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Ask Betsy's Team - Elections and Vacancies Questions

OSBA staff answers some common (and not so common) questions about board governance, board members' roles and responsibilities, good practices, running board meetings and board conflict. Don't see the answer to your question? Ask Betsy's Team!

Dear members:

Your Ask Betsy Team is dedicated to assisting you by responding to all of your questions. Additionally, we are committed to providing you with the best possible information, tools, and practices in a timely manner. There are times when we must research, or consult with other OSBA staff members to provide an answer to your questions. In these circumstances, we ask for your patience as the normal response time could potentially be delayed. Please expect an initial response, by phone or email, within 24-48 hours of submitting your question, and be aware that additional follow-up could take more time. If your question is time sensitive, please be sure to specify your deadlines in your initial request.

Thank you, we look forward to hearing from you!

Legal Disclaimer: The information contained on this site should not be construed as legal advice. If you need legal advice regarding your particular situation, please seek the advice of OSBA’s legal services or independent counsel.

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What is best practice for the procedure for nominating and electing Board officers and appointing new Board members? - 7/27/12

Unfortunately, our board is now at 6 members. Do I have to consider changing committees that are composed of three members? - 5/04/12

How do we go about filling a board vacancy due to the resignation of a board member? - 12/06/10

I am an elected school board member and am not up for election this year. Can I write a letter to the editor of the local paper and campaign in other ways in support of two candidates for open seats? - 4/19/13

Our board has just passed a resolution supporting a ballton measure. What are the restrictions on the district’s involvement in reporting that action, including information in print materials such as the district newsletter, and advocacy by staff members? - 12/21/09

Can boards reduce seats from seven to five or switch from positions representing zones to all at-large positions? - 5/07/09

Can our district's Web site have a link to our county's Voter's Pamphlet if it includes endorsements of our bond measure? - 10/16/08

Do we have to swear in board members who were re-elected? - 6/22/12

We had a resignation for an open position last night at our board meeting. If we end up with a tie vote for the new position, which is a real possibility for us, what happens? Does the chair break the vote? - 12/03/07

A few months ago we had a vacancy on our Board. At that time we advertised and interviewed candidates for the position and selected one to fill the vacancy. We now have yet another vacancy, do we need to advertise and interview again or can the Board select a replacement from the previous applicants? - 5/11/12

How many consecutive board meetings can a board member miss and remain on the board? - 6/09/09