Policy

9200 — Limits Of Board Member Authority (BB)

The official document

What the district published

This is the source material — exactly as released by RUSD. The plain English translation below is this site's version, written for community members who shouldn't need a budget degree to understand where their school dollars go.

📄Original Policy9200 — Limits Of Board Member Authority (BB)
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The translation

In plain English

What this document actually says

Last Updated: February 9, 2021

Key Rule: Individual school board members have no authority to act alone—only the full Board has power over district decisions.

What This Means: Board members cannot make administrative decisions, direct staff, or resolve complaints on their own. They must submit information requests through the Superintendent. When approached with complaints, Board members must refer people to the Superintendent for proper handling through district processes. Board members who are also parents must notify the Superintendent before volunteering in their child's classroom, as their position may affect staff interactions. All Board members must follow California's open meeting laws (Brown Act). The policy prioritizes student education over personal or political interests.

What this means for your family

For Families: If you contact a Board member with a concern about your child's education, they will refer you to the Superintendent—this is required, not dismissive. Board members cannot solve problems individually or give staff directions. For complaints or issues, contact the Superintendent's office directly for faster resolution through official district processes. Board members who are parents follow special guidelines when involved in their own children's classrooms.

Summaries are AI-assisted and based on the original district document shown above. Nothing has been editorialized — interpretations are clearly labeled. This site is maintained by Lina Godfrey's campaign as a community resource.