Friona

Independent School District
School Board FAQ
(Frequently asked questions)

 

 

 

 
Friona Board of Trustees is the governing body of community members who have helped provide the leadership and vision that has made the district a successful school district.

The following information is designed to provide insight into the policies and procedures
that define the role of the School Board.

Thank you for your interest in Friona ISD's Board of Trustees and the education of the  children in our community.

 

General Questions About Friona ISD School Board

  
  1. What does the Board do?
  2. Who serves on the Board?
  3. Who can attend Board meetings?
  4. How are meetings conducted?
  5. How is the Board meeting agenda developed?
  6. What authority do individual Board members have?
  7. How do I address the School Board?
  

 

What does the Board do?
The seven-member Board of Trustees is Friona ISD's policy-making body.

Primary functions:

  • Set the direction for the district, primarily focusing on the education and well-being of students.
  • Translate the needs of students into policies, plans and goals that will be supported by the community.
  • Represent the public interest.
Responsibilities:
  • Hire and evaluate the superintendent
  • Approve the district's budget
  • Establish goals and evaluate outcomes
  • Adopt and evaluate policies
  • Levy and collect taxes, and issue bonds
  • Order elections, canvass returns, declare results, and issue certificates of election as required by law
  • Adhere to guidelines and policies mandated by the Texas Education Agency and the U.S. Department of Education
  • Communicate with the community, including the public recognition of significant student and teacher accomplishments

Regular meetings of the School Board begin at 7:00 p.m. the third Monday of each month in the FISD Central Administration Building,
909 East 11th, Friona.

 

 

Who serves on the Board?
Any registered voter who has lived in Texas for one year and in the school district for six months may file for election to the School Board.  Trustees are volunteers and receive no compensation for their service.

Elections
Members of the Board of Trustees are elected for three-year terms.  Annual elections are held the first Saturday in May and are staggered, i.e., two places one year, three the following and two the next year.  Board officers are elected the first meeting following the election.

Training
The Texas Education Agency, as mandated by House Bill 72 passed in 1984, requires School Board members to participate in, state-accredited training.  In addition to orientation on the basic responsibilities of School Boards, the trainings include details on school finance, curriculum and legislation.

 

 
Who can attend Board meetings?
  • School Board meetings are open to anyone.
  • Individuals may address the Board during the open forum portion of each meeting.
  • State law does not allow the audience to enter into discussion regarding matters under consideration during the Board meeting.

 

 
How are meetings conducted?
The Board observes Robert's Rules of Order during all of its meetings.
  • The Board President or Vice President in his absence presides at all of its meetings.
  • A simple majority is required to pass a motion.
  • The Friona ISD Board of Trustees meets in compliance with the Texas Open Meetings Act and makes public records available pursuant to the Texas Open Records Act.

 

How is the Board meeting agenda developed?
The agenda is finalized the Friday prior to each Monday meeting and delivered to Board members the following day.

Agenda items
The agenda is designed to include citizens' comments, student and staff recognitions, action items and report items.

Posting of the agenda
Agendas are posted 72 hours before meetings on the front door of the Central Administration Office and www.frionaisd.com

Closed session
A closed executive session notice is placed on the agenda to address the following legally appropriate items:

  • Consultation with the Board's attorney on legal issues
  • Real property purchases or economic development decisions
  • Prospective gifts or donations to the district
  • Personnel matters, including employee complaints
  • Student discipline
  • Security issues

No voting or polling of votes is allowed in executive session.

 

What authority do individual Board members have?
The Board's authority is considered to be "body corporate."  As a result, no individual member has authority outside of a Board meeting.

 

How do I address the School Board?
The trustees represent you in determining what is best for the children attending Friona ISD schools, and you should feel comfortable expressing your opinions to them.  Your input into the direction of Friona ISD is encouraged and will always be considered by the Board.

Guidelines:

  • Speakers should identify themselves and their affiliation, make their presentations, and identify the desired remedies.
  • Each speaker is allocated five minutes.
  • Delegations of more than five persons are required to appoint one person to present their views before the Board.
  • Speakers should direct their remarks to the entire Board and not to individual Trustees

Requesting time to speak

Interested parties may request time to speak by registering with the Board Secretary before the meeting begins.

Topics not allowed by state law:

  • Deliberation, discussion or any decisions related to items not on that meeting's agenda.
  • Complaints about individual district employees.

 

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