Communications To and From the Board
The Board welcomes communications from staff members, parents, students, and community members. Individuals may submit questions or communications for the Board’s consideration to the Superintendent or may use the electronic link to the email address(es) for members of the Board that is posted on the District’s website.
The Superintendent or designee shall:
- Ensure that the home page for the District’s website contains an active electronic link to the email address(es) for the members of the Board, and
- Provide the Board with a summary of these questions or communications and provide, as appropriate, feedback regarding the matter.
If contacted individually, Board members shall refer the person to the appropriate level of authority, except in unusual situations. Board members’ questions or communications to staff or about programs will be channeled through the Superintendent’s office. Board members shall not take private action that might compromise the Board or District. There is no expectation of privacy for any communication sent to the Board or its members individually, whether sent by letter, email, or other means.
Board Member Use of Electronic Communications
For purposes of this section, electronic communications includes, without limitation, electronic mail, electronic chat, instant messaging, texting, and any form of social networking. Electronic communications among a majority or more of a Board-quorum shall not be used for the purpose of discussing District business.
Electronic communications among members of the Board shall be limited to: 1) disseminating information, 2) messages not involving deliberation, debate, or decision-making.
The following list contains examples of permissible electronic communications:
- Agenda item suggestions
- Reminders regarding meeting times, dates, and places
- Board meetings agendas or information concerning agenda items
- Individual emails to community members, subject to the other limitations in this policy
In accordance with the Open Meetings Act and the Oath of Office taken by members of the Board, individual members will not (a) reply to an email on behalf of the entire Board, except for the President of the Board or (b) engage in the discussion of District business with a majority of a Board-quorum.
Adopted: February 17, 1998
Revised: February 20, 2007; March 14, 2016; November 15, 2021; September 23, 2024
Legal Reference:
5 ILCS 120/, Open Meetings Act.
50 ILCS 205/20, Local Records Act.