The Board’s Goal As representatives of the community, joined in a positive, cooperative effort with parents, students and staff, it is the mission of the Newark Board of Education to determine the direction of the school district, set policies, define goals and work toward providing the highest quality resources that will ensure that every student receives the very best education possible and is prepared for the future as a productive and responsible citizen.
A Board of Citizens
Five citizens are elected to the board. Each member serves a four-year term. To maintain continuity, the terms are staggered. The board is a policy-making body that represents both the State of Ohio and district residents on all matters and decisions regarding public education. No individual member has the independent authority to speak for the board.
Duties of the Board
- Making sure all students of the district are provided with educational opportunities
- Hiring a superintendent and treasurer
- Overseeing the annual budget
- Approving contracts with district employees as required by law.
Board Meetings
Board meetings are open to the public and citizens are encouraged to attend. Board meetings are held in the Administrative Service Center, 621 Mount Vernon Road, at 5:30 p.m., typically during the 2nd Monday of the month. Also, the board occasionally conducts special meetings when district matters need immediate attention.
Board Agenda
Copies of the board’s agenda are available at the Administrative Service Center, 621 Mount Vernon Road, and online. The agendas also are located near the entrance to the board meeting and contain the following:
- Information about last month’s meeting
- Monthly school reports
- Items for action
Approved board minutes also are available at online.
Public Participation
The board welcomes citizens’ participation at meetings. Those who wish to address the board will be asked to step to the podium and begin by telling the board their name and address.
Comments are limited to five minutes. The board encourages residents to bring up issues that affect the district as a whole. Board meetings are not the appropriate place to discuss individual or building-level concerns, or for personnel issues. Also, out of respect to students and staff, the board does not allow personal attacks. Those who violate the policy will be asked to step down immediately.
As the board does not have prior knowledge of speakers or topics, please do not be offended if members are unable to offer an immediate response to a person’s comments or questions.
Written comments should be sent to the Newark Board of Education, c/o Treasurer’s Office, Newark City Schools, 621 Mount Vernon Road, Newark, Ohio 43055.
Executive Sessions
Ohio law permits board members to hold private discussions during a meeting. Executive sessions allow members to discuss personnel matters, property purchases, possible legal action, employment negotiations, security arrangements and items the law says must be kept confidential. Because Ohio law says all votes must be cast in public, executive sessions are for discussion purposes only.