History:
Adopted on: 9/22/1986
Revised on: 9/12/2011, 3/26/2012, 7/15/2024
Bozeman Public Schools
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Policy 1251
Legal Services and Hearings
The general modus operandi for the district staff in relating to legal counsel is as follows:
Hearings
All hearings before the Board of Trustees must be conducted in accordance with statute and administrative regulations of Montana (ARM) to ensure appropriate due process and impartiality of the Board to render a decision. At such hearings the local attorney customarily used by the Board (consulting attorney) may do the presentation of the district or the administration's case. This shall include both presentations of facts and documents and examination of witnesses. A different attorney may be employed to conduct the hearing and serve as legal counsel to the Board during the hearing.
Policy History:
Adopted on: 9/22/1986
Revised on: 6/24/1991, 9/12/2011
Bozeman Public Schools R
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Policy 1310
District Policy and Procedures
The policies contained in this manual are adopted, implemented, and enforced in accordance with the supervisory authority vested with the Board of Trustees in accordance with Article X, section 8 of the Montana Constitution and related statutes, regulations and court decisions.
Formulation and Enactment of Board Policy
The power and duty to enact School Board policy is vested with the Board of Trustees. The formulation of Board policy is delegated to the Superintendent on the following basis:
Policies shall continue from year to year and Board to Board until and unless the Board changes them.
Adoption and Amendment of Policies
Proposed new policies and proposed changes to existing policies shall be presented in writing for reading and discussion at a regular or special Board meeting. Interested parties may submit views, present data or arguments, orally or in writing, in support of or in opposition to proposed policy. Any written statement by a person, relative to a proposed policy or amendment, should be directed to the District Clerk prior to the final reading. The final reading and vote for adoption shall take place not earlier than at the second (2nd) reading of the particular policy except that new or revised policies that are required based on State or Federal law or administrative rule may be adopted after the first (1st) reading. Pursuant to Policy 1440, motions to amend or enact policies shall require a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the membership of the Board of Trustees.
All new or amended policies shall become effective on adoption; unless a specific effective date is stated in the motion for adoption.
Policies, as adopted or amended, shall be made a part of the minutes of the meeting at which action was taken and also shall be included in the District’s policy manual. Policies of the District shall be reviewed on a regular basis.
Policy Manuals
The Superintendent shall develop and maintain a current policy manual, which includes all policies of the District. Every administrator, as well as staff, students, and other residents, shall have ready access to District Policies through the District web page. All policy manuals distributed to anyone shall remain the property of the District and shall be subject to recall at any time.
Suspension of Policies
Under circumstances that require waiver of a policy, the policy may be suspended by a majority vote of the trustees present. To suspend a policy, however, all trustees must have received written notice of the meeting, which includes the proposal to suspend a policy and an explanation of the purpose of such proposed suspension. If such proposal is not made in writing in advance of the meeting, the policies may be suspended only by a unanimous vote of all trustees present.
Criteria for Evaluation of Policies
The evaluation of School Board policies shall be made on the basis of the following criteria applied to the statement of policy:
Implementation and Administration of School Board Policy
The authority for the implementation and administration of the School Board policies is hereby vested with the Superintendent as the executive officer of the Board of Trustees. He/she shall provide the leadership in the implementation and administration of the policies and, at his/her discretion, may delegate the responsibility and authority to other School District personnel for policy implementation and administration, provided the primary authority and responsibility for Board policy implementation and administration shall be vested with the Superintendent.
The Board of Trustees recognizes that there are Montana state laws that require specific acts of the Board. For example, the law specifically requires the Board to select and dismiss employees, select textbooks, approve expenditures, expel pupils, and report financial and statistical data. The Board of Trustees will comply with these legal requirements, but may delegate to the Superintendent the authority for the compliance with these laws when specified in a written Board policy.
In complying with the law and Board policy, the Superintendent shall act officially as the executive officer, on behalf of the Board of Trustees.
Administrative Procedures
The Superintendent shall develop such administrative procedures as are necessary to ensure consistent implementation of policies adopted by the Board.
When a written procedure is developed, the Superintendent shall submit it to the Board as an information item.
Legal References: 20-1-101, MCA Definitions
20-3-324, MCA Powers and Duties
20-3-323, M.C.A. District Policy and Record of Acts
10.55.701, A.R.M. Board of Trustees
Policy History:
Adopted on: 9/22/1986
Revised on: 6/24/1991, 10/13/2008, 3/26/2012, 1/12/2015, 9/26/2019, 8/31/2020, 1/10/2022
Bozeman Public Schools
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Policy 1312
Administrative Procedures
The superintendent shall develop such administrative procedures as are necessary to ensure consistent implementation of policies and Long Range Strategic Plan (LRSP) adopted by the Board.
As District policies are changed or revised there may also be changes to the procedures or new procedures developed. Procedures may be submitted to the Board as an information item. Such procedures need not be approved by the Board, though the Board may revise them if the procedures are not consistent with the Board's intentions as expressed in its policies. On controversial topics, the Superintendent may request prior Board approval of the procedures.
Policy History:
Adopted on: 9/22/1986
Revised on:
Bozeman Public Schools
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Policy 1332
Authorization of Signatures
For the conduct of the business of the District, the Board may grant authority to specific staff to sign certain documents on behalf of the District. The Chairperson and Clerk are authorized to use a facsimile signature plate or stamp.
Warrants:
The Chairperson and Clerk are authorized to sign all District warrants by facsimile signature on behalf of the Board.
Claim Forms:
Staff employed by the District in the following designated positions are authorized to certify voucher or invoice claims against or for the District:
Checking and Petty Cash Accounts:
The school principal is designated as the custodian of each school building extracurricular fund account. School Athletic Directors, Assistant Principals and Bookkeepers may be authorized signers. The Director of Business Services shall be the authorized rep for opening, closing and changing the checking accounts and an authorized signer on all such accounts. All checks written on extracurricular fund accounts require two signatures. The Director of Business Services is designated as the custodian of all K-5 extracurricular fund accounts and all District petty cash accounts.
Contracts for Goods and Services and Leases:
The Superintendent or their designee is authorized to sign, on behalf of the Board, contracts, leases, and/or contracts for goods and services for amounts under the amount specified in 20-9-204 (3), MCA, without prior approval of the Board.
Personnel Contracts:
The Board Chair and District Clerk are authorized to sign personnel contracts and agreements of employment on behalf of the Board, by facsimile signature.
Negotiated Agreements:
Negotiated agreements shall be signed for the District by the Board Chair and the District Clerk.
Policy History:
Adopted on: 9/12/2011
Revised on: 11/11/2013, 8/31/2020
Bozeman Public Schools R
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Policy 1400
Board Meetings
Meetings of the Board must occur at a duly called and legally conducted meeting. “Meeting” is defined as the convening of a quorum of the constituent membership of the Board, whether in person or by means of electronic equipment, to hear, discuss, or act upon a matter over which the Board has supervision, control, jurisdiction, or advisory power.
Regular Meetings
Unless otherwise specified, all meetings will take place in the Willson School Board Room. Regular meetings shall take place at 5:45 p.m. on the dates noted, or at other times and places determined by a majority vote:
Except for an unforeseen emergency, meetings must be held in school buildings, online, or, upon the unanimous vote of the Trustees, in a publicly accessible building located within the District. If regular meetings are scheduled at places other than as stated above or are scheduled at times other than the regular meeting time, notice of the meeting shall be made in the same manner as provided for special meetings. The Trustees may meet outside the boundaries of the District for collaboration or cooperation on educational issues with other school boards, educational agencies, or cooperatives. Adequate notice of the meeting, as well as an agenda, must be provided to the public in advance. Decision making may only occur at a properly noticed meeting held within the District’s boundaries. When a meeting date falls on a school holiday, the meeting may take place the next business day unless set for another day by the Board of Trustees.
Emergency Meetings
The 48-hour notice requirement for a special Board meeting is waived in an unforeseen emergency or to consider a violation of the student code of conduct, as defined in accordance with District policy, within a week of graduation. For the purposes of this policy, "unforeseen emergency" means a storm, fire, explosion, community disaster, insurrection, act of God, or other unforeseen destruction or impairment of school district property that affects the health and safety of the trustees, students, or district employees or the educational functions of the district.
Budget Meetings
Between July 1 and August 10 of each year, the Clerk shall publish a notice stating the date, time, and place Trustees will meet for the purpose of considering and adopting a final budget for the District, stating that the meeting of the Trustees may be continued from day to day until final adoption of a District budget and that any taxpayer in the District may appear at the meeting and be heard for or against any part of the budget. This notice shall be published in the Bozeman Chronicle.
On the date and at the time and place stated in the published notice (on or before August 20), Trustees shall meet to consider all budget information and any attachments required by law. The meeting may continue from day to day; however, the Board must adopt a final budget not later than August 25.
Special Meetings
Special meetings may be called by the Chairperson or by any two (2) Trustees. A written notice of a special meeting, stating the purpose of the meeting, shall be delivered to every Trustee not less than forty-eight (48) hours before the time of the meeting, except that the forty-eight-(48)-hour notice is waived in an unforeseen emergency as stated in § 20-3-322(5), MCA. Such written notice shall be posted conspicuously within the District in a manner that will receive public attention. Written notice also shall be sent not less than twenty-four (24) hours prior to the meeting, to each newspaper and radio or television station that has filed a written request for such notices. Business transacted at a special meeting will be limited to that stated in the notice of the meeting.
Closed Sessions
Under Montana law, the Board may meet in closed sessions to consider matters of individual privacy. Before closing a meeting, the presiding officer must determine that the demands of individual privacy exceed the merits of public disclosure and so state publicly before going into closed session. The Board also may go into closed session to discuss a strategy to be followed with respect to litigation, when an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the District. This exception does not apply if the litigation involves only public bodies or associations as parties. Before closing a meeting for litigation purposes, the District may wish to consult legal counsel on the appropriateness of this action. No formal action shall take place during any closed session.
Legal References:
Legal References: § 2-3-103, MCA Public participation – governor to ensure guidelines adopted
§ 2-3-104, MCA Requirements for compliance with notice provisions
§ 2-3-105, MCA Supplemental notice by radio or television
§ 2-3-201, MCA Legislative intent – liberal construction
§ 2-3-202, MCA Meeting defined
§ 2-3-203, MCA Meetings of public agencies and certain associations of public agencies to be open to public – exceptions
§ 20-3-322, MCA Meeting and quorum
§ 20-9-115, MCA Notice of final budget meeting
§ 20-9-131, MCA Final budget meeting
10.55.701, ARM Board of Trustees
Chapter 396 (2023) Revise public notice requirements
Associated Press v. Crofts, 2004 MT 120
Policy History:
Adopted on: 9/22/1986
Revised on: 5/13/1996, 6/10/1997, 9/10/2001, 5/08/2006, 8/15/2011, 2/22/2021, 7/15/2024
Bozeman Public Schools R
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Policy 1420
School Board Meeting Procedure
Agenda
The authority to set the board agenda lies with the Board Chair in consultation with board members and the administration. The act of preparing the board meeting agendas can be delegated to the Superintendent.
The agenda for any Board meeting shall be prepared by the Superintendent in consultation with the Board Chair and vice-chair. Any topics requested by Board members or members of the public must first be approved by the Board Chair before being placed on the agenda. Citizens wishing to make brief comments about school programs or procedures will follow the public comment procedures in district policy.
The agenda also must include a “public comment” portion to allow members of the general public to comment on any public matter under the jurisdiction of the District which is not specifically listed on the agenda, except that no member of the public will be allowed to comment on contested cases, other adjudicative proceedings, or personnel matters. The Board Chair may place reasonable time limits on any “public comment” period to maintain and ensure effective and efficient operations of the Board. The Board shall not take any action on any matter discussed, unless the matter is specifically noticed on the agenda, and the public has been allowed opportunity to comment.
With consent of a majority of members present, the order of business at any meeting may be changed. Copies of the agenda for regular Board meetings, minutes of the previous Board meeting, and relevant supplementary information will be prepared and distributed to each trustee at least forty-eight (48) hours in advance of a Board meeting and will be available to any interested citizen on the district web page forty-eight (48) hours before a regular Board meeting. Agendas serving as the public notice of a meeting will be posted and distributed in accordance with Policy 1400. Agendas shall note the meeting will be recorded in accordance with this policy. Upon convening a meeting, the Board Chair shall announce the meeting is being recorded in accordance with this policy.
Recording and Broadcast
Unless exempt as a third-class district under Section 20-6-201, MCA, and Section 20-6-301, MCA, the District shall record their public meetings as described in Policy 1400 in an audio and video format. The District shall make the audio and video recordings publicly available within 5 business days after the meeting with a link to the recording on the District’s website. If the District does not maintain a website, it shall establish and maintain a social media page and provide a link to the recording on the social media page.
The audio and video recordings created in accordance with this section of the policy are not required to be the official record or minutes of the meeting as detailed elsewhere in the policy. If a recording is not designated as the official record or minutes, the recording may be destroyed after being retained online for 1 year and will no longer be subject to the requirements of Title 2, Chapter 6, for public information requests upon destruction. If a recording is designated as the official record or minutes as specified in this policy, the provisions of the policy as required by Section 2-3-212, MCA, shall apply.
The District is not required to disrupt or reschedule a meeting if there is a technological failure of
the meeting recording. If the recording is not able to be made available on the District’s website or social media site, the District shall prominently post a notice in the same manner as a notice of a public meeting under Policy 1400 and shall post a notice at all locations where the meeting recording links are available. The notice must explain the reason the meeting was not recorded and describe the steps taken to remedy the failure prior to the next meeting.
Consent Agenda
To expedite business at its meetings, the Board approves the use of a consent agenda, which includes those items considered to be routine in nature. Any member of the Board may pull an item from the consent agenda and request it be acted on as a single item. Any pulled item will be acted on at the end of the agenda unless the consensus of the Board is to place it elsewhere on the agenda. Remaining consent items will be voted on by a single motion. The approved motion will be recorded in the minutes, including a listing of all items appearing on the consent agenda.
Minutes
Appropriate minutes of all meetings required to be open must be kept and must be available for inspection by the public. If an audio recording of a meeting is made and designated as official, the recording constitutes the official record of the meeting. If an official recording is made, a written record of the meeting must also be made and must also include:
If the minutes are recorded and designated as the official record, a log or timestamp for each main agenda item is required for the purpose of providing assistance to the public in accessing that portion of the meeting.
Unofficial minutes shall be delivered to Board members in advance of the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board. Minutes need not be read publicly, provided that Board members have had an opportunity to review them before adoption. A file of permanent minutes of Board meetings shall be maintained in the office of the Clerk, to be made available for inspection upon request. A written copy shall be made available within five (5) working days following approval by the Board at a cost not to exceed fifteen (15) cents per page. Upon request, a copy to the press shall be furnished at no cost.
Quorum
No business shall be transacted at any meeting of the Board unless a quorum of its members is present. A majority of the full membership of the Board shall constitute a quorum, whether the individuals are present physically or electronically. A majority of the quorum may pass a resolution, except as provided in § 20-4-203(1), MCA, and § 20-4-401(4), MCA.
Electronic Participation
The Board may allow members to participate in meetings by telephone or other electronic means. Board members may not simply vote electronically but must be connected with the meeting throughout the discussion of business. If a Board member electronically joins the meeting after an item of business has been opened, the remotely located member shall not participate until the next item of business is opened.
If the Board allows a member to participate electronically, the member will be considered present and will have his or her actual physical presence excused. The member shall be counted present for purposes of convening a quorum. The Clerk will document it in the minutes, when members participate in the meeting electronically.
Any Board member wishing to participate in a meeting electronically will notify the Chairperson and Superintendent as early as possible. The Superintendent will arrange for the meeting to take place in a location with the appropriate equipment so that Board members participating in the meeting electronically may interact, and the public may observe or hear the comments made. The Superintendent or designee will take measures to verify the identity of any remotely located participants.
Meeting Conduct and Order of Business
General rules of parliamentary procedure are used for every Board meeting. Robert’s Rules of Order may be used as a guide at any meeting. The order of business shall be reflected on the agenda. The use of proxy votes shall
not be permitted. Voting rights are reserved to those trustees in attendance. Voting shall be by acclamation or show of hands. The general order of business will be as outlined in the attached procedure.
Rescind a Motion
A motion to rescind (cancel previous action) must have a second, must allow for debate, can be amended, and must have a 2/3 vote of the Board if previous notice to rescind a motion has not been given in the published agenda or a majority vote of the Board if previous notice to rescind a motion has been given in the published agenda.
The motion to rescind can be applied to votes on all main motions, with the following exceptions: votes cannot be rescinded after something has been done as a result of that vote which the assembly cannot undo; or, where a resignation has been acted upon, or one has been elected to, or expelled from, membership or office, and was present or has been officially notified.
Cross Reference: 1441 Audience Participation
Legal References: § 2-3-103, MCA Public participation - governor to ensure guidelines adopted
§ 2-3-202, MCA Meeting defined
§ 2-3-212, MCA Minutes of meetings – public inspection
§ 20-1-212, MCA Destruction of records by school officer
§ 2-3-213, MCA Recording of meetings
§ 20-3-322, MCA Meetings and quorum
§ 20-3-323, MCA District policy and record of acts
Jones and Nash v. Missoula Co., 2006 MT2, 330 Mont 2005
Policy History:
Adopted on: 9/22/1986
Revised on: 11/09/1987, 1/10/1994, 8/09/1999, 2/13/2006, 5/08/2006, 9/12/2011, 1/10/2022, 6/10/2024
Bozeman Public Schools
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Procedure 1420P
Agenda
The general format of the agenda will be as follows, however exceptions may be made at the direction of the board chair.
Executive Session when applicable
Policy History:
Adopted on: 9/12/2011
Revised on: 10/6/2020, 9/09/2021
Bozeman Public Schools R
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Form 1420F
Notice Regarding Public Comment
Montana law requires school districts and other public agencies to include on the agenda for public meetings an item allowing public comment on any public matter not otherwise specifically listed on the agenda that is within the jurisdiction of the agency. The public comment portion of the agenda is not the time designated to hear items that are specifically listed/identified on the agenda.
For those individuals who desire to address the Board during the public comment portion of the meeting, if you haven’t already done so, please sign your name to the sheet and indicate the general topic on which you will be commenting. The Board Chairperson will call individuals to speak in the order listed on the sheet provided. Please state your name prior to beginning your comment. There will be an opportunity for citizens who have not signed in to comment at the conclusion of the comment period. The Board would like to remind everyone in attendance to avoid violations of individual rights of privacy when providing comment. The Board is not authorized to hear comments on contested cases or other adjudicative proceedings.
By law, the District cannot take any action on any matter discussed during the public comment portion of the meeting as those matters are not specifically noticed on the agenda. The Board may take a matter raised during the public comment period under consideration for inclusion on a future agenda.
In accordance with Montana law, citizens have the right to comment on an item that is specifically listed on the agenda. Citizens will be permitted to do so when the item comes up for discussion and action. The board chair will indicate when the public has the opportunity to comment prior to board action on a particular agenda item.
The Board Chair has the authority to manage all public comment periods and will do so in accordance with state law and district policy.
Policy History:
Adopted on:
Revised on:
Bozeman Public Schools
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Policy 1425
Abstentions From Voting
Section 20-3-323(2), MCA, requires the minutes of each Board meeting to include the voting records of each trustee present. As a general rule trustees should vote on all issues, unless casting a vote would be a violation of law. Under Montana law, instances in which it would be unlawful or inappropriate for a trustee to cast a vote on a particular issue include but are not necessarily limited to situations when the Board is considering hiring the relative of a trustee.
In addition, a trustee shall be allowed to abstain from voting to avoid the appearance of impropriety or the appearance of a perceived conflict. If a trustee abstains from voting, the abstention should be recorded in the minutes and may include an explanation of the reasons for the abstention. The Board discourages abstentions, unless the reasons are substantiated as provided herein.
Legal References: 2-2-105, MCA Ethical requirements for public officers and public employees
2-2-121, MCA Rules of conduct for public officers and public employees
2-2-302, MCA Appointment of relative to office of trust or emolument unlawful – exceptions – publication of notice
20-1-201, MCA School officers not to act as agents
20-3-323, MCA District policy and record of acts
20-9-204, MCA Conflicts of interests, letting contracts, and calling for bids
Policy History:
Adopted on: 9/09/2019
Revised on:
Bozeman Public Schools
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Policy 1440
Conduct of Meeting – Procedures
The conduct of the Board meeting shall be by customary parliamentary procedure. The use of proxy votes shall not be permitted. Voting rights are reserved to those Trustees present (physically or via a telephone).
The order of business at all Board meetings, after the call to order of the meeting, shall be the order of the pre-meeting material presentation in the Board meeting agenda. The Board of Trustees will consider for action only those items included on the agenda except for emergency items that cannot be prepared and included on the ordinary meeting agenda. Emergency or late items may be considered by the Board for action only after the majority approval of the Trustees present at the meeting.
With consent of a majority of members present, the order of business at any meeting may be changed.
Voting shall be by acclamation or show of hands.
The introduction, consideration, and passage of motions by the Board of Trustees shall be on the basis of the following procedure:
The additional High School Trustees shall act, officially, on high school matters only. The additional High School Trustees are invited to participate in the deliberation of matters concerning the Elementary School District.
Cross Reference: 1310 District Policy and Procedures
Policy History:
Adopted on: 9/22/1986
Revised on: 6/24/1991, 6/14/1999, 2/13/2006, 1/10/2022
Bozeman Public Schools R
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Policy 1441
Audience Participation
The Board recognizes the value of public comment on educational issues and the importance of involving members of the public in its meetings. In order to permit fair and orderly expression of such comment, the Board will provide a period of time during which visitors may make formal presentations. Such presentations should be scheduled in advance. The chairman will also allow during this time any individual to speak to any issue not included on the agenda.
The Board will also allow individuals to express an opinion prior to Board action on agenda items. Normally this public comment will be sought after an item has been introduced and Trustees have asked clarifying questions and before Trustee debate or motions. Individuals wishing to be heard by the Board shall first be recognized by the chair. Individuals, after identifying themselves, will proceed to make comments as briefly as the subject permits. Any representative of a firm eligible to bid on materials or services solicited by the Board shall also be entitled to express an opinion. The Chair may limit the length of individual comments depending on the number wishing to speak and the extent of the overall agenda.
The chairman may interrupt or terminate an individual's statement when it is too lengthy, personally directed, abusive, obscene or irrelevant. The Board as a whole shall have the final decision in determining the appropriateness of all such rulings.
Policy History:
Adopted on: 9/22/1986
Revised on: 2/13/2006
Bozeman Public Schools
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Policy 1460
Absences of Board Members
Whenever possible, each Board member shall give advance notice to the chairman or superintendent of his/her inability to attend a Board meeting. The chairman of the Board may excuse a Board member's absence from a meeting if requested to do so. The Board shall declare a Board member's position vacant after three (3) consecutive unexcused absences from regular Board meetings.
Legal Reference: 20-3-308 M.C.A. Vacancy of Trustee Position
Policy History:
Adopted on: 9/22/1986
Revised on:
Bozeman Public Schools
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Policy 1509
Board Vision Statement
The Board of Trustees represents the educational values of our community with an appreciation of the importance of an excellent education for all of our children. The Board is responsible for creating educational policy. In doing so, it efficiently governs the School District by reflecting the community’s educational values in the Long Range Strategic Plan (LRSP) and by integrating those values with the knowledge and expertise of the Administration to create the best educational opportunities for each and every one of our students.
The Bozeman Board of Trustees values a culture of mutual respect and good communication, which asks its members to listen, to articulate their views and to be willing to revise and refine their views based on discussion within the Board, with the Administration, the school community and the public at large. Trustees recognize that they have no individual authority. Only the Board as a whole can exercise authority through Board action at a Board of Trustees meeting. Trustees respect and value the differences between members, recognize that conflict within the Board is an opportunity for better understanding, and accept and support decisions of the Board.
Policy History:
Adopted on: 12/12/2005
Revised on: 3/26/2012
Bozeman Public Schools
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Policy 1510
Roles of the Board of Trustees
The legal power and duty of the Board of Trustees to conduct an educational program for the eligible students of the school district is vested in the Board of Trustees in accordance with the provisions of the laws of the State of Montana and the State Board of Public Education Regulations and Superintendent of Public Instruction Regulations. The Board of Trustees serves as the agent of the State of Montana, assigned by law, to provide the educational services and facilities for the Bozeman School District. As elected representatives of the citizens of the school district, the Board of Trustees also is the means of local control in operating the schools. Thus, the Board of Trustees is responsible to the school district's citizenry for the maintenance and operation of the schools within the district.
This dual role of responsibility to the state and the citizenry of the school district determines the following four basic roles of the Board of Trustees:
2. The responsibility to provide ongoing administrative guidance for the school system in all major areas of activities through school board policy.
3. The responsibility to continuously evaluate the performance of the school system.
4. The responsibility to provide community leadership in school matters.
The major vehicle for the fulfillment of these duties is the school board policies. Through these policies, the Board of Trustees provides the superintendent and the staff of the school system with the basic objectives, administrative guidance, basis for performance evaluation, and means of community leadership.
Legal Reference: 10.5.202(3) A.R.M. Board of Trustees
Policy History:
Adopted on: 9/22/1986
Revised on: 9/26/2016
Bozeman Public Schools
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Policy 1511
Code of Ethics for School Board Members
AS A MEMBER OF MY LOCAL BOARD OF TRUSTEES, I WILL STRIVE TO IMPROVE PUBLIC EDUCATION, AND TO THAT END I WILL:
Attend all regularly scheduled Board meetings insofar as possible and become informed concerning the issues to be considered at those meetings;
Recognize that I should endeavor to make policy decisions only after full discussion at public Board meetings;
Make all decisions based on available facts and my independent judgment and refuse to surrender that judgment to individuals or special interest groups;
Encourage the free expression of opinion by all Board members and seek systematic communications between the Board and students, staff, and all elements of the community;
Work with other Board members to establish effective Board policies and to delegate authority for administration to the Superintendent;
Recognize and respect the responsibilities that properly are delegated to the Superintendent;
Communicate to the Superintendent expression of public reaction to Board policies, school programs, or staff;
Inform myself about current educational issues, by individual study and through participation in programs providing needed information, such as those sponsored by the Montana and National School Boards Associations;
Support the employment of those persons best qualified to serve as school staff and insist on regular and impartial evaluation of staff;
Avoid being placed in a position of conflict of interest and refrain from using my Board position for personal or partisan gain;
Avoid compromising the Board or administration by inappropriate individual action or comments and respect the confidentiality of information that is privileged under applicable law;
Remember always that my first and greatest concern must be the educational welfare of students attending public schools.
Policy History:
Adopted on: 9/22/1986
Revised on:
Bozeman Public Schools
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Policy 1512
Conflict of Interest
A trustee may not:
Federal Awards
No employee, officer, or agent may participate in the selection, award, or administration of a contract supported by a Federal award if he or she has a real or apparent conflict of interest. Such a conflict of interest would arise when the employee, officer, or agent, any member of his or her immediate family, his or her partner, or an organization which employs or is about to employ any of the parties indicated herein, has a financial or other interest in or a tangible personal benefit from a firm considered for a contract.
District officers, employees, and agents may neither solicit nor accept gratuities, favors, or anything of monetary value from contractors or parties to subcontracts, unless the item is unsolicited or of nominal value. Officers, employees, or agents who violate this policy are subject to disciplinary action.
The District must disclose in writing any potential conflict of interest to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in accordance with applicable Federal awarding agency policy.
Legal Reference: Section 20-9-204, MCA – Conflicts of Interest
Section 20-1-201, MCA – School Officials not to Act as Agents
Section 2-3-302, MCA - Nepotism
Section 2-2-103, MCA – Public Trust
Section 2-2-104, MCA – Rules of Conduct
Section 2-2-105, MCA – Ethical Requirements
Section 2-2-121, MCA – Rules of Conduct
Policy History:
Adopted on: 9/22/1986
Revised on: 8/15/2016, 6/11/2018, 9/09/2019, 8/31/2020
Bozeman Public Schools
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Form 1512F
Relationships Defined and Chart
Definitions
Affinity is the legal relationship arising as the result of marriage. Relationship by affinity terminates upon the death of one of the spouses or other dissolution of marriage, except when the marriage has resulted in issue still living.
Consanguinity is a relationship by blood relation. Relationship by consanguinity is confirmed by being descended from the same ancestor. Kinship determined by consanguinity may not be terminated.
Degrees of Consanguinity
4
Great Great Grandparent
3 5
Great Grandparent Great Great Uncle/Aunt
2 4 6
Grandparent Great Uncle/Aunt Child of Great Uncle/Aunt
1 3 5 7
Parent Uncle/Aunt Child of GG Uncle/Aunt Grandchild of GG Uncle/Aunt
Trustee
2 4 6 8
Brother/Sister 1st Cousin 2nd Cousin 3rd Cousin
1 3 5 7
Child Nephew/Niece 1st Cousin 2nd Cousin
once removed once removed
2 4 6
Grandchild Grand Nephew/Niece 1st Cousin
twice removed
3 5
Great Grandchild Great Grand Nephew/Niece
4
Degrees of Affinity
3
Great Grandparent-in-law or
Step Great Grandparent
2
Grandparent-in-law or
Step Grandparent
1 3
Father/Mother-in-law or
Step Parent Uncle/Aunt-in-law
Or Step Uncle/Aunt
Trustee Spouse Brother/Sister-in-law
Or Step Sibling
1 3
Step Child or Nephew/Niece-in-law
Son/Daughter-in-law or Step Nephew/Niece
2
Step Grandchild or
Grandchild-in-law
3
Step Great Grandchild or
Great Grandchild-in-law
Policy History:
Adopted on: 9/09/2019
Revised on:
Bozeman Public Schools R
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Policy 1513
Management Rights
The Board of Trustees reserves the right to directly or indirectly through the superintendent, as appropriate, operate and manage their affairs in such areas as, but not limited to:
2. hire, promote, transfer, assign, and retain employees;
3. relieve employees from duties because of lack of work or funds under conditions where continuation of such work would be inefficient and non-productive;
4. maintain the efficiency of district operations;
5. determine the methods, means, job classifications, and personnel by which district operations are to be conducted;
6. take whatever actions may be necessary to carry out the missions of the district in situations of emergency;
7. establish the methods and processes by which work is performed.
8. The Board reserves all other rights statutory and inherent as provided by state law; the Board also reserves the right to delegate authority to the superintendent for the ongoing direction of all district programs.
Cross Reference: 6110 Superintendent Duties and Authority
Legal Reference: § 20-3-324, MCA Powers and duties
§ 39-31-303, MCA Management rights of public employers
Bonner School District No. 14 v. Bonner Education Association, MEA-MFT, NEA, AFT, AFL-CIO, (2008), 2008 MT 9
Policy History:
Adopted on: 9/22/1986
Revised on: 8/31/2020
Bozeman Public Schools
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Policy 1520
Board/Staff Communications
Every reasonable means of communication is encouraged throughout the education community. Nevertheless, an organization must maintain some order and structure to promote efficient and effective communications
Staff Communications to the Board:
All official communications or reports to the Board from principals, supervisors, teachers, or other staff members shall be submitted through the superintendent. This shall not deny any staff member's right to appeal administrative decisions to the Board, provided that the superintendent shall have been notified of the forthcoming appeal and that it is processed according to the applicable procedures on complaints and grievances. The provision does not limit or restrict employees from engaging in public comment during Board meetings as permitted by Montana law. Staff are authorized to raise concerns about potential violations of District policy and applicable laws with the Board of Trustees through the procedures and protections established by Policy 1700, Policy 5012, Policy 5015, and Policy 5125.
Board Communications to Staff:
All official communications, policies, and directives of staff interest and concern will be communicated to staff members through the superintendent. The superintendent will employ all such media as are appropriate to keep staff fully informed of the Board's concerns and actions.
Visits to Schools:
In accordance with Montana statutes, each Trustee shall visit each school of the District not less than once each school fiscal year to examine its conditions and needs. Trustees may share the responsibility for visiting each school in the District. Individual Board members interested in visiting schools should out of courtesy make arrangements for visitations through the principals of the various schools. Such visits shall be regarded as informal expressions of interest in school affairs and not as "inspections" or visits for supervisory or administrative purposes.
Social Interaction:
Staff and Board members share a keen interest in the schools and in education. When they meet at social affairs and other functions, informal discussion on such matters as educational trends, issues, and innovations and general District problems can be anticipated and are permitted. Official complaints, concerns, and communication shall be redirected and handled through the formal processes outlined in this policy. Discussions of personalities or staff grievances are not appropriate.
Cross Reference: 1700 Uniform Complaint Procedure
5012 Sexual Harassment/Sexual Intimidation in the Workplace
5015 Bullying/Harassment/Intimidation
5125 Whistleblowing and Retaliation
Legal Reference: 20-3-324(22) M.C.A. Powers and Duties
Policy History:
Adopted on: 9/22/1986
Revised on: 6/24/1991, 9/26/2016, 8/31/2020. 4/25/2022, 7/15/2024
Bozeman Public Schools
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Policy 1521
Board-Administration Team Operating Principles
The most effective way to operate and supervise a school district is through close cooperation among the School Board, the superintendent and the administrative team. Each group plays a different role, and each role is essential to the success of the entire system. In order to allow each group to complement and insure the success of the others, agreement is necessary on both some philosophical ideas and some practical ways of working together to achieve the common goal--quality education for each student.
The Board and administrators have an obligation to provide educational leadership. The public expects the best in educational expertise, communication, decision making and planning. All policies and decisions of the Board-administrative team must be gauged, then tested, against the fact that our primary concern is for youth.
Principles for Board-Administration Relations
The following set of principles has been developed by the Board-administrative team in an effort to create an open, productive environment as a team approach to school management:
The Board recognizes the importance of and is pledged to promote practices which enhance good administrative morale. Examples of important morale boosters are shared goal setting, clearly defined expectations, consistency in action, and appropriate involvement in the decision-making process.
Administrator morale problems or concerns are expected to be communicated to the Board through the superintendent.
Each member of the team is charged with the responsibility of working with the team to find the best ways to attain cooperation, support and mutual respect.
The Board understands its responsibilities to establish policy and recognizes the importance of delegating to the administration the responsibility to administer these policies. The administration should be given the flexibility to determine how the policy is best implemented.
Each administrator has the responsibility of being loyal to the District. This obligation shall be evidenced by positive, supportive actions.
There should be a sense of loyalty among all team members toward the actions of the full Board. Similarly, Trustees should be cognizant of the need for loyalty and support to the full management team (Board and Administration) in all public comments and actions.
It shall be the responsibility of each Board member and each administrator to keep fully informed of issues and policies. All principals and central office administrators are encouraged to attend public Board meetings, including any meeting related to conditions of their employment. However, all questions should go through the superintendent. If possible, Trustees should ask questions of the administration in advance of the Board meeting to provide for more complete answers.
To foster good communications, administrative decisions at the central office and all decisions made at any administrative level shall be promptly disseminated to those who are affected by any of these decisions.
Discussions between a Trustee and any administrator which pertain to another administrator will generally be communicated to the pertinent administrator.
The Board will follow due process in the conduct of all its official personnel business and personnel business will be conducted only officially. Such procedures will be implemented by the administration with appropriate advice of legal counsel.
It is considered inappropriate for a Trustee or an administrator to make any evaluative statement (explicit or inferred) about a teacher, an administrator, or a Trustee outside the professional channels established for evaluation of personnel.
It is each administrator's responsibility to be familiar with all the steps and legalities involved with due process procedures, as they apply to this district. Whenever a matter is brought before the Board by the administration, it will be the administrative responsibility to provide concise, accurate information showing how due process was followed on the case in question.
All complaints, criticism and rumors from the public shall follow either an informal inquiry to the superintendent or the formal process for resolution as provided in policy 1700.
Constructive criticism which emanates from the Board or a Trustee shall be directed to the appropriate administrator only through the superintendent. The superintendent may process the concern using the review of services, an evaluation process, or a one-to-one review of the situation. Any concerns, complaints, criticism, or rumors that are of concern to the Board will be pursued only through the superintendent in accordance with acceptable procedure.
When a Trustee or administrator knows that criticism, complaints, or rumors are unfounded, he/she has an ethical responsibility to provide complete, honest information to refute the allegation.
When dealing with rumors, complaints or criticisms, due process will be followed. This includes following the chain of command in dealing with issues. Anonymous complaints will be ignored.
An effective team process is dependent upon the support and cooperation of each team member individually.
The Board has the responsibility to give full support to the administration when it has followed the District policies, philosophy, this code, and sound educational practices. Where questions exist, the Board or its individual members should first consult the superintendent.
The administrators' responsibility is to support all official actions taken by the Board.
Every decision in the District should first and foremost consider the effects it will have on students. An orderly process will be followed which will provide opportunities for employees, patrons, and others to discuss their concerns as well as to address planned programs and policies under consideration by the Board. Channels will be kept open for individuals to respond to policies and practices which affect them. District philosophy will guide all action taken.
The Board will call upon the administration as a professional resource and shall solicit the superintendent's recommendations on matters being considered.
It will be each administrator's function to solicit, throughout the process of developing recommendations, the appropriate input by those who are affected by any pending decisions.
It is the Board's philosophy that building administration is accountable for establishing a friendly, effective and positive climate within the building and contributing to a positive climate within the District.
District-wide activities such as budgeting and teacher negotiations may adversely affect the school climate, and the Board recognizes that such temporary setbacks pose difficulties for building administrators.
Maximum emphasis will be placed on educational opportunities for children.
Policies that are adopted shall be referred to as "District Policies."
The Board shall ensure that all philosophy development includes District-wide input.
The Board and administration will continually review policies to keep them current.
The Board, through its chairman, shall have the responsibility of implementing the provisions of this code as it applies to the membership of the Board. The Board shall establish its own monitoring and remediation provisions for its own membership. It is expected that each Board member will act in a professional and ethical manner, and that each Trustee will follow this code of operating principles as well as the Board's code of ethics.
Each administrator will be personally responsible and will hold those supervised accountable for the provisions of District policy. This includes the administrative responsibility for the legal support and implementation of official District policies and philosophies.
Policy History:
Adopted on: 9/22/1986
Revised on: 9/28/1987, 9/26/2016
Bozeman Public Schools
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Policy 1531
Trustee Expenses
Expenses for Board Members — In-district
The School Board Trustee shall not receive remuneration for his/her service as a trustee. Trustees living more than three miles from the meeting place shall be entitled to mileage at the rate stipulated in 2-18-503 M.C.A. 1983 for each mile for travel from their homes to the meeting place for each meeting of the Board. Such travel reimbursement may be paid as the travel is assumed or may accumulate until the end of the fiscal year, at the discretion of the reimbursed trustee.
A trustee is entitled to collect mileage at a rate equal to the mileage allotment allowed by the United States internal revenue service for the current year for the first 1,000 miles and 3 cents less per mile for all additional miles traveled within a given calendar month.
A trustee must file a reimbursement for mileage form, prior to July 1 of each year, requesting reimbursement for the fiscal year. The form may be obtained from the District Clerk.
Expenses for Board Members at Out-of-District Meetings
Trustees elected by the citizens to serve on the Board which provides governance to the school district, a multi-million dollar public enterprise, serve without financial compensation. To intelligently deal with enumerable issues and to budget and monitor millions of dollars in expenditures annually, training and communications are essential. Trustees normally attend workshops, training institutes, and conferences at both the state and national level. It is appropriate that trustee expenditures at these out-of-district meetings be paid by the school district.
It is the intent of the district to pay all legitimate costs for trustees to attend out-of-district meetings. The purpose of this policy is to provide for expenditure guidelines and define what is considered a legitimate expense of attendance at out-of-district meetings. The district will pay the cost for:
The district will not reimburse or pay for such items as:
1. Liquor
2. Expenses of a spouse or other family members
3. Separate entertainment
4. Any other unnecessary expenditures
In any instance where a trustee would choose to accept a flat fee reimbursement for expenditures as opposed to the itemized approach outlined above, the amount of the flat fee will be the sum of the following:
1. Quoted airline ticket price
2. Quoted single room lodging price at the convention headquarter hotel
3. $25.00 per day for food
4. A modest estimate of all other expenses
The trustees may either request a flat fee advance prior to attending the meeting or may use the itemized approach outlined above. In the latter case, the trustee may receive a partial advance prior to the meeting and then submit a Claim for Travel Expenses for the remainder of the costs upon return from the meeting.
Legal References: Section, 2-18-503, MCA Mileage Allowance
Section, 20-1-211, MCA Expenses of Officers Attending Conventions
Section, 20-3-311, MCA Trustee Travel Reimbursement
Policy History:
Adopted on: 9/22/1986
Revised on: 8/31/2020
BOZEMAN PUBLIC SCHOOLS
TRUSTEE MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT FORM
Form 1531F
A trustee, who resides over 3 miles from the trustees’ meeting place, is entitled to collect mileage at a rate equal to the mileage allotment allowed by the United States internal revenue service for the current year for the first 1,000 miles and 3 cents less per mile for all additional miles traveled within a given calendar month for every mile necessarily traveled between their residence and the meeting place and return in attending the regular and special meetings of the trustees.
Transportation to and from the meeting site in the amount of the cheapest available air fare if the meeting is more than 100 miles from Bozeman, and at the per mile rate approved for the district for meetings 100 miles or less from Bozeman.
Year: July 1, 20__ to June 30, 20__
I, ______________, Trustee of Bozeman Public Schools, hereby request mileage reimbursement for attending regular and special meetings of the Board of Trustees.
I understand the District Clerk/Business Manager will keep a log of the regular and special meetings I attend throughout the school year and reimburse me as provided in 2-18-503, MCA.
I understand I will be reimbursed _____ in January and June
_____ in June
_____________________________ __________________
Trustee Date
Bozeman Public Schools
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Policy 1532
Trustee Insurance
The District shall maintain sufficient insurance to protect the Board and its individual members against liability arising from actions of the Board or its individual members while each is acting on behalf of the District and within the trustee’s authority.
An additional trustee, as provided for in 20-3-352(2), who is chosen as a nonvoting chairperson of the board of an elementary district is entitled to all of the immunization, defenses, and indemnifications as described in 20-3-322, MCA.
Legal References: § 20-3-331, MCA Purchase of insurance – self-insurance plan
§ 20-3-332, MCA Personal immunity of trustees
§ 20-3-352(2), MCA Request and determination of number of high school district additional trustee positions – nonvoting trustee
Policy History:
Adopted on: 9/22/1986
Revised on: 8/15/2011
Bozeman Public Schools
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Policy 1540
Trustee Health Insurance
Current and former trustees cannot participate in the district's health insurance program.
Trustees participating in the district's health insurance program on August 14, 2000 will be allowed to stay on the district's plan through February 2002 which is an additional 18 months.
Policy History:
Adopted on: 9/22/1986
Revised on: 6/24/1991, 8/14/2000
Bozeman Public Schools R
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Policy 1610
Annual Goals and Objectives
Each year Board of Trustees will formulate annual district goals and objectives for the ensuing school year that are supportive of the Long Range Strategic Plan (LRSP).
At the conclusion of each school year, the Superintendent will submit the LRSP Annual Report to the Board of Trustees. The report will reflect the degree to which the district has achieved previous year’s goals and objectives.
Integrated Action Plan
The Board shall develop, with stakeholder input, an integrated strategic action plan to which the district graduate profile is aligned. The Board shall implement, monitor, and evaluate the District action plan and make the plan publicly available on the District website. The District plan shall be updated at least every three years based on a comprehensive needs assessment with meaningful stakeholder input and feedback that comply, at a minimum, with Policies 1400 and 1420. The plan must clarify what specific steps must be taken to achieve the district graduate profile and reflect a continuous improvement process.
The integrated action plan shall include:
The District shall report and submit their adopted integrated strategic action plan to the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Cross Reference: 2000 Goals
2120 Curriculum and Assessment
2162 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 504”)
2410P High School Graduation Requirements
2500 English Learner Program (EL)
5121 Applicability of Personnel Policies
Legal Reference: Section 20-1-101, MCA Definitions
10.55.701(2)(a), ARM Board of Trustees
10.55.601, ARM Accreditation Standards: Procedures
10.55.602, ARM Definitions
10.55.603, ARM Curriculum and Assessment
10.55.714, ARM Professional Development
10.55.804, ARM Gifted and Talented
10.55.805, ARM Children with Disabilities
10.55.806, ARM English Learners
Policy History:
Adopted on: 9/22/1986
Revised on: 1/27/2003, 3/26/2012, 6/10/2024
Bozeman Public Schools
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Policy 1612
Long Range Strategic Plan
Long Range Strategic Plan
Mission
Bozeman Public Schools exists to ensure high-level learning for all students.
Vision
Bozeman Public Schools will empower all students to reach their full potential for achievement and thrive in their community. We will promote inclusive community involvement; support a passionate education team; and nurture a dynamic learning environment.
Core Values
Goal Areas:
Goal Area 1 - Academic Performance: All students meet or exceed the academic standards necessary for college and career readiness.
.
Goal Area 2 - Operations and Capacity Building: District operations, facilities, and human resources promote an effective and responsive educational system.
Goal Area 3 - Community Engagement and Partnerships: Bozeman Public Schools maintains an environment that promotes engagement with educational stakeholders at the local, state, and national levels to successfully educate our students.
Goal Area 4 - Student and Staff Well-being: Bozeman Public Schools utilizes supportive and responsive systems that promote the safety and holistic well-being of students and staff.
Policy History:
Adopted on: 4/14/2008
Revised on: 9/22/2008, 8/31/2020, 9/09/2024
Bozeman Public Schools
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Policy 1620
Evaluation of Board
At the conclusion of each year, the Board may evaluate its own performance in terms of generally accepted principles of successful Board operations.
The Board may choose to evaluate the effectiveness of the processes it employs in carrying out the responsibilities of the District. Those processes include but are not limited to: team building, decision making, functions planning, communications, motivation, influence, and policy.
Policy History:
Adopted on: 9/22/1986
Revised on:
Bozeman Public Schools
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Policy 1621
In-Service Conference for Trustees
In keeping with the need for continued boardsmanship development, the Board encourages the participation of its members at appropriate Board conferences, workshops, conventions, and District-sponsored in-service training sessions. Funds for participation at such meetings will be budgeted on an annual basis.
Policy History:
Adopted on: 9/22/1986
Revised on:
Bozeman Public Schools
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Policy 1630
Utilization of Montana School Boards Association
The Board is permitted to join the Montana School Boards Association. Since the association provides services in response to members' needs and develops and implements a legislative program at the direction of its members, Board members are encouraged to participate in the governance of the association.
Legal Reference: 20-1-211, M.C.A. Expenses of Officers or Employees Attending
Conventions--Educational Associations
Policy History:
Adopted on: 9/22/1986
Revised on:
Bozeman Public Schools
ADMINISTRATION
Policy 1635
Internships
Internship means an agreement between a fully licensed Class 1, 2, or 3 educators, the school district, and a Montana accredited educator preparation program. Internships are permitted in endorsement areas approved by the Board of Public Education.
The Board recognizes the need to provide training opportunities for prospective teachers and administrators. Internships for those in the process of acquiring teaching endorsements and/or administrative credentials shall be considered and approved on an individual basis. The Superintendent or designee involved will review the internship proposal with the candidate and the university representative, much in the same manner as student teachers are assigned.
As part of an internship agreement, the parties must agree to the following:
A superintendent intern shall be supervised throughout the year by a licensed and endorsed superintendent contracted by the district, including participation in, and review of, and written concurrence in all performance evaluations of licensed staff completed by the intern.
An emergency authorization of employment granted by the Superintendent of Public Instruction pursuant to §20-4-111, MCA is not a license; therefore is not eligible for an internship.
Legal Reference: § 20-4-111, MCA Emergency authorization of employment
ARM 10.55.602 Definitions
ARM 10.55.607 Internships
ARM 10.55.702 Licensure and duties of District
Administrator – District Superintendent
ARM 10.57.412 Class 1 and 2 Endorsements
ARM 10.57.413 Class 3 Administrative License
Policy History:
Adopted on: 8/31/2020
Revised on:
Bozeman Public Schools
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Policy 1640
Board Participation in Activities
Members of the Board, collectively and individually, are encouraged to attend school activities, social functions, and instructional programs at no cost to the trustees, in order to view and observe such functions in operation. Attendance at such programs as musical presentations, speech activities, clubs, dramatic productions, and athletic events, indicates interest in school affairs and provides opportunity for more comprehensive understanding of the total school program. Administration will provide appropriate communications to trustees to keep them informed about activities they may wish to attend.
Policy History:
Adopted on: 9/22/1986
Revised on:
Bozeman School District R
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Policy 1650
Public Charter Schools
The Board of Trustees may submit an application in response to a request for proposal from the Board of Public Education to establish a public charter school consistent with Montana law. Any application for a public charter school submitted under this provision shall be consistent with the mission and vision of the District as specified in the strategic plan for continuous improvement adopted by the Board of Trustees.
Requests for Creation of School or Program
The Board of Trustees shall review any request from an individual or entity unaffiliated with the District to create a school or program within the District to determine if the requested school or program is currently addressed by District operations or meets the mission and vision of the District as specified in the strategic plan for continuous improvement. The Board is authorized to refer the request to a committee established in accordance with Policy 1130 for hearing and consideration with a report to the full Board. Any meeting conducted for the purposes of considering a request to create a school or program shall be held in open session in accordance with Policy 1400.
The Board is authorized to respond to a request to create a school or program within the District by stating the requested school or program is currently offered by the District or by granting or denying the request. If the requested school or program is currently offered by the District, the Board will outline how the school or program operates and how students may access the school or program. If the Board grants the request, it shall set a documented timeline for implementing the school or program consistent with District operations. If the Board of Trustees declines the request to create the school or program, it shall document for future reference the reasons the request is inconsistent with the mission and vision of the District as specified in the strategic plan for continuous improvement. Any request previously declined by the Board of Trustees may be reconsidered at a future meeting.
Legal Reference: Title 20, Chapter 6, MCA - Montana Public Charter Schools Act
Chapter 510 Montana Public Charter Schools Act
10.55.608 ARM Charter School Application
Policy History:
Adopted on: 6/10/2024
Revised on: 6/10/2024
Bozeman Public Schools R
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Policy 1700
Uniform Complaint Procedure
The Board establishes this Uniform Complaint Procedure as a means to address complaints arising within the District. This Uniform Complaint Procedure is intended to be used for all complaints except those governed by a specific process in state or federal law that supersedes this process or collective bargaining agreement. Matters covered by a collective bargaining agreement will be reviewed in accordance with the terms of the applicable agreement.
This grievance procedure shall be made available on the District’s website and the location of which shall be included in all handbooks issued by the District.
The District requests individuals to use this complaint procedure to resolve concerns within the District when an individual believes the Board or its employees or agents have violated the individual’s rights under state or federal law or Board policy. Complaints against a building administrator shall be filed with the Superintendent. Complaints against the Superintendent or a District administrator shall be filed with the Board. Attempts to bypass this Uniform Complaint Procedure at any of its Levels shall be redirected by District officials at the appropriate Level.
The District will seek to respond to and resolve complaints without resorting to this formal complaint procedure and, when a complaint is filed, to address the complaint promptly and equitably. The right of a person to prompt and equitable resolution of a complaint filed hereunder will not be impaired by a person’s pursuit of other remedies. Use of this complaint procedure is not a prerequisite to pursue other remedies and use of this complaint procedure does not extend any filing deadline related to pursuit of other remedies.
Deadlines requiring District action in this procedure may be extended for reasons related but not limited to the District’s retention of legal counsel and District investigatory procedures.
Level 1: Informal
An individual with a complaint should first attempt to discuss it with the appropriate employee or building administrator with the objective of resolving the matter promptly and informally in accordance with requirements of Policy 2158. If such resolution is not possible, the individual may choose to file a formal written complaint in accordance with specifications at Level 2. An exception to attempts at informal resolution is that a complaint of sexual harassment should be discussed directly with an administrator not involved in the alleged harassment.
Level 2: Building Administrator
When a complaint has not been or cannot be resolved at Level 1, an individual may file a signed and dated written complaint stating: (1) the nature of the complaint; including the complaining individual’s position to assert legal rights (2) a description of the event or incident giving rise to the complaint, including any school personnel involved; and (3) the remedy or resolution requested. The written complaint must be filed within thirty (30) calendar days of the event or incident or from the date an individual could reasonably become aware of such event or incident. The applicability of the deadline is subject to review by the Superintendent to ensure the intent of this uniform complaint procedure is honored.
When a complaint alleges violation of Board policy or procedure, the building administrator will investigate and attempt to resolve the complaint. The administrator will respond in writing to the complaint, within thirty (30) calendar days of the administrator’s receipt of the complaint.
If the complainant has reason to believe the administrator’s decision was made in error, the complainant may request, in writing, that the Superintendent review the administrator’s decision. (See Level 3.) This request must be submitted to the Superintendent within fifteen (15) calendar days of the administrator’s decision.
When a complaint alleges sexual harassment or a violation of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (the Civil Rights Act), Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the building administrator may turn the complaint over to a District nondiscrimination coordinator. The coordinator will complete an investigation and file a report and recommendation with the Superintendent. If the complainant reasons to believe the Superintendent’s decision was made in error, the complainant may request, in writing, that the Board consider an appeal of the Superintendent’s decision. (See Level 4.) This request must be submitted in writing to the Superintendent, within fifteen (15) calendar days of the Superintendent’s written response to the complaint, for transmission to the Board.
Level 3: Superintendent
If the complainant appeals the administrator’s decision provided for in Level 2, the Superintendent will review the complaint and the administrator’s decision. The Superintendent will respond in writing to the appeal, within thirty (30) calendar days of the Superintendent’s receipt of the written appeal. In responding to the appeal, the Superintendent may: (1) meet with the parties involved in the complaint; (2) conduct a separate or supplementary investigation; (3) engage an outside investigator or other District employees to assist with the appeal; and/or (4) take other steps appropriate or helpful in resolving the complaint.
If the complainant has reason to believe the Superintendent’s decision was made in error, the complainant may request, in writing, that the Board consider an appeal of the Superintendent’s decision. (See Level 4.) This request must be submitted in writing to the Superintendent, within fifteen (15) calendar days of the Superintendent’s written response to the complaint, for transmission to the Board.
Level 4: The Board
Upon written appeal of a complaint alleging a violation of the individual’s rights under state or federal law or Board policy upon which the Board of Trustees has authority to remedy, the Board may consider the Superintendent’s decision in Level 2 or 3. Upon receipt of written request for appeal, the Chair will either: (1) place the appeal on the agenda of a regular or special Board meeting, (2) appoint an appeals panel of not less than three trustees to hear the appeal and make a recommendation to the Board, or (3) respond to the complaint with an explanation of why the appeal will not be heard by the Board of Trustees in accordance with this policy. If the Chair appoints a panel to consider the appeal, the panel will meet to consider the appeal and then make a written recommendation to the full Board. The Board will report its decision on the appeal, in writing, to all parties, within thirty (30) calendar days of the Board meeting at which the Board considered the appeal or the recommendation of the panel. A decision of the Board is final, unless it is appealed pursuant to Montana law within the period provided by law.
Legal Reference: Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Civil Rights Act)
Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
§ 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Chapter 305 (2023) Require trustees to adopt a grievance policy
Policy History:
Adopted on: 8/31/2020
Revised on: 7/10/2023
1700F
UNIFORM COMPLAINT PROCEDURE FORM BOZEMAN SCHOOL DISTRICT No. 7 | |
Name of Complainant: | Date |
Level 1: Date and Nature of Incident:______________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ Resolution by Administration: __________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ |
Level 2: Please state the nature of the complaint: a description of the event, including school personnel involved, and the remedy or resolution requested. The written complaint must be filed within 30 days of the event or from the date an individual could reasonably become aware of the event. _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ Remedy sought: _______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ Which Board Policy and/or State or Federal Laws do you feel have been violated: _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ Response of the Administrator at Level 2: The response must be in writing within 30 days of the complaint. _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ |
Level 3: If not satisfied with the response at Level 2, the complainant may file a written appeal to the Superintendent at Level 3 within 15 days of the receipt of the response at level 2. ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ Remedy sought: ______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ Which Board Policy and/or State or Federal Laws do you feel have been violated: _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ Level 3 Response: The Superintendent will respond in writing within 30 days of the receipt of the appeal. _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ |
Level 4: The response of the Superintendent may be appealed in writing, within 15 days of the response, to the Board of Trustees. The Board will hear the appeal within 30 days of the appeal to Level 4. The decision of the Board is final unless appealed under provisions of Montana law. _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ Remedy sought: ______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ Response of the Board: ________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ |
Bozeman Public Schools
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Policy 1900
Emergency
Applicability of Emergency Policy
During a state of emergency declared by the Board of Trustees or other local, state or federal agency, official, or legislative body, the provisions in this emergency will govern in the event of any conflict or inconsistency between an emergency policy and other provisions in the district policy manual. All other aspects of the district policy manual not affected by the provisions in the emergency policy series continue to be in full effect.
Legal References
In the absence of a legal reference on an emergency policy adopted by the Board of Trustees, the policy is specifically based on the Board of Trustees authority to supervise and control the schools within the District in accordance with Article X, section 8 of the Montana Constitution.
Student, Staff, and Community Health and Safety
The School District has adopted the protocols outlined in this policy during the term of a declared emergency to ensure the safe and healthy delivery of education services provided to students on school property, a safe workplace when staff are present on school property, and the safety, health and well-being of parents and community members. The superintendent is authorized to implement protocols in coordination with state and local health officials.
Administrative Procedures
The Superintendent is authorized to develop procedures to implement this policy and ensure the safety of stakeholders.
School District Meetings, Gatherings, Events, and Visitors
The School District has adopted the protocols outlined in this policy to govern during the term of a declared emergency to ensure individuals present at a school facility for events or other operationally related reasons honor safety protocols. The superintendent is authorized to implement protocols in coordination with state and local health officials.
The Board of Trustees authorizes the Superintendent to develop procedures for physical meetings, gatherings, and events when the event is deemed essential to district operations.
Facilities Use Agreements
The Board of Trustees authorizes the Superintendent to suspend community use of District facilities. Facilities Use Agreements and other similar requests submitted in accordance with District Policy 4330 shall be considered on an individual case by case basis. Any authorized use must comply with Local, State and Federal guidelines.
Public Awareness
The School District will communicate with parents, citizens, and other necessary stakeholders about the protocols established in this policy and the steps taken to implement the protocols through all available and reasonable means.
Confidentiality
This policy in no way limits or adjusts the School District’s obligations to honor staff and student privacy rights. All applicable district policies and handbook provision governing confidentiality of student and staff medical information remain in full effect.
Offsite and Online Instructional Setting
The Board of Trustees authorizes off site and online instruction of students, which satisfies the aggregate number of instructional hours outlined in the School District’s adopted school year calendar. Offsite and online delivery methods shall include a complete range of educational services offered by the School District and shall comply with the requirements of applicable statutes. Students completing course work through an offsite or online instructional setting shall be treated in and have their hours of instruction calculated in the same manner as students attending an onsite institutional setting.
Students receiving off site delivery of education services may be eligible for assistance with accessibility to offsite or remote learning opportunities.
Student Attendance
The Board of Trustees authorizes administration to set an attendance policy for students that takes into account the location of instructional services, the applicability of proficiency-based instruction, the student’s grade level, and the health and safety of the student and their household during a state of emergency. Students are expected to complete assigned work. If a student is not present for the instructional day, the student shall be permitted to complete all work assigned by the teacher if not present for instruction within a reasonable period of time determined by the school. Students shall not lose credit or incur a grade reduction for reasons related to attendance.
Student Safety and Counseling
Students shall have access to regular school counseling services whether their instruction is provided in an onsite, offsite or online setting. Staff shall promptly report any suspected student distress or concern to their supervisor for review and referral. Students receiving instruction in an offsite setting are governed by the staff obligation to report suspected child abuse or neglect.
Homeless Students and Students in Foster Care
This policy in no way limits or adjusts the School Districts obligations to homeless students or students in foster care. Applicable District policies serving these students or this population of students remain in full effect.
Student Discipline
This policy in no way limits or adjusts the School District’s expectations for student conduct. All applicable district policies and handbook provisions governing student conduct remain in full effect.
Policy History:
Adopted on: 5/18/2020
Reviewed on: 8/23/2021
Revised on:
Terminated on: 6/14/2021
Bozeman Public Schools
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Policy 1905
Face Coverings as Personal Protective Equipment
This policy applies during a COVID-19 state of emergency declared by the Board of Trustees or other local, state or federal agency, official, or legislative body. This policy is adopted, implemented, and enforced in accordance with the supervisory authority vested with the Board of Trustees in accordance with Article 10, section 8 of the Montana Constitution. The Board of Trustees directs the Superintendent to develop and implement procedures to enforce this policy.
Mask requirements for all staff, volunteers, visitors, and school-aged students are based upon community and district COVID-19 transmission data. HB 702, as approved during the recent legislative session, prohibits the District from basing masking requirements on COVID-19 vaccination status.
Beginning August 24, 2021, given that trends in the number of active COVID-19 cases in Gallatin County leading up to the start of the school year show a "high" rate of transmission as defined by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Board of Trustees directs the Superintendent to implement a requirement for face coverings to be worn in all district buildings and indoor-spaces.
For the duration of the COVID-19 emergency declaration, the Board of Trustees authorizes the Superintendent to establish or lift mask requirements for grade bands (elementary, middle school, and high school as defined in District Policy 2105) and based upon multi-week trends in associated grade band COVID-19 transmission data. The Superintendent shall use the “high” rate of transmission as defined by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as the guiding decision metric when establishing or lifting mask requirements for grade bands. The Superintendent will also have discretion to establish masking requirements if sudden and substantial increases in COVID-19 transmission are seen at a particular grade band. Enforcement of any masking requirement will not be based on an individual’s COVID-19 vaccination status. Volunteer and visitor mask requirements would mirror the requirement in the grade band/s of the building where they are volunteering/visiting.
The Superintendent is authorized to establish or remove mask requirements at District buildings without students at his discretion.
In the event it is determined face coverings are required, the Superintendent shall announce the face covering requirement to students, parents, staff, and visitors for the immediate successive school week by 5:00 pm on Friday of the previous week. If masks are required, signs will be installed to inform students, parents, staff, and visitors of mask requirements while present in the identified District buildings.
Face covering means disposable or reusable masks that cover the nose and mouth. The School District will provide disposable masks to students, volunteers, and staff, if needed. If a student or staff wears a reusable mask, the School District expects that the masks be washed on a regular basis to ensure maximum protection.
When a masking requirement is in place, students, staff, volunteers, and visitors are not required to wear a mask under this provision when:
When a masking requirement is in place and students and members of the public are not present, staff may remove their masks if they are at their individual workstation and six feet of distance is strictly maintained between individuals. In some circumstances, staff may lower face covering while teaching, presenting, speaking or providing directions as long as they can maintain appropriate distance (6ft) from others. This decision will be left to the discretion of the individual staff member. To be determined by Staff, there will be opportunities for students for routine “mask breaks” throughout the day, if appropriate distancing can be maintained.
All points of entry to any school building or facility open to the public shall have a clearly visible sign posted stating the mask requirement.
Allegations of harassment of any person wearing a mask or those with recognized exemptions to the face covering requirement will be promptly investigated in accordance with District policy. Failure or refusal to wear a mask by a staff member or student not subject to an exception noted above may result in redirection or discipline in accordance with District policy and codes of conduct, as applicable.
Face coverings are required for drivers and riders on district route and activities busses in accordance with Federal regulations regardless of school mask requirements and flexibilities described above.
Legal Reference: Article X, section 8 Montana Constitution
Section 20-3-324, MCA Powers and Duties
Policy History:
Adopted on: 1/25/2021
Revised on: 8/23/2021