CREIGHTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 14

SCHOOL BOARD LEGAL STATUS

The responsibility for establishing and maintaining public schools in Arizona is vested in the Arizona Legislature, as outlined in the Arizona Constitution. The Constitution mandates the creation of a State Board of Education, which holds general supervisory authority over public schools. Local school boards operate under the general supervision of the State Board of Education and are responsible for maintaining, developing, and operating public schools in their districts. These local school boards derive their authority from the Arizona Constitution, state statutes, and the regulations set forth by the Arizona Administrative Code.

LEGAL REFERENCES

• A.R.S. 15-421
• Arizona Constitution, Art. XI, Section 1
• Arizona Constitution, Art. XX, Paragraph 7

BOARD POWERS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Governing Board serves as the general agent of the state of Arizona, tasked with fulfilling the educational needs of the community within the District. The Board has the legal authority to establish policies and regulations necessary for the organization, evaluation, and governance of the District.

The Board's primary functions include:

• Legislative: Policy-making authority for the school system. The Board adopts general policies and may also act directly in matters not covered by policy.

• Executive: Implementing Board policies, a responsibility largely delegated to the Superintendent.

• Appraisal: Assessing the effectiveness of school operations and evaluating the educational program based on established policies.

The duties of an individual Board member include:

• Gaining knowledge of state laws, education regulations, and District policies.
• Understanding the educational goals of the system.
• Collaborating harmoniously with fellow Board members.
• Acting and voting impartially for the benefit of the District.
• Supporting the Board’s majority vote and policies.
• Maintaining confidentiality in sensitive matters.
• Representing the Board and District to the public, promoting interest and support.
• Referring complaints to proper authorities and refraining from personal action.
• Performing other appropriate duties as necessary.

LEGAL REFERENCES

• A.R.S. 15-321
• A.R.S. 15-341
• A.R.S. 15-342

BOARD CONSULTANTS

The District may employ consultants when necessary to improve the effectiveness of District operations. Consultants may be engaged under the following circumstances:

1. When the District lacks the specialized skills or expertise within its staff.
2. When adding such tasks to existing staff duties would be burdensome.

Consultants may provide various forms of assistance, including but not limited to:

• Conducting fact-finding studies, surveys, and research.
• Offering specialized counsel or services.
• Assisting the Board in developing policy and program recommendations.

The Superintendent is responsible for hiring consultants within the District’s allocated budget.

LEGAL REFERENCES

• A.R.S. 15-341
• A.R.S. 15-343