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Duties of Officers Policy 2310

Purpose

The Eastern North Carolina School for the Deaf (ENCSD) elects officers to ensure the orderly and effective conduct of board business.  Officers are responsible for facilitating the work of the Board, supporting good governance practices, and ensuring that board meetings and actions comply with applicable laws, regulations, and board policies.

This policy establishes the duties and responsibilities of the officers of the Board of Trustees.

I. Definitions

  • Board Officers: Members of the ENCSD Board of Trustees elected to leadership positions, typically including the Chair and Vice-Chair, and any other officers designated by the Board.
  • Chair: The presiding officer of the Board of Trustees responsible for leading meetings and ensuring the efficient conduct of board business.
  • Vice-Chair: The board officer who performs the duties of the Chair in the Chair’s absence or when delegated by the Chair.

II. Election of Officers

The Board of Trustees will elect its officers in accordance with applicable law and board policy.

The election of officers will occur at the organizational meeting of the Board or at another time designated by the Board.  Officers will serve the term established by board policy or until their successors are elected.

III. Duties of the Chair

The Chair of the Board of Trustees is responsible for presiding over board meetings and ensuring that the work of the Board is conducted in an orderly and efficient manner.

The Chair shall:

  1. Preside at all meetings of the Board of Trustees.
  2. Work with the Superintendent and appropriate staff to develop board meeting agendas.
  3. Ensure that board meetings are conducted in accordance with applicable laws, board policies, and accepted parliamentary procedures.
  4. Recognize members who wish to speak and maintain order during meetings.
  5. Sign official board documents when authorized by the Board.
  6. Represent the Board at official functions when appropriate.
  7. Perform other duties assigned by the Board or required by law.

The chair retains the same voting rights as other members of the Board.

IV. Duties of the Vice-Chair

The Vice-Chair shall perform the duties of the Chair when the Chair is absent, unable to perform the duties of the office, or when requested by the Chair.

The Vice-Chair shall:

  1. Preside over meeting in the absence of the Chair
  2. Assist the Chair in carrying out board leadership responsibilities.
  3. Perform other duties assigned by the Board.

V. Temporary Presiding Officer

If both the Chair and Vice-Chair are absent from a meeting, the Board may select a temporary presiding officer from among its members to conduct the meeting.

VI. Additional Duties 

Board officers may perform additional duties as assigned by the Board of Trustees or as required to fulfill the responsibilities of their positions.

Legal References

  • N.C. Gen. Stat. §115C-12
  • N.C. Gen. Stat. §143-318.9 through §143-318.18 (Open Meetings Law)
Policy