School Board

The School Board is comprised of seven district residents who represent their communities in setting policies and directing school programs. They are elected at large and serve four-year terms. The high school student council appoints a non-voting student representative to the board, and the superintendent is an ex-officio member as well.

The Superintendent of Schools is appointed by the school board as its chief executive officer. He/She administers board policies, oversees the operation of the school district, and keeps the board informed of the needs and programs of the schools. The superintendent and administrative staff are professional resources to the board, and their recommendations normally precede board action.

Contact the Sauk Rapids-Rice Board of Education

The district maintains email addresses for the school board in order to facilitate communication with school board members. The contact information is listed with each member. Alternatively, you are also welcome to interact via Twitter: @47schoolboard

When does the board meet?

Regular meetings of the School Board are normally held on the second and fourth Mondays of each month, beginning at 6:30 p.m. unless otherwise specified. Most meetings are held in the district’s board room located on the second floor of the high school. Board meetings are conducted in accordance with Minnesota’s Open Meeting Law and are chaired by a board member elected by the board for such purpose. The public is welcome to attend board meetings and time for public input is opened as close to 7:00 p.m. as the agenda permits.

What is done at the board meetings?

Meetings of the board are held to conduct the business of the schools. The board acts upon recommendations of the Superintendent of Schools on a wide variety of matters ranging from personnel to building maintenance. It legally adopts an operating budget, sets a tax rate for the school district and authorizes expenditures. Although any matter relating to the operation of the schools may come before the board, most activities are routinely handled through administrative channels.

How can I find out what’s being discussed at a meeting?

ISD 47 has adopted a “paperless” system for board meetings. As a result, agendas and minutes are available at the board meeting and accordance with State Statute and Board Policy will be made available by 5:00 p.m. on the Friday prior to a school board meeting.

Are meetings open to the public?

A school board meeting is a meeting held in public, but it is not a public meeting. On occasion, and only in accordance with state statutes, closed sessions may be held for the purpose of discussing matters of personnel, negotiations, etc. Other committee or special meetings are posted in the District Office or below. These meetings are generally open to the public.

How does someone bring a matter before the board?

Public input is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at every board meeting, and the board will recognize anyone wishing to make a brief comment of a non-personal nature. A person who wishes to bring a matter before the school board should contact the superintendent or board chairperson at least one week before the board meeting and state the purpose and nature of the request. The chairperson has the prerogative to limit discussion time and (s)he may request one person to be the spokesperson when a group is making a presentation.

How can I schedule a listening session?

Patrons of the district may schedule a “listening session” with school board members by calling the District Office at 320-253-4703 prior to 4:00 p.m. on the Thursday before the next scheduled listening session.