One important way individuals choose to participate in their student's school is by joining a school committee. Springboro Schools supports using both board and distirct committees to sustain the work of our district to reach its vision and mission, as well as accomplish its goals.
At Springboro Schools, two types of committees exist to better serve our community, our students and staff, and the district as a whole. There are Board Committees and District Committees.
Committee Structure (Board Committee vs. District Committee)
Board committees often serve as “standing” committees, existing every year for a similar purpose. Board members are appointed to these standing committees. Often, individual assignments rotate so that all members of the board have opportunities to serve in different capacities. Other times, an ad hoc committee can be appointed for a single initiative or period of time, such as for strategic planning or a new building effort. These committees are used to accomplish a major project when many meetings are often required, making it difficult for every board member to participate. Appointed by the board, board committees present their work to the board for deliberation and subsequent action. The board relies on the committee and board members serving on that committee to complete its work in a timely and thorough manner. When this happens, the goal is for the full board to accept the recommendation of the committee based on its expertise and investment of time. The right committee appointment for a board member can build a sense of ownership and commitment to proper board governance.
In Ohio, a board committee is not the same as a district committee. Nearly all districts use a variety of district committees — sometimes refered to as superintendent committees — to do the necessary daily work of the district. These committees report to the Superintendent, Treasurer or another district administrator.
District committees may include a board member, but it is not required. A district committee that is appointed by the Superintendent is not a committee of the Board, and therefore not subject to the Sunshine and Public Records laws that pertain to board of education meetings. District committees are not required to give notice of their meetings or take minutes for each meeting. Board committees are charged by the board, members are appointed by the board, and the committee works on behalf of the board.