02.01 - 02.03 BOARD OF EDUCATION LEGAL STATUS

The board of education is comprised of five (5) members elected by a vote of the electors of the school district. The board of education derives its authority from state law. The board’s power is judicial and legislative, and the superintendent selected by the board serves as its chief executive officer. When not in legal session, a board member has no legal authority whatsoever – except as may be conferred by the board of education. 

The legislative function of the board is to make plans and policies, select the superintendent and delegate to him or her the responsibility to place plans and policies into operation, and provide the financial means for their achievement.

The judicial function of the board is to hear and resolve hearings, grievances, disciplinary appeals, public complaints and other actions of a judicial nature.

Reference: OKLA. STAT. tit. 70 § 5-107A

Board members shall be elected to serve a term of five (5) years or until such time as their successors are duly appointed or elected and have qualified as prescribed by law. Terms of office shall be staggered so that one (1) member’s term shall expire each year.

Reference: OKLA. STAT. tit. 70 § 5-107A

The board of education shall determine if and when a vacancy occurs on the board. Such vacancy shall be filled by appointment, and the appointee shall serve until the next regular election if the person is appointed to fill such vacancy in the first half of the term of office for the board position. If the person is appointed to fill such vacancy after the first half of the term of office for the board position, then the appointee shall serve for the balance of the unexpired term. If no one is appointed within sixty (60) days of the date the board declared the seat vacant, a special election shall be held and the elected member shall fill the vacancy for the unexpired term. If during the term of office to which a person was elected, that member ceases to be a resident of the board district for which the person was elected, the office shall become vacant and such vacancy shall be filled by appointment.

Each board member is expected to attend all board meetings. If an emergency situation should arise which will prevent a board member from attending a scheduled meeting, the board member should promptly notify the board president or the superintendent.

Reference: OKLA. STAT. tit. 26 §13A-110, 70 § 5-107A