BACKGROUND
The Brandywine Heights School Board is comprised of nine residents elected to terms of four years each. School Directors are not paid for their services. A member may run for re-election to successive terms. Voting takes place at the regular May primaries and November general elections in odd numbered years. When vacancies occur unexpectedly, the board may appoint a replacement to serve until the next municipal general election. The district solicitor, secretary and treasurer are appointed by the board.

SCHOOL BOARD ACTION
The school board sets policies within the framework of the state school code and regulations of the state board of education. In effect, the school board is the legislative branch of the school district. The board defines policies which are implemented by the administrative and instructional staffs. District affairs are audited annually by the office of the state auditor general.

AGENDA ITEMS FOR RESOLUTION
Residents who wish to place an item on the board or workshop agenda should submit the item, in writing, to the superintendent of schools at least one week prior to the next meeting of the board. The secretary of the board is elected every four years and is responsible for correspondence and the recording of all school board action. In some districts, including Brandywine, the secretary is also the business manager and therefore responsible for conducting all business functions of the school district. The school district solicitor is an attorney who is retained by the board as a legal counselor and advisor.

ORDER OF BUSINESS

TIPS FOR VISITORS

• Any resident, student, or staff member may speak at the board meeting.
• Visitors upon being recognized by the board president, may speak to agenda items.
• Visitors will be permitted to comment or ask questions on any subject at a time designated on the agenda.
• Comments and questions should be stated as concisely as possible.
• Public comment may be limited to five minutes.
• No person should orally initiate personal charges or complaints against individual employees at a public meeting of the board. Any charges, complaints or challenges should be presented to the superintendent in writing and by the complainant. Generally, any charges presented to the board at an open meeting will be referred to the superintendent for investigation and reporting.
• Private meetings may also be requested with the board by calling or writing to the superintendent.

COMPLAINT PROCEDURE
In order to serve students, parents, residents and the district BEST, items concerning individual student(s) and/or issue(s) should be referred to the first appropriate level as follows:

	1st level - Teacher
	2nd Level - Bldg. Principal
	3rd Level - Superintendent
	4th Level - School Board

This process should save YOU time and provide the highest quality of resolution. We ALL need to communicate in a manner which demonstrates mutual respect for student, parent, community, and school district needs, roles, and responsibilities. Effective communication and accountability must occur at all levels of successful organizations.