The Millard Public School District is a duly organized Class III district and a body corporate possessing all the usual powers of a public corporation. The corporate name is Douglas County School District No. 17. It is also known as the Millard School District.

The Millard School Board, also known as the Board of Education, is the governing body of the Millard School District and shall consist of six members who are legal voters of the Millard School District. The school Board has and exercises quasi-judicial powers as provided by statute. The school Board may include at least one nonvoting member who is a public high school student in the District. A nonvoting member is excluded from closed or executive session of the school Board.

The six members of the Millard School Board shall serve terms of four years. The terms of office are staggered so that three members are elected each year of statewide primary and statewide general elections and shall take office on the first Thursday after the first Tuesday of the January following the election. The terms of three members whose terms expire shall expire on the first Thursday after the first Tuesday in January following the statewide primary and statewide general elections. Each elected member at the beginning of the member’s term shall take the oath of office required by law.

The Millard School Board shall select its own officers and make its own rules and regulations not inconsistent with any statute. At the first meeting of the school Board in January of each year and at the meeting when newly elected members take office and annually thereafter the school Board will elect from its members a president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer. No school Board member shall accept or receive any compensation for services performed in discharging the duties of his or her office.

In all meetings of the Millard School Board the majority of the members will constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Regular meetings of the school Board shall be held on the first and third Mondays of each month except when postponed for good cause; provided however, that at least one of the meetings shall be held on or before the third Monday of the month.

Responsibilities of Local School Boards 

The responsibilities of the Millard Board of Education include: a legal responsibility for the control of public schools as the only agency in their community with this responsibility; a civic responsibility as the controlling agency providing a basically essential service to the life of the community; a social responsibility toward all who look to the schools as centers of growth and development for children, youth, and adults; as economic responsibility since there is a direct relationship between good schools and business prosperity; a moral and ethical responsibility to function courageously and impartially to assure the greatest good to the greatest number at all time. In the strong conviction that the American system of public school education will best meet the needs of the citizenry if all local school Boards throughout the United States recognize and meet their full responsibilities, the Millard Board of Education supports the following principles: 

I. School Boards shall function in a non-partisan, broadly representative, team- spirited manner. Every member of the school Board shall represent open- mindedly the entire school district, and, in consequence, must let his or her consideration for the entire district take precedence over every form of partisan and special interest group-political, racial, religious, geographic, economic, social, civic, or other. 

II. School Boards shall adopt clearly defined written policies, based on a thorough understanding of the education process. In formulating the policies they shall consult individuals and groups affected by the policies, and, since changing conditions bring changing needs, shall maintain flexible policies. They shall recognize that while school Boards are policy-making bodies, they properly delegate the execution of policy to employed professional administrators and their staffs. 

III. School Boards shall recognize that public schools belong to all the people, are supported by the people, and are designed to carry out the wishes of the people for the education of children and adults. The Board shall conduct Board business in open session and endeavor by every reasonable means to inform the public concerning the schools. 

IV. School Boards shall enlist citizen groups as needed to assist and counsel them, making certain that three principles are followed: 

A. Citizen groups shall be broadly representative; 

B. Recommendations shall be based on research and facts; 

C. Recommendations shall be submitted to the school board which alone has the authority to act upon them. 

V. School Boards shall plan and maintain a flexible program for the future, based on surveys and studies of population trends, possible economic changes, changing community attitudes, development in education, and all factors, which would affect their school systems. 

VI. School Boards shall work to maintain and improve the professional status of the teaching profession, and shall encourage potential candidates for teaching who will exemplify the highest ideals. 

VII. School Boards shall employ professional and non-professional personnel with competence and personal qualifications, which command community respect.Appropriate to the importance of their role in their communities, all personnel shall be adequately compensated to assure their economic security and their working conditions shall permit them to effectively exercise their skills and duties. 

VIII. School Boards shall establish and use free channels of communication with all of their personnel so that decisions affecting their interests and welfare may be made only after careful Board consideration has been given to their views, recommendations, needs, and grievances. 

The Board of Education will direct the Superintendent to establish or alter the geographical attendance area for each school and make assignments for student attendance in such schools for each grade level, Pre-K-5, 6-8 and 9-12, and shall enact such attendance areas upon board approval. Exceptions for students to attend a school other than the assigned attendance area school may be made through the intra-district transfer process on the basis of criteria established by the Board of Education and administered by the Superintendent or his designee.

The Board of Education shall provide orientation for new incoming Board members of the Board of Education.

The Board places a high priority on the importance of a planned and continuing program for the education of its members. The ultimate purpose of this program is to enhance the quality and effectiveness of public school governance in the Millard School District community and a well informed Board of Education is a key part in accomplishing that purpose.

Funds shall be budgeted annually to support this program. Board members shall be reimbursed for out-of-pocket costs incurred in participation in approved activities in accordance with District policy and State law. Members of the Board may select the method and means for improving the Board member’s ability to perform Board duties and subject to the authority of the Board to approve or disapprove of the Board member’s selection of means and methods of Board development. 

The following are types of activities and services, among others, appropriate for implementing this Policy:

1. Participation in school board conferences, workshops, and conventions conducted by the Nebraska and the National School Boards Association.


2. District sponsored training sessions for Board members.


3. Publications provided by the District that address the concerns of Board members.

The Board will follow state and federal laws and regulations governing the expenditures of public funds. The Local Government Miscellaneous Expenditure Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. §13-2201 through 13-2204) provides a legal basis for certain types of expenditures for which there previously had been no statutory authority or for which there had been questionable legal authority. 

The Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission has adopted a document entitled Use of Public Funds by Cities and Villages. The Board recognizes the following general guidelines of the Commission: 

1. Public funds may be used to purchase plaques, certificates, and similar items of acknowledgement or appreciation for elected or appointed public officials, employees, or volunteers of the local government; provided however, the governing board shall, by official action after a public hearing, establish a uniform policy which sets a dollar limit on the value of any plaque, certificate of achievement, or item of value to be awarded. The policy may not be amended or altered more that once in any twelve-month period. 

The Board hereby establishes the following maximum dollar limits of value: 
        Plaques $25.00 
        Certificates of achievement $10.00 
        Retirement gift $75.00 
        Thirty-year service recognition gift $50.00 

2. Public funds may not be expended for the expenses of a spouse of a public employee or public official in connection with attendance at a conference. The Local Government Miscellaneous Expenditure Act specifically prohibits using public funds to pay the expenses of a spouse of an elected or appointed official. The Accountability and Disclosure Act prohibits the use of public funds for the financial benefit of an immediate family member of a public official or public employee. 

3. Public funds may not be expended for flowers and memorials for deceased elected officials, employees or their families. 

4. Public funds may be expended for a recognition dinner for elected officials and employees. The Local Government Miscellaneous Expenditure Act provides that one recognition dinner each year may be held for elected and appointed officials, employees, or volunteers of the local government. It provides, however, that the maximum cost per person for the dinner must be established by formal action of the governing body and may not exceed $50. The Board hereby establishes the maximum cost per person at $50. 

5. Monies received from vending machines on District property are public funds. The use of this money is subject to the same restrictions placed on any other public funds regardless of its source. 

6. Monies received from recycling aluminum cans are not subject to restrictions placed on public funds, since the cans are the property of the purchasing consumer. It is permissible to allow the consumer to voluntarily deposit their aluminum cans in a receptacle on District property. The proceeds of the sale of the cans are not restricted. 

Members of the Board shall be reimbursed for all necessary expenses incurred in attending any meetings or in making any trips on official business for the School District when so authorized by the Board.

Upon completion of his or her final term as a member of the Board of Education, the member will be publicly recognized and thanked for his or her service to the District. Public recognition shall be entered into the minutes of the Board.

A. Contracts Exceeding $2,000.00 

Unless otherwise provided by law, no Board members, or a member of that individual's immediate family, or business with which the Board member is associated, shall enter into a contract valued at $2,000.00 or more, in any one year, with the District unless the contract is awarded through an open and public process which includes prior public notice and subsequent availability for public inspection during the regular office hours of the District of the proposals considered and the contract awarded. No contract shall be divided for the purpose of evading the requirements of this Policy. This Policy shall not apply to a contract when the Board member does not in any way represent either party in the transaction. 

B. Interest in Contracts 

Except as provided herein, no Board member may have an interest in any contract to which the Board, or anyone for its benefit, is a party. This prohibition shall apply only when the Board member, his or her parent, spouse, or child (a) has a business association with the business involved in the contract or (b) will receive a direct pecuniary fee or commission as a result of the contract. This prohibition shall not apply if the contract is an agenda item approved at a Board meeting and the Board member: 

            1. Makes a declaration on the record to the Board regarding the nature and extent of his or her interest prior to official consideration of the contract; 

            2. Does not vote on the matters of granting the contract, making payments pursuant to the contract, or accepting performance of work under the contract, or similar matters relating to the contract, except that if the number of members of the Board declaring an interest in the contract would prevent the Board with all members present from securing a quorum on the issue, then all members may vote on the matters; and 

            3. Does not act for the District as to inspection or performance under the contract in which he or she has an interest. 

The receiving of deposits, cashing of checks, and buying and selling of warrants and bonds of indebtedness of the District by a financial institution shall not be considered a contract for purposes of this section. The ownership of less than five percent of the outstanding shares of a corporation shall not constitute an interest within the meaning of this section. 

C. Employment of Family Members 

A Board member may employ, recommend the employment of, or supervise the employment of a member of the Board member's immediate family if he or she does not abuse his or her official position, makes a full disclosure on the record to the Board and a written disclosure to the person in charge of keeping records for the Board, and the Board approves the employment or supervisory position. No Board member shall employ an immediate family member without first having made a reasonable solicitation and consideration of applications for such employment, or an immediate family member who is not qualified for and able to perform the duties of the position, or for any unreasonably high salary, or who is not required to perform the duties of the position. This section shall not apply to an immediate family member of a Board member who (1) was previously employed in a position subject to this section prior to the election or appointment of the Board member, or (2) was employed in a position subject to this section prior to September 1, 2001. Any newly elected or appointed Board member shall make a full disclosure of any immediate family member employed in a position subject to this section prior, upon, to or as soon as reasonably possible after the official date of taking office. 

If a Board member's parent, spouse, or child is an employee of the District, the Board member may vote on all issues of any contract which are generally applicable to (a) all employees or (b) all employees within a classification and do not single out his or her parent, spouse, or child for special action. 

D. Personal Gain Prohibited 

No Board member shall solicit or accept anything of value, including a gift, loan, contribution, reward, or promise of future employment, based on an agreement that the vote, official action, or judgment of the Board member would be influenced thereby. 

No Board member shall use or authorize the use of his or her office or any confidential information received through the holding of his or her office to obtain financial gain, other than compensation provided by law, for himself or herself, or a member of his or her immediate family, or a business with which the Board member is associated. 

No Board member shall use personnel, resources, property, or funds under his or her official care and control, other than in accordance with prescribed constitutional, statutory and regulatory procedures, or use such items, other than compensation provided by law, for personal financial gain. 

E. Definitions 

1. "Business with which the individual is associated" or "business association" shall mean a business: (1) in which the individual is a partner, limited liability company member, director, or officer; or (2) in which the individual or a member of the individual's immediate family is a stockholder of closed corporation stock worth one thousand dollars or more at fair market value or which represents more than a five percent equity interest, or is a stockholder of publicly traded stock worth ten thousand dollars or more at fair market value or which represents more than a ten percent equity interest. An individual who occupies a confidential professional relationship protected by law shall be exempt from this section. This section shall not apply to publicly traded stock under a trading account if the filer reports the name and address of the stockholder. 

2. "Immediate family" shall mean a child residing in an individual's household, a spouse of an individual, or an individual claimed by that individual or that individual's spouse as a dependent for federal income tax purposes.

I. As a member of my local Board of Education, representing all the citizens of my school district, I recognize

1. That my fellow citizens have entrusted me with the educational development of the children and youth of this community.

2. That the public expects my first and greatest concern to be in the best interest of each and everyone of these young people without distinction as to who they are or what their background may be.

3. That the future welfare of this community, of this State, and of the Nation depends in the largest measure upon the quality of education we provide in the public schools to fit the needs of every learner.

4. That my fellow Board members and I must take the initiative in helping all the people of this community to have all the facts all the time about their schools, to the end that they will readily provide the finest school program, school staff, and school facilities.

5. That legally the authority of the Board is derived from the State which ultimately controls the organization and operation of the school district and which determines the degree of discretionary power left with the Board and the people of this community for the exercise of local autonomy.

6. That I must never neglect my personal obligation to the community and my local obligation to the State, nor surrender these responsibilities to any other person, group, or organization; but that, beyond these, I have a moral and civic obligation to the Nation which can remain strong and free only so long as public schools in the United States of America are kept free and strong.


II. In view of the foregoing consideration, it shall be my constant endeavor:

1. To devote time, thought, and study to the duties and responsibilities of a school board member so that I may render effective and creditable service.

2. To work with my fellow Board members in a spirit of harmony and cooperation in spite of differences of opinion that arise during vigorous debate of points at issue.

3. To base my personal decision upon all available facts in each situation; to vote my honest conviction in every case, unswayed by partisan bias of any kind; thereafter, to abide by and uphold the final majority decision of the Board.

4. To remember at all times that as an individual I have no legal authority outside the meetings of the Board, and to conduct my relationships with the school staff, the local citizenry, and all media of communication on the basis of this fact.

5. To resist every temptation and outside pressure to use my position as a school Board member to benefit either myself or any other individual or agency apart from the total interest of the school district.

6. To recognize that it is as important for the Board to understand and evaluate the educational program of the schools as it is to plan for the business of school operation.

7. To bear in mind under all circumstances that the primary function of the Board is to establish the policies by which the schools are to be administered, but that the administration of the educational program and the conduct of school business shall be left to the employed Superintendent of schools and his professional and non-professional staff.

8. To welcome and encourage active cooperation by citizens, organizations, and the media of communication in the district with respect to establishing policy on current school operation and proposed future development.

9. Finally, to strive step-by-step toward ideal conditions for most effective school board service to my community, in a spirit of teamwork and devotion to public education as the greatest instrument for the preservation and perpetuation of our representative democracy.

Each year, employees who have served the District for 10 years, 15 years, 20 years, 25 years, 30 years, 35 years and beyond, in five-year increments, will be honored by a Board dinner. A plaque will be given to 10-year honorees. A plaque attachment designating years of service will be given to honorees as the honorees complete the service of each successive five year increment. Beginning with the 30th year, employees will receive a special gift designated by the Board. The budget for this employee recognition shall be set annually by the Board and will comply with expenditure rules established by the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission

Reasonable and appropriate expressions of sympathy or congratulations in the name of the District may be sent to members of the community, elected officials and employees of the District as directed by the Board President.

The Board’s bylaws are rules designed to organize and control its internal procedures and operations. Some bylaws are in accordance with requirements of statute. Other bylaws may be formulated and adopted by the Board itself as long as they are not inconsistent with any statutes. 

In its deliberations leading to the establishment or amendment of its bylaws, the Board’s concern and objective will be the increased efficiency and effectiveness in carrying out its legally mandated tasks and for the best interests of the District in performing its educational responsibilities.

The Board will formulate and adopt a bylaw safeguarding the right of Board members to be informed of and to participate fully in the discussion of each proposed new or amended bylaw. The Board's bylaws shall be amended, repealed or enacted after two readings. The readings shall be at successive regular meetings unless tabled in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order.

The Superintendent shall implement the policies of the Board and provide for the District to meet the requirements of law. He or she shall, from time to time, formulate and enact rules and regulations for the operating of the schools of the District and District activities.

The rules and regulations shall be approved by the Board prior to the effective date of the rules and regulations.

The Superintendent may delegate to building principals and other administrators authority to formulate and establish rules and regulations for buildings and activities. The rules and regulations of the building principals and administrators shall be subject to the approval of the Superintendent and Board.

The Superintendent or his or her designee shall select the means of publication to inform persons and organizations to which the rules and regulations apply.

All Board meetings shall be open to the public unless the majority affirmatively votes for a closed session as provided by law. Board meetings shall be held at a stated time and place.

A quorum consists of the majority of the Board. Unless otherwise provided by law that the item of business requires a majority vote of all the Board members, a majority vote of the quorum shall be sufficient for the passing of the matter presented to the Board. 

The board of Education will call different types of meetings including but not limited to: regular meetings, special meetings, emergency meetings, adjourned meetings, closed meetings and continued hearings.

The Superintendent of Schools and the President of the School Board shall have the responsibility for developing the agenda.

Each Board member will be issued a photo identification badge. Each Board member must wear the badge in a clearly visible location on the Board member’s clothing while performing his/her duties while on District property. The badge will admit the Board member and one guest to District sponsored activities.

The Board of Education will employ a Superintendent of Schools to administer the educational program of the District in accordance with the policies and directives of the Board of Education. 

The following procedure will be used for the selection and employment of the Superintendent: 

1. Board acceptance of a resignation or a receipt of a retirement letter from the Superintendent, death of the Superintendent, or cancellation of the Superintendent’s contract pursuant to State law shall cause the process for the employment of a Superintendent to begin. 

2. A time line and allocation of funds to conduct the search will be developed and approved by the Board. 

3. The Board will develop and approve criteria and procedures for selecting a Superintendent and in the development of such criteria and procedures may request and receive input from staff members, business and community leaders and parents.

4. The Board will determine salary range, fringe benefits, term of office, and terms and conditions relating to contract termination to be included in the contract. The Board will also prescribe the job description and time lines for evaluations. 

5. The candidate selected will be contacted by the President and Secretary to confirm the candidate’s acceptance of the position and the contract terms and conditions prior to the presentation of the contract to the Board for approval. 

6. The Board of Education will elect the Superintendent at a regular Board meeting by a majority vote of all members of the Board. The Superintendent elect shall be notified as to the date of the Board meeting in order that any public announcement will be coordinated with the Superintendent elect. 

7. The Board President will notify all unsuccessful applicants of the election of the Superintendent. 

8. All candidate application materials shall be retained and shall be disposed of four years after the date of the applications. All application materials submitted by the applicants, other than finalists, will be withheld and not produced in response to a public records request in accordance with Neb. Rev. Stat. § 84-712.05(15).

The Superintendent shall be evaluated twice during the first year of employment and at least once annually thereafter. The evaluation instrument to be used in the evaluation of the Superintendent shall be in the form established by the Board of Education.