The functions of the Board include the following:

• Formulating, adopting and interpreting policies and bylaws
• Delegating administrative responsibilities and duties
• Making decisions on educational and budget issues that in the Board’s judgment cannot or should not be delegated
• Selecting the Superintendent of Schools and other senior administrative personnel
• Ensuring that appropriate channels of communication exist both within the School District’s internal organization and between the Board and the North Vancouver community
• Appraising the School District’s educational, administrative, and planning processes in comparison with the Board’s stated goals and objectives
• Acting as a body of final appeal within the School District where other means of dispute resolution in the School District are unsuccessful
• Board decisions that significantly affect the education, health or safety of a student may be appealed to a Superintendent of Achievement in the Ministry of Education.

The Board shall appoint a Chair and a Vice-Chair with duties and responsibilities as described in the administrative procedures associated with this policy.

In accordance with the provisions of the School Act, Trustees shall receive an annual stipend, paid on a monthly basis, the amount of which shall be set by Board resolution. Additional amounts, also set by Board resolution, shall be paid to the Chair and Vice-Chair respectively.

The Board will authorize the reimbursement of Trustee expenses as provided in the School Act and which are consistent with the provisions described in the administrative procedures associated with this policy.

Trustees represent the public interest in public education, acting as liaison between the community and the education system. The Board recognizes that Trustees must remain informed and must continue to upgrade their skills. To that end, the Board may include funds in the annual budget to cover Trustee expenses for attendance at provincial, national and international seminars, conferences, or workshops related to education.

Administrative Procedures

Duties of the Board Chair and Vice-Chair

The Chair and Vice-Chair of the Board shall be elected at the inaugural meeting of the Board and annually thereafter in November.

The Chair shall preside at all meetings of the Board and may vote at the same time as other Trustees on all motions placed before the Board for action. The Chair, with the Secretary-Treasurer, shall sign such documents on behalf of the Board as may require signature. The Chair shall represent the Board in deliberations with other Boards or agencies unless another Trustee is so designated. The Chair will act as spokesperson for the Board and shall be assisted in this task by the Superintendent or designate as needed.

The Vice-Chair of the Board shall, in the absence of the Chair, perform all duties of the Chair while acting in that capacity.

In the absence of both the Chair and Vice-Chair, the Trustees present at a Board meeting shall elect a temporary Chair for that meeting.

Payment of Stipend

The work of School Trustees in exercising their duties is recognized by payment of an annual stipend. One third of the stipend is an allowance for expenses incurred by Trustees in the discharge of their duties and is not taxable as permitted by the Income Tax Act. The non-taxable allowance is expected to cover all in-District travel such as to Board meeting, School District events and functions and to liaison schools; additional vehicle insurance; and local telephone calls.

Provision of Resources

The Board believes that all Trustees require resources to effectively assist them in carrying out their duties and will provide such resources to Trustees during their term in office. These resources may include a laptop computer and a printer (including print cartridges and paper), reimbursement of one Internet connection, School District e-mail service, a cell phone and related business usage, business cards and lapel pins. Equipment provided by the District must be returned to the Board upon termination of their role as Trustee.

Travel Expenses

Trustees will be reimbursed travel expenses on the same basis as employees consistent with the Board’s policy. Trustees may apply for a travel advance to cover out-of-pocket costs, which are later accounted for through their expense claim.

Expense Claims
Trustees shall submit expense claims on a regular basis and at least annually before June 30 of each fiscal year to ensure expenses are recorded in the correct fiscal year of the School District. Where a Trustee, as a representative of the Board, incurs reasonable travelling and living expenses in attending meetings in the Lower Mainland area, the Board will authorize the payment of these expenses.

Expenses Paid by Outside Organizations
When a Trustee, as a representative of the Board, incurs expenses as a result of carrying out duties assigned by that organization or committee, these expenses shall be borne by that organization or committee.

Trustees representing the Board at provincial meetings of the BC School Trustees Association’s Provincial Council or the BC Public Schools Employers’ Association’s Representative Council or serving on Ministry of Education committees will be compensated by those organizations in accordance with their expense policies.

Professional Development