Last modified: September 27, 2023

Policy No. 1005: Board Powers and Duties

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Promote Education 

The Board has the legal power and duty to do all things necessary for the maintenance, prosperity and success of the schools and for the promotion of education and to exercise all powers given by statute. The Board’s legal powers and duties include the actions set forth in this policy, but are not necessarily limited to the listed powers and duties. 

Govern 

The Board of Education recognizes that under Utah law “it is the province of the Board of Education to determine what things are detrimental to the successful management, good order, and discipline of the schools and the rules required to produce” successful management, good order, and discipline in the schools. 

Adopt Policies 

Adopt such policies, rules, regulations, and bylaws as the Board may deem proper for the operation of the Board and for the control and management of the District’s schools. 

Levy taxes

Establish tax rates each year and submit the proposed rate to the county legislative body in which the District is located according to statutory procedures 

Annual budget

Prepare, adopt, and file a budget for the next succeeding fiscal year with the county legislative body in which the District is located as required by statute. 

Bequests 

Receive bequests and donations or other monies or funds which are made for educational purposes. 

Acquisition and Ownership of Property 

Acquire and hold real and personal property in the name of the District, inclusive of all rights and titles, and lease and lease with an option to purchase property. The Board of Education has the direction and control of all school property in the district. 

Eminent Domain 

Exercise the right of eminent domain to acquire property. 

Employ Personnel 

Employ by contract a Superintendent and Business Administrator. Delegate to the superintendent the employment of principal(s), teacher(s), or other executive officer(s) and the setting of salary schedules therefor. 

Close Schools and Change School Boundaries 

Close schools or suspend operation of schools or change school attendance area boundaries as determined to be appropriate by the Board of Education after appropriate public notice and hearing as required by statute. 

Sue and be Sued 

Sue and be sued in the name of the District. The District shall defend, hold harmless and indemnify the Board from any and all demands, claims, suits, actions and legal proceedings brought against the Board in its official capacity as agent and employee of the District, provided the Board was acting within he scope of employment and excluding criminal litigation and such liability coverage is within authority of the District to provide under state law. 

Fulfill other statutory duties and exercise other statutory powers 

The Board also has the duty to comply with such other duties as are set forth in the laws and regulations of Utah and the United States, and also may exercise the powers and authorities established by such laws and regulations. 

Legal References & Synopsis

Utah Code 53G-4-402 

Powers and duties generally 

Utah Code 53F-8-201 

Annual certification of tax rate proposed by local school board — Inclusion of school district budget — Modified filing date

Utah Code 53F-8-202 

Levy of tax — Collection and deposit

Utah Code 53G-4-401 

Boards of education are bodies corporate — Seal — Authority to sue — Conveyance of property — Duty to residents of local school board member’s district — Establishment of public education foundation

Utah Code 53G-11-202 

Employment of school personnel — Length of contact — Termination for cause — Individual contract of employment — Employee acknowledgment of liability protection

Utah Code 53G-4-301 

Local superintendent of schools — Appointment — Qualifications — Term — Compensation

Utah Code 53G-4-302 

Business Administrator — Term — Oath 

Approved by Board of Education 

August 13, 2013