Little Silver Board of Education

In general, the role of the Board of Education is to ensure that the school district is well run. Examples of the Board’s responsibilities include policy-making, appointing and dismissing personnel, maintaining the buildings and grounds, and adopting an annual budget. It's important to note that the Board of Education does not oversee day-to-day operations, as this is the responsibility of the Superintendent who uses the written policies of the Board as guidance. Well-crafted policies minimize ambiguity between the Board and its Chief School Administrator and promote the smooth operation of the school system.

Adapted from:  Who Does What in Public School Governance

See also: 13 Things School Board Members Wish People Knew About Them

The Little Silver School District asks that families with concerns work up the chain of command, per Board Policy 1100. For instance, if a parent has an issue specific to their child’s classroom, the parent should first address it with the Teacher. If the issue cannot be resolved, the parent should next turn to the Principal or Supervisor, and lastly the Superintendent. Often parents can get answers to their questions simply by contacting the appropriate person in the school district. The school board should be contacted only as a last resort.

Adapted from:  New Jersey School Boards Association - FAQ

See also: Little Silver Board of Education Organization Chart

Board of Education meetings are conducted in public, typically once a month, in accordance with the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act. Occasionally the Board will call a special meeting to address a specific item of business that is time sensitive - these meetings are also open to the public. The Board will occasionally go into Closed Session to discuss confidential matters such as personnel issues, labor negotiations, legal proceedings, and other issues covered by applicable state statutes. Board voting can only occur during an official public meeting. The Board may adjourn to closed session during a public meeting and reconvene in public session at the same meeting.

The Little Silver Board of Education utilizes a committee structure, with members of the Board assigned to committees to work with key administrators to study a specific issue and make recommendations to the full Board for a vote. By the time the Board has a regular “agenda” or “business” meeting where it votes on issues, most agenda items have already been vetted or studied in committee.

Meetings are posted in the School Offices, at the Board Office, in the Asbury Park Press, and on the school district's website.

Adapted from: New Jersey School Boards Association - FAQ

The “Public Comment” portion of Board of Education meetings is an opportunity for community members to weigh-in on items coming before the Board for a vote. It is not intended to engender debate or question-and-answer between the public and individual board members. There are typically two opportunities for Public Comment at Little Silver Board of Education meetings; the first is for agenda action items only, the second for any item.

• The person wishing to address the Board will be asked to state their name and address for the record before making a statement.
• Each speaker’s statement will be limited to three (3) minutes in duration.
• All remarks must be directed to the Board President or designee (not to individual members or staff).
• Although the Board may not respond to items raised, all public comments will be considered.

Additional information regarding Public Comment is detailed in Board Policy 0167.