School District
#261
CAPS TITLE
Big Title
Jerome Jt. School District #261
Policy Group
1000 Board of Trustees
Jerome Joint School District No. 261
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Board Operating Protocol 1500B
A simple guide to how our School Board runs meetings and works together.
Our Purpose
The Jerome School District Board of Trustees is committed to operating openly, respectfully, and in a way that keeps students at the center of every decision. This guide explains how we conduct our meetings and how we work as a team with the Superintendent.
How We Run Our Meetings
We follow clear rules so meetings run smoothly.
We use simple parliamentary rules. If a question comes up, we refer to a small-board version of Robert’s Rules of Order.
Meetings are open and accessible.
All regular Board meetings are open to the public.
If someone needs an accommodation because of a disability, we follow our established process to make sure they can participate.
We follow Idaho’s Open Meetings Law.
This means our meetings are properly posted, our agendas are public, and meeting minutes are taken and made available.
What’s on the agenda?
The Board Chair and Superintendent create the agenda, and Board Members may offer input.
Community members can request an item by submitting it in writing to the Board Clerk within 5 days of a regularly scheduled meeting.
Trustees attend in person unless they truly need to attend virtually.
State law allows remote participation when necessary. Proxy voting is not allowed.
Public Comment
You can speak at regular Board meetings.
We accept in-person public comment at every regular meeting before we vote on district business (including the consent agenda).
We follow our public comment rules.
These are described in Policy 4105 and help ensure that meetings remain safe, orderly, and respectful.
We allow Photographic and electronic audio and video broadcasting and recording.
Guidelines for this are described in Policy in 1525 to help prevent disruption to those present at the meeting.
Some topics can’t have public comment.
By law, we cannot take public comment on matters that belong in Executive Session, such as:
Personnel issues
Student matters
Pending litigation
Other confidential topics defined in Idaho Code
How Trustees Work With the Superintendent
The Superintendent is the district’s Chief Executive Officer.
They manage the day-to-day operations of the district and provide recommendations to the Board on items that require action.
Trustees do not direct staff.
Any request for staff information or staff time goes through the Superintendent.
Concerns about staff follow a set process.
If Trustees receive a complaint about an employee, we direct it through the District’s Uniform Grievance Procedure.
How Trustees Interact With the Community
We represent ALL students.
Every decision should reflect what is best for the entire district—not individual schools, groups, or personal interests.
We act professionally.
We model respectful behavior, avoid personal attacks, and communicate in ways that build trust.
We avoid surprises.
If a Trustee wants something added to the agenda, they may request it ahead of time.We do not bring up major new issues unexpectedly during a meeting.
We stick to the topics on the agenda.
This keeps meetings focused and efficient.
How We Make Decisions
We prepare beforehand.
Trustees review materials ahead of the meeting.
If more information is needed, we ask the Superintendent before the meeting.
We use research and input.
We consider:
Public feedback
Best practices
Financial impact
Student needs
Professional recommendations
We protect confidential information.
Everything discussed in the Executive Session stays confidential.
Work sessions are for deeper discussion.
Work sessions focus on one or two larger topics that need extra time.
How We Improve as a Board
We participate in learning and training.
Trustees attend training events, work sessions, and annual retreats.
We set goals each year.
The Board and Superintendent work together annually to set District goals.
The Board speaks with one voice.
Individual Trustees cannot act alone.
The Board only has authority when it acts as a group.
The Board Chair speaks publicly for the Board.
If the Board needs to make a public statement, the Chair—or someone they designate—will speak on behalf of all Trustees.
Trustees on committees serve as liaisons.
They share information between the committee and the Board but do not direct committee work.
Our Commitment to the Community
We commit to:
Be respectful and transparent
Follow Idaho law
Listen to and value public input
Work as a unified team
Keep students at the center of our decisions
Strengthen trust with our staff, families, and community
Policy History:
Adopted on: 12/08/2025