Section 9000 Bylaws

General Duties

1. The Clinton Board of Education (the “Board”) represents the residents of the Town of Clinton (the “Town”) in carrying out the mandates of the Connecticut General Statutes pertaining to education.
2. The Board shall determine all questions of general policy to be employed in the conduct of the schools.
3. In determining school policy the Board shall:
   1. hear and consider facts and recommendations,
   2. adopt a plan, policy or course of action, and
   3. authorize the Superintendent of Schools, its chief executive officer, to carry out its policy.

Specific Powers and Duties

The Board shall have authority to take all action necessary or advisable to meet its responsibilities under the Connecticut General Statutes and Town Charter including but not limited to the following:

1. To create, abolish, modify and maintain such positions, schools, divisions and classifications as may be necessary for the efficient administration of the educational enterprise.
2. To elect a Superintendent of Schools in accordance with the Connecticut General Statutes.
3. To consider and adopt an annual budget, prepared by the Superintendent of Schools.
4. To determine the number, classification, duties, and remuneration of employees.
5. To establish policies for employment, promotion, and dismissal of personnel in accordance with the Connecticut General Statutes.
6. To provide for the appraisal of the efficiency of personnel.
7. To provide for the proper maintenance of facilities, initiate and approve the acquisition and disposition of school sites, and initiate and approve plans for school buildings.
8. To consider any specific recommendations made by the Superintendent of Schools.
9. To keep the citizenry informed of the purposes, values, conditions, and needs of public education in the Town.
10. To establish a curriculum committee to recommend, develop, review and approve all curriculum for the district.
11. To take any other actions required or permitted by law.
12. To make reasonable provision to implement the educational interests of the State, as defined by law, so that
    1. each child shall have for the period prescribed in the Connecticut General Statutes equal opportunity to receive a suitable program of educational experiences;
    2. the school district shall finance at a reasonable level an educational program designed to achieve this end;
    3. the school district shall provide educational opportunities for its students to interact with students and teachers from other racial, ethnic and economic backgrounds; and 
    4. the mandates in the Connecticut General Statutes pertaining to education within the jurisdiction of the State Board of Education shall be implemented.

District Goals

The Clinton Board of Education will focus on continuous improvement leading to student achievement and student success through its development of policy, ongoing evaluation, establishment of sound financial practices, and commitment to individual learning and growth.

The district shall maintain a coordinated K-12 program designed to improve student achievement and to successfully prepare students to function effectively in a rapidly changing world and for the futures they choose to pursue.

The district will work with staff, parents, and community members to develop district goals.  Goals will be adopted by the Board consistent with the goals adopted by the State Board of Education.  Goals will be reviewed annually and revised as needed.

Legal Reference:

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-200  Definitions (public agency)

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-4a  Educational interest of state identified

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-4b  Complaint alleging failture or inability of board of education to implement educational interests of state.  Investigation; inquiry; hearing.  Remedial process. Regulations.

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-220  Duties of boards of education

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-221  Board of education to prescribe rules, policies and procedures

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-241  Powers of school districts

Bylaw adopted: September 23, 1991

Bylaw revised: August 16, 1999

Bylaw revised: November 19, 2018

Bylaw revised: March 18, 2019

Bylaw revised: May 16, 2022

1. The Clinton Board of Education (the “Board”) shall transact all business at a legal meeting of the Board.

2. The Board shall act as a whole entity, except that a committee created in accordance with these bylaws may act on matters before it in conformity with the committee’s purpose or charge.

3. Individual members shall make no commitments for the Board or issue orders for the Board, except when executing an assignment delegated by the Board.

4. The Board shall concern itself with questions of educational policy, and not with administrative details concerning the Public Schools’ operations.

Bylaw adopted: September 23, 1991

Bylaw revised: August 16, 1999

Bylaw revised: November 19, 2018

Bylaw revised: May 16, 2022

9010

1. The Clinton Board of Education (the “Board”) shall, not later than one month after the date on which newly elected members take office, elect from its own members a Chairperson and a Secretary.

2. The votes of each member cast in such election shall be by an open roll call with or without nomination, and shall require a majority vote of the members of the Board. All votes shall be reduced to writing and made available for public inspection within forty-eight hours, excluding Saturday, Sunday, or legal holidays, and shall also be recorded in the minutes of such meeting at which taken, which shall be available for inspection at all reasonable times.

3. If such officers are not chosen after one month from the date on which newly elected members take office because of a tie vote of the members, the town council, or, if there is no town council, the selectmen of the town shall choose such officers from the membership of the Board.

4. Officers shall be elected annually, and hold that office until their successors are duly elected.

5. Should a vacancy arise in an office of the Board during the term of a Board officer’s service, the members of the Board (including, if applicable, the member vacating a Board office) shall elect a successor to fill the office until the next regular election for Board officers.  Such votes shall be reduced to writing, recorded, and made available for public inspection as described in Section 2, above.

Legal Reference: Conn. Gen. Stat. §  10-218  Officers.  Meetings.

Bylaw adopted: September 23, 1991

Bylaw revised: August 16, 1999

Bylaw revised: November 19, 2018

Bylaw revised: May 16, 2022

9120

1. The Chairperson shall preside at all of the meetings of the Clinton Board of Education (the “Board”).

2. The Chairperson shall serve as the Board's spokesperson.

3. The Chairperson shall appoint the chair and members of all special and standing committees.

4. The Chairperson shall serve as an ex officio member on all committees.

5. The Chairperson shall act as the Board’s representative for the purposes of consultation with Board legal counsel when appropriate, and may authorize other Board members to consult with Board counsel when appropriate.

6. The Chairperson shall perform such other duties as may be delegated to the Chairperson by the Board.

Bylaw adopted: September 23, 1991

Bylaw revised: August 16, 1999

Bylaw revised: November 19, 2018

Bylaw revised: May 16, 2022

9121

1. The Secretary of the Clinton Board of Education (the “Board”) shall keep minutes or cause minutes to be kept of all meetings of the Board, and shall cause copies of such minutes to be forwarded to each member of the Board.

2. In accordance with the Connecticut General Statutes, the Board Secretary shall cause a copy of the minutes of all Board meetings to be placed on file in the Board Office and posted on the Board’s Internet web site, if available, no later than seven (7) days after the date on which the Board shall have met.  Such minutes will be available for public inspection, except that such minutes will not be termed "official minutes" until approved by the Board at a duly convened meeting of the Board.

3. The Board Secretary shall also make provision that members of the Board are notified of all regular and special meetings.

4. The Board Secretary shall attend to the official correspondence of the Board.

5. The Board Secretary, or designee, shall submit to the Town at its annual meetings a report of the doings of the Board.

6. In absence of the Board Chairperson, the Board Secretary shall conduct the meetings.

Legal Reference: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-225 Meetings of government agencies to be public.  Recording of votes.  Schedule and agenda of meetings to be filed.  Notice of special meetings.  Executive sessions.

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 7-3 Warning of Town and other meetings

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 7-4 Record of warning

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-224 Duties of the Secretary

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-225 Salaries of Secretary and attendance officers

Bylaw adopted: September 23, 1991

Bylaw revised: August 16, 1999

Bylaw revised: November 19, 2018

Bylaw revised: May 16, 2022

9123

It is the policy of the Clinton Board of Education (the “Board”) that officers of the Board will:

1. adhere to all Board policies, rules and regulations;

2. conduct themselves in a fair and impartial manner; and

3. carry out the duties of their respective offices in accordance with law.

An officer of the Board may be removed for cause by a majority vote of the entire Board.  A vote to remove a Board officer shall only take place at a regular meeting or a special meeting called for that purpose.  “Cause,” which means a reasonable ground for removal, includes, but is not limited to, any conduct that:

1. specifically relates to and affects the administration of the office in a manner deemed to be deleterious to Board operations; 

2. negatively and directly affects the rights and interests of the public; 

3. violates Board policies, rules and regulations; or

4. interferes with the orderly and efficient operation of the Board.

Procedures for Removal

The following procedures shall be used in lieu of any procedures set forth in Robert’s Rules of Order with respect to any proposed action to remove or take other disciplinary action regarding an officer of the Board for cause:

1. The Board shall review the performance and/or conduct of an officer of the Board in open or executive session (as determined by the Board and the Board officer in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act) at a regular or special meeting of the Board, prior to initiating any action to remove or take other disciplinary action regarding a Board officer for cause.

2. If the Board determines as a result of such discussion that formal action is necessary, the Board shall provide the Board officer with: A.
   1. reasonable written notice of the Board’s intent to consider removal or other disciplinary action, including the factual basis for the claimed “cause” for removal of the officer from office with such notice to be provided after being authorized by majority vote of those Board members present and voting; and
   2. an informal opportunity to be heard by the Board regarding such possible removal or other disciplinary action, at which the Board officer shall have the right to be represented by counsel at the Board member’s own expense and to present relevant evidence to the Board.  The informal opportunity to be heard shall take place in open or executive session (as determined by the Board and the Board officer in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act) at a regular or special meeting of the Board.

3. Any action to remove or take other disciplinary action regarding a Board officer for cause following such informal hearing shall require an affirmative vote by a majority of all members of the Board.

Service as a Board officer is a privilege, the purpose of which is to assist the Board in conducting its business in an appropriate, orderly and efficient manner.  Therefore, any Board member serving as an officer shall have no legally-protected right to continue in that position.  

Legal Reference: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-218  Officers.  Meetings.

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-220  Duties of boards of education.

LaPointe v. Board of Education of the Town of Winchester, CV040093257S, 274 Conn. 806 (2005).

Bylaw adopted: November 19, 2018

Bylaw revised: May 16, 2022

Bylaw revised: December 5, 2022

9124

1. The Clinton Board of Education (the “Board”) shall act as a committee of the whole on all matters coming before it except that special committees for the consideration or investigation of certain problems, or for the performance of certain Board functions, may be created by vote of the Board.  

1. Such special committees shall submit their reports at such regular meetings of the Board as may be determined, and when such reports have been submitted and accepted by the Board, shall be discharged.

2. All special committee reports affecting Board policy shall be submitted in writing.

3. A special committee’s only authority is to make recommendations to the Board regarding matters that that have been referred to it, unless the Board specifically authorizes otherwise, and such action conforms to the Connecticut General Statutes.

2. The Board may authorize the establishment of such standing committees from its membership as it finds necessary to study operations in specific areas and to make recommendations for Board action.  These standing committees may include, but are not limited to:
   1. Budget & Finance
   2. Buildings & Grounds
   3. Instruction
   4. Personnel
   5. Policy
   6. Public Relations
   7. Wellness

3. The following rules will govern the appointment and function of such standing committees:

1. The standing committees shall be established and/or abolished through action of the Board.

2. The Board Chairperson shall annually appoint members of the Board to such committees.  These appointments shall not exceed the Board Chairperson’s term of office as the Board Chairperson.

3. All Board members may apply at its annual organization meeting, or shortly thereafter, for three or more committee assignments in order of their preference.  The Board Chairperson will make final assignments to all committees.

4. The committee shall be provided with a list of its functions and duties by the Board Chairperson.

5. The committee may make recommendations for Board action, but it may not act for the Board.

6. The Board Chairperson and Superintendent shall be ex-officio members of all committees.

7. Membership of the standing committees shall be dissolved at the end of the Board’s year (at the annual organization meeting).  The membership may be dissolved at any time by a majority vote of the Board.

8. At the request of the Board, the Superintendent may appoint a member of the professional staff to assist a committee in carrying out its Board approved functions.  Such committee assistant shall be responsible to the Superintendent.

9. Arrangements for use of supplies, equipment, and personnel from within the school system shall be made through this committee assistant.  Expenditures of funds by any committee shall not be made without prior approval from the Board.

4. Each committee convened shall have a chairperson, appointed by the Board Chairperson.  This committee chairperson will report to the committee.  The committee chairperson shall select alternates on an “as needed” basis.

Committee chairpersons and the Superintendent are responsible for establishing or coordinating meeting dates and locations.  In cooperation with the Superintendent, a committee chairperson may appoint additional members to a committee from the community.

Committee chairpersons will have the responsibility to invite the Board Chairperson, or in his/her absence the Board Secretary, as well as any appropriate school officials as deemed necessary, to committee meetings.

5. Meetings of committees shall be posted in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act.  A record shall be maintained by the chairperson of each committee of each meeting, which shall include the names of committee members in attendance, listing of topics discussed and committee recommendations.

6. The Superintendent shall notify all Board members of committee meetings.

Legal Reference: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-218  Officers.  Meetings.

Bylaw adopted: November 19, 2018

Bylaw revised: May 16, 2022

9130

The Clinton Board of Education recognizes the importance of maintaining open communication with the student body. In an effort to improve this communication, the Board supports seating three students from The Morgan School to serve in a nonvoting capacity on the Clinton Board of Education. These student representatives on the Board of Education will give students, as the clients within the educational corporation, a more effective voice in and at the decision-making level of the school system.

The representatives in attendance will be seated at the Board table at each Board of Education meeting. Student opinion will be solicited to give an added dimension to the Board's decision-making process. The student representatives will not attend executive sessions of the Board of Education nor will they have access to associated backup material.

The following procedures will be observed for the seating of the student representatives:

1. Student representatives will come from the junior and senior class at The Morgan School. One student shall be a member of the junior class and two students shall be members of the senior class.

2. Nomination Process: Nominations to fill a position as a student representative will be through self-nomination.  Any junior or senior student in good standing and who completes the application process will be considered eligible.  Representatives will be chosen through an interview process conducted by members of the Board of Education.

3. After the students have been selected, they will be given an orientation session by the Superintendent of Schools and an officer of the Board or designee.

4. At least one of the three representatives should be present at each regular meeting of the Board of Education.  If it is not possible for a student representative to be present at the Board of Education, the representative is responsible for advising the Superintendent's office and the Board of Education Chairperson in advance of the meeting of his/her absence.

5. The Board of Education reserves the right by an affirmative vote of 2/3 of the Board members present to dismiss a student due to an academic issue, poor attendance at Board meetings or at school, disciplinary issues, or other actions that in the opinion of the Board demean the position of student representative and call for the selection of a new member.

6. A student representative should be available for attendance at the Board of Education meeting with the first meeting following notification of selection.

7. The terms of office for the representatives shall be as follows:

1. The junior representative will serve for two years

2. The senior representative will serve for one year.

8. Names and contact information of student representatives will be posted on the website and made known in each of the schools after selections have been made.

9. A student representative shall:

1. Be expected to attend all regularly scheduled Board meetings. 

2. During said meetings, be able to speak on any issue on the agenda or motion before the Board unless deemed inappropriate by the Board.

3. Be able to recommend suggestions and topics to the Chairperson prior to a meeting for discussion and consideration at the Board level.

4. Receive copies of all regular meeting agendas, minutes and other pertinent publications, excluding executive session minutes and associated materials, when made available to the Board members.

5. Be expected to attend all the Board of Education meetings and be representative of the collective voice of the student body of the district.

10. A student representative shall not:

1. Be able to cast an official vote on any motion or resolution.

2. Be allowed to attend executive sessions, negotiation sessions or personnel portions of the regular or special meetings of the Board of Education.

11. Only those privileges and powers enumerated previously shall be regarded specifically as such; any and all other powers and privileges that might be deemed appropriate for the student representatives shall be decided upon by the Board of Education.

Bylaw adopted: August 22, 1991

Bylaw revised: December 1, 1997

Bylaw revised: September 2, 2008

Bylaw revised: November 21, 2016

Bylaw revised: November 19, 2018

Members of the Board of Education shall, before entering upon their official duties, take the oath of office provided in Connecticut General Statutes Section 1-25.

Legal Reference:

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-218a  Oath of office

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-25  Forms of oath

Bylaw adopted: November 19, 2018

Bylaw revised: May 16, 2022

Any vacancy occurring on the Board shall be filled as specific in the Clinton Town Charter.

Legal Reference:

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-219  Procedure for filling vacancy on local board of education 

Bylaw adopted: September 23, 1991

Bylaw revised: November 19, 2018

The Board of Education and the administrative staff shall assist each new member-elect to understand the Board of Education's functions, policies and procedures and operation of the school district before the member takes office. The following methods shall be employed:

1. The incoming member shall be given selected materials on the function of the Board of Education and the school district.
2. The incoming member shall be invited to attend Board meetings and to participate in its discussions.
3. The incoming member shall be invited to meet with the Superintendent and Board Chairperson to discuss orientation on Board membership responsibilities and support.
4. The incoming member shall be provided with an overview of the Board's policies and bylaws as well as copies of and/or electronic access to other pertinent materials.
5. The incoming member may attend, at district expense, workshops for newly elected members as approved by the Board of Education.
6. Appropriate training and/or written directions will be provided to communicate and access Board materials.

Bylaw adopted: September 23, 1991

Bylaw revised: November 19, 2018

Remuneration

A member of the Clinton Board of Education (the “Board”) shall receive no compensation for carrying out Board services.

Reimbursement

1. Board members authorized to attend educational conferences, meetings or travel on Board business shall be reimbursed, upon submitting vouchers and supporting documentation for reasonable and necessary expenditures, transportation costs, and registration fees.  Board members must have approval in advance from the Board to be eligible for a reimbursement.
2. All Board members that receive prior authorization for reimbursement of a Board expense are expected to account for all expenditures incurred in connection with the performance of their Board duties.
3. Receipts in general are required for:
   1. Lodging – Lodging accommodations should provide normal comforts and services well located in relation to the area in which Board business will be conducted.
   2. Meals – Reasonable expenditures are allowed for meals.  Board members may submit appropriate explanatory information as needed, on a separate sheet of paper attached to the receipt.  The Board will not reimburse Board members for the purchase of alcohol.
   3. Taxi, Uber/Lyft or Bus Fare
   4. Parking Fees or Toll Charges (when applicable)
   5. Mileage - The Board may reimburse for mileage costs incurred for travel for Board business other than for regular and special Board meetings and subcommittee meetings, when approved in advance, and in accordance with IRS standard reimbursement rates.
   6. Registration Fees – The Board will not pay any late registration fees without an explicit prior authorization.

Legal Reference:

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-225  Salaries of secretary and attendance officers

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-232  Restrictions on employment of members of board of education

Bylaw adopted: September 23, 1991

Bylaw revised: November 19, 2018

Bylaw revised: May 16, 2022

It is the policy of the Clinton Board of Education (the “Board”) that all members of the Board will:

1. adhere to all Board policies, rules and regulations;
2. conduct themselves in a fair and impartial manner; 
3. refrain from interfering with the implementation of a Board policy decision by the administration;
4. refrain from interfering with the duties of any school district official; and
5. refrain from divulging to anyone any aspect of matters considered and discussed in executive session.

Each member of the Board shall act in complete accordance with the provisions and tenor of this policy.  Should any member of the Board fail to so act, such failure shall constitute cause for censure or other such action as deemed appropriate by the Board.  

Procedures for Censure

Prior to any vote to censure a Board member for cause:

1. The Board may review the performance and/or conduct of the Board member in open or executive session (as determined by the Board and the Board member) prior to taking any formal action;
2. If the Board determines that formal action is necessary, the Board member shall be provided with:
   1.  reasonable written notice of the Board’s intent to consider censure or other disciplinary action, including the factual basis for the claimed “cause” for the censure or disciplinary action against the member, with such notice to be provided after being authorized by majority vote of those Board members present and voting; and
   2. an informal opportunity to be heard by the Board regarding such possible censure or other disciplinary action, at which the Board member shall have the right to be represented by counsel at the Board member’s own expense and to present relevant evidence to the Board.  The informal opportunity to be heard shall take place in open or executive session (as determined by the Board and the Board member in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act) at a regular or special meeting of the Board.
3.  Any action to censure or take other disciplinary action regarding a Board member for cause following such informal hearing shall require an affirmative vote by a majority of all members of the Board.

Legal Reference:

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-220 Duties of boards of education

Bylaw adopted: November 19, 2018

Bylaw revised: May 16, 2022

1. No member of the Board of Education (the “Board”) shall be employed for compensation by the Board in any position in the school system.
2. If any member of the Board is employed contrary to the provisions of this bylaw, the office to which the Board member was elected or appointed shall become vacant.

Legal Reference:

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-232  Restrictions on employment of members of the Board of Education

Bylaw adopted: November 19, 2018

Bylaw revised: May 16, 2022

1. In the absence of any written policy, administrative regulations will be used to guide and administer the effective operation of the Clinton Public Schools.
2. Suggestions for either new policies or policy changes would normally come to the Clinton Board of Education (the “Board”) from any of the following:
   1. Board of Education members
   2. Superintendent
   3. Statute
   4. Matters of law
   5. Citizens, and/or
   6. Students
3. The Superintendent will utilize appropriate sources and legal references to prepare a draft policy statement for consideration and development by the Board.
4. Policy proposals and suggested amendments to, revisions of, or deletions of existing policies shall normally be submitted to all members of the Board by the Superintendent in writing prior to a regular Board meeting in which such proposed policies, amendments, revisions or deletions thereof shall be read and discussed.
5. Policies that deal with matters of an emergency nature may be introduced at any regular or special Board meeting.
6. Policies that affect students shall become effective at the beginning of the next school year following adoption unless the policy provides otherwise.
7. Except for emergency situations, policies will be adopted, amended, or deleted after consideration at two regular meetings of the Board.  The agenda shall be marked to indicate such policy matters.
8. When a policy is placed on the agenda for the second consecutive meeting, a motion either to adopt or not to adopt the policy or the proposed policy changes is necessary for discussion.  If the discussion results in a suggestion for change, such changes will be included in the second reading of the policy prior to adoption.
9. The formal adoption or deletion of policies and the adoption of policy changes shall be by majority vote of all members of the Board, and the action shall be recorded in the minutes of the Board.
10. Only those written statements so adopted as policy and so recorded shall be regarded as official policy of the Board.

Bylaw adopted: September 23, 1991

Bylaw revised: August 16, 1999

Bylaw revised: February 7, 2005

Bylaw revised: November 19, 2018

Bylaw revised: May 16, 2022

Bylaw proposals and suggested amendments to, revisions of, or deletions of existing bylaws shall normally be submitted to all members of the Clinton Board of Education (the “Board”) by the Superintendent in writing prior to a regular Board meeting in which such proposed bylaws, amendments, revisions or deletions thereof shall be read and discussed. 

Except for emergency situations, bylaws will be adopted, amended, or deleted after consideration at two regular meetings of the Board.  The agenda shall be marked to indicate such matters. 

When a bylaw is placed on the agenda for the second consecutive meeting, a motion either to adopt or not to adopt the bylaw or the proposed bylaw changes is necessary for discussion.  If the discussion results in a suggestion for change, such changes will be included in the second reading of the bylaw prior to adoption. 

Any bylaw of the Board may be adopted, amended or deleted at any regular meeting by a majority vote of all members of the Board, provided that such proposal shall have been given to the Board at the previous regular meeting.

Bylaw adopted: September 23, 1991

Bylaw revised: August 16, 1999

Bylaw revised: February 7, 2005

Bylaw revised: November 19, 2018

Bylaw revised: May 16, 2022

1. The Superintendent is responsible for the formulation, adoption, amendment and deletion of administrative regulations to implement the policies of the Clinton Board of Education (the “Board”) and/or as necessary to promote orderly operation of the Clinton Public Schools in compliance with applicable law.
2. The Superintendent shall bring to the attention of the Board all new, revised or deleted administrative regulations.
3. The Board reserves the right to review and direct revisions or deletions of administrative regulations should they, in the Board's judgment, be inconsistent with the policies of the Board.  If the Board directs the Superintendent to adopt, amend, or delete administrative regulations, it shall do so upon majority vote of all members in attendance at a meeting, provided that prior notification of such proposed revision has been described in writing in the call of the meeting, or upon majority vote of all members of the Board when no such written notice has been given.

Bylaw adopted: September 23, 1991

Bylaw revised: February 7, 2000

Bylaw revised: February 7, 2005

Bylaw revised: November 19, 2018

Bylaw revised: May 16, 2022

1. The Superintendent is responsible for the formulation, adoption, amendment and deletion of administrative regulations to implement the policies of the Clinton Board of Education (the “Board”) and/or as necessary to promote orderly operation of the Clinton Public Schools in compliance with applicable law.
2. The Superintendent shall bring to the attention of the Board all new, revised or deleted administrative regulations.
3. The Board reserves the right to review and direct revisions or deletions of administrative regulations should they, in the Board's judgment, be inconsistent with the policies of the Board.  If the Board directs the Superintendent to adopt, amend, or delete administrative regulations, it shall do so upon majority vote of all members in attendance at a meeting, provided that prior notification of such proposed revision has been described in writing in the call of the meeting, or upon majority vote of all members of the Board when no such written notice has been given.

Bylaw adopted: September 23, 1991

Bylaw revised: February 7, 2000

Bylaw revised: February 7, 2005

Bylaw revised: November 19, 2018

Bylaw revised: May 16, 2022

Regular Meetings

1. The Clinton Board of Education (the “Board”) shall set a calendar of regular meetings for the ensuing year at the first regular meeting in November.
2. In compliance with the Connecticut General Statutes, the Chairperson [or Secretary] shall file this calendar with the Town Clerk, and post this calendar on the Board’s Internet web site, if available, by November 30.
3. Normally the Board shall schedule regular meetings on the first and third Monday of each month of the year except in February, April, July, August, and December, when the Board shall schedule only one regular meeting.
4. If at any point in the meeting the Board should not maintain a quorum, then the Chairperson of the Board will adjourn the meeting and declare the time and place of the resumption of the meeting, which shall be reflected in a written order of adjournment.  A copy of the written order of adjournment will be posted on or near the door of the place where the meeting was held within twenty-four hours after the time of adjournment.

Special Meetings

1. Special meetings may be held when determined by the Board, when so called by the Chairperson, or within fourteen (14) days upon written request of three members of the Board.
2. No special meeting shall be held unless a notice stating the time, place and purpose of the meeting has been given to each member and to the Town Clerk, and has been posted on the Board’s Internet web site, if available, twenty-four (24) hours before the time stated for the meeting to convene.
3. When a majority of the members agree that an emergency exists which has made a regular notice impossible, such a meeting may be called at a time or place which may be most convenient.  In case of such emergency meeting, a copy of the minutes setting forth the nature of the emergency and the proceedings occurring at such meeting shall be filed with the Town Clerk no later than seventy-two (72) hours following the holding of such a meeting.

Meeting Time and Place

1. All regular meetings of the Board shall begin at 7:00 PM or as soon thereafter as a quorum is present.  All regular meetings of the Board shall be held in the Board Meeting Room, unless otherwise ordered by the Board.
2. Special Meetings (non-emergency) of the Board shall be held at a time and place to be determined and announced in advance of meeting.

Legal Reference:

Conn. Gen. Stat. §  1-225 Meetings of government agencies to be public.  Recording of votes. Schedule of agenda of meetings to be filed.  Notice of special meetings. Executive session.

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-228 Adjournment of meetings.  Notice.

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-229 Continued hearings.  Notice.

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-230 Regular meetings to be held pursuant to regulation, ordinance or resolution.

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 7-3 Warning of Town and other meetings.

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 7-4 Record of warning.

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-218 Officers.  Meetings.

Bylaw adopted: September 23, 1991

Bylaw revised: August 16, 1999

Bylaw revised: March 7, 2005

Bylaw revised: November 19, 2018

Bylaw revised: May 16, 2022

Public Meetings

1. All meetings of the Clinton Board of Education (the “Board”) for the official transaction of business shall be open to the public except that the Board may, by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members present and voting, meet in executive session for the purposes specified in Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 1-225 and 1-200(6).
2. As defined by statute, the term "meeting" shall not include: any meeting of a personnel search committee for executive level employment candidates; any chance meeting, or a social meeting neither planned nor intended for the purpose of discussing matters relating to official business; strategy or negotiations with respect to collective bargaining; a caucus of members of a single political party notwithstanding that such members also constitute a quorum of a public agency; an administrative or staff meeting of a single-member public agency; and communication limited to notice of meetings of any public agency or the agendas thereof.  The term "caucus" means a convening or assembly of the enrolled members of a single political party who are members of a public agency within the state or a political subdivision.

Executive Sessions

1. The public may be excluded from Board meetings that are declared to be executive sessions.
2. Executive sessions may be held on a two-thirds vote of the members present and voting taken at a public meeting stating the reasons for such executive session.  Executive sessions may be held for any reasons permissible under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, as it may be amended from time to time, including one or more of the following purposes:
   1. Discussion concerning the appointment, employment, performance, evaluation, health or dismissal of a public officer or employee, provided that such individual may require that discussion be held at an open (public) meeting.  
   2. Strategy and negotiations with respect to pending claims or pending litigation to which the Board or a member of the Board, because of his or her conduct as a member of the Board, is a party until such claims or litigation have been finally adjudicated or otherwise settled.
   3. Matters concerning security strategy or the deployment of security personnel, or devices affecting public security.
   4. Discussion of the selection of a site or the lease, sale or purchase of real estate when publicity regarding such site, lease, sale, purchase or construction would adversely impact the price until such time as all of the property has been acquired or all proceedings or transactions concerning same have been terminated or abandoned.
   5. Discussion of any matter which would result in the disclosure of public records or the information contained therein described in Conn. Gen. Stat. §1-210(b).

Legal Reference:

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-200 Definitions (Public Agency; Meeting; Caucus; Person; Public Records or Files; Executive Sessions)

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-210 Access to public records.  Exempt records.

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-225 Meetings of government agencies to be public. Recording of votes.  Schedule and agenda of certain meetings to be filed and posted on web sites.  Notice of special meetings. Executive sessions.

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-231 Executive sessions.

Bylaw adopted: September 23, 1991

Bylaw revised: August 16, 1999

Bylaw revised: February 7, 2005

Bylaw revised: November 19, 2018

Bylaw revised: May 16, 2022

Construction of Agenda

1. The Superintendent in cooperation with the Chairperson of the Clinton Board of Education (the “Board”) shall prepare an agenda for each regular and special meeting of the Board.
2. In addition to those items listed by the Chairperson of the Board, any member of the Board may contact the Chairperson or the Superintendent and request that an item be placed on the regular meeting agenda.  This request must be made no later than seventy-two (72) hours prior to the legally required public posting of the agenda.
3. If at least three Board members request in writing that an additional agenda item be placed on the Board’s agenda, it will either be placed on the agenda or a special meeting of the Board will be scheduled within fourteen (14) days of the request.

Posting of Agenda

1. At least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the time of the regular or special meeting, an agenda will be constructed and posted by the Superintendent of Schools for the Board.
2. An agenda will be posted with the Clinton Town Clerk and in the Board’s Administrative Offices and on Board’s Internet web site.  Any associated documents that may be reviewed by members of the Board at such meeting shall be posted on the Board’s Internet web site, provided such documents are not exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act.
3. The Board may add items to the agenda of any regular meeting by a two-thirds vote of those Board Members present and voting.

Legal Reference:

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-225 Meetings of government agencies to be public.  Recording of votes.  Schedule and agenda of certain meetings to be filed and posted on web sites.  Notice of special meetings.  Executive sessions.

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-218 Officers. Meetings.

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-220 Duties of boards of education.

Public Act 23-160, “An Act Concerning Education Mandate Relief and Other Technical and Assorted Revisions and Additions to the Education and Early Childhood Education Statutes.”

Bylaw adopted: September 23, 1991

Bylaw revised: August 16, 1999

Bylaw revised: February 7, 2005

Bylaw revised: November 19, 2018

Bylaw revised: May 16, 2022

Bylaw revised: December 4, 2023

The order of business for the Clinton Board of Education meetings shall be:

1. Opening Exercises/Attendance
2. Minutes
3. Communications
4. Reports
   1. Administrative Reports
   2. Assistant Superintendent’s Report
   3. Business Manager’s Report
      1. Report of Bills/Finances
   4. Superintendent’s Report
   5. Reports of Subcommittees and Special Committees 
5. Meeting Specific Items
6. Adjournment

Additional discretionary items may be included and inserted where appropriate.  Examples of these discretionary items include, but are not limited to:

• Public Participation/Recognition of Visitors
• Board Recognition of Staff and Students
• Student Representatives Report
• Students and Staff Celebrations
• Executive Session

Bylaw adopted: September 23, 1991

Bylaw revised: February 7, 2000

Bylaw revised: March 7, 2005

Bylaw revised: November 19, 2018

1. Definitions

For purposes of this policy:

1. “Electronic equipment” means any technology that facilitates real-time public access to meetings, including, but not limited to, telephonic, video, or other conferencing platforms.
2. “Electronic transmission” means any form or process of communication not directly involving the physical transfer of paper or another tangible medium, which (A) is capable of being retained, retrieved and reproduced by the recipient, and (B) is retrievable in paper form by the recipient.

2. Meeting Conduct
   1. Meetings of the Clinton Board of Education (the “Board”) shall be conducted by the Chairperson in a manner consistent with the adopted bylaws of the Board and the provisions of law, including the Freedom of Information Act.
   2. All Board meetings shall commence at, or as close as practicable to, the stated time, provided there is a quorum.
   3. All regular and special Board meetings shall be guided by an agenda that will have been prepared and delivered in advance to all Board members and other designated persons.
   4. Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern the proceedings of the Board except as otherwise provided by these bylaws.
   5. In the event that a Board meeting is interrupted by any person or group of persons so as to render the orderly conduct of such meeting unfeasible and order cannot be restored by the removal of individuals who are willfully interrupting the meetings, the Chairperson may order the room cleared and continue in session.
   6. Only matters appearing on the agenda may be considered in such a session.
   7. Duly accredited representatives of the press or other news media, except those participating in the disturbance, shall be allowed to attend any such session.
   8. Nothing in these bylaws shall prohibit the Board from establishing a procedure for readmitting an individual or individuals not responsible for willfully disturbing the meeting.
3. Smoking
   1. Smoking of any kind, including using an electronic nicotine or cannabis delivery system or vapor product, will not be permitted in any room in which a meeting of the Board is being conducted, nor during the time immediately prior to the meeting.
   2. When applicable, a sign notifying the public that no smoking is allowed in the room designated for the meeting will be prominently posted
4. Procedures for Board Member Participation by Means of Electronic Equipment
   1. The Board shall provide Board members the opportunity to participate in meetings by means of electronic equipment, except that the Board is not required to adjourn or postpone a meeting if a Board member loses the ability to participate because of an interruption, failure, or degradation of that member’s connection by electronic equipment, unless the member’s participation is necessary to form a quorum.  Conditions for participation are as follows:
      1. If a quorum of the Board members attend a meeting, other than an executive session, by means of electronic equipment from the same physical location, members of the public must be permitted to attend such meeting in such physical location.
      2. Any physical or demonstrable material that is used in the course of the proceedings must be present in the physical location, if any, where the public is located;
      3. All those in attendance at the meeting, at whatever location, must be able to hear and identify all participants in the proceeding, including their individual remarks and votes.
      4. Any vote taken at a meeting during which a Board member participates by means of electronic equipment shall be taken by roll call, unless the vote is unanimous.
      5. The minutes of the meeting shall record a list of Board members who attended the meeting in person and a list of Board members who attended the meeting by means of electronic equipment.

Any Board member who participates orally in a meeting conducted by means of electronic equipment shall make a good faith effort to state such member’s name and title, if applicable, at the outset of each occasion that such member participates orally during an uninterrupted dialogue or series of questions and answers.

2. When a Board member is participating in a meeting by means of electronic equipment, the Chairperson shall take the necessary steps to ensure that the conditions enumerated above are met.  In addition, the Chairperson shall take the necessary steps to ensure that a Board member participating by means of electronic equipment has adequate opportunity for participation in Board discussion, including the opportunity to take the floor and make motions.

5. Public Address

The Board may permit any individual or group to address the Board concerning any subject that lies within its jurisdiction during a portion of the Board's regular meetings so designated for such purpose.

1. Five (5) minutes may be allotted to each speaker and a maximum of twenty (20) minutes to each subject matter.  The Board may modify these limitations at the beginning of a meeting if the number of persons wishing to speak makes it advisable to do so.
2. A Board member shall act as timekeeper for the meeting, if deemed necessary by the Chairperson.
3. No boisterous conduct shall be permitted at any Board meeting.  Persistence in boisterous conduct shall be grounds for summary termination, by the Chairperson, of that person's privilege of address.  
4. No oral presentation shall include charges or complaints against any employee of the Board, regardless of whether or not the employee is identified in the presentation by name or by another reference which tends to identify an individual.  All charges or complaints against employees shall be submitted to the Board under provision of Board policy.
5. All speakers must identify themselves by name and address.

Legal Reference:

Public Act No. 22-3, “An Act Concerning Remote Meetings Under the Freedom of Information Act.”

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-200

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-206  

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-225  

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-232 

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 19a-342

Freedom of Information Commission Advisory Opinion #41 (April 9, 1980)

Bylaw adopted: September 23, 1991

Bylaw revised: March 6, 2000

Bylaw revised: February 7, 2005

Bylaw revised: November 19, 2018

Bylaw revised: December 5, 2022

1. In compliance with legal requirements, a complete and accurate set of minutes of each meeting shall be kept.
2. Minutes shall be maintained at the Administrative Offices of the school district in an official record book designated for said purpose.
3. The minutes shall constitute the official records of proceedings of the Board of Education (the “Board”) and shall be open to public inspection at all reasonable times.
4. The minutes shall include the following:
   1. The time, place and date of each meeting.
   2. The names of those members in attendance.
   3. The disposition of all matters on which action was recommended.
   4. All motions and resolutions and their disposition, listing all votes, abstentions and absentees.
   5. All decisions concerning future meetings and agendas.
   6. By request, a brief statement of a Board member may be included.
5. A record of votes taken at each meeting shall be reduced to writing and made available for public inspection within forty-eight hours of the conclusion of the meeting at which the votes were taken.  Votes taken shall also be reflected in the minutes of each meeting, and the minutes shall be made available for public inspection and posted on the Board’s Internet web site, if available, not later than seven days of the date of the meeting to which they refer, however, the Board shall not be required by law to post such minutes on an Internet web site. Should the Board decide to make minutes available on the Board’s Internet web site, it shall do so at the sole discretion of the Board.
6. If, in accordance with applicable law, the Board conducts a meeting in which one or more Board members attend by means of electronic equipment, the minutes of the meeting shall record a list of Board members that attended the meeting in person and a list of members that attended the meeting by means of electronic equipment.

Legal Reference:

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-225 Meetings of government agencies to be public.  Recording of votes.

Public Act No. 22-3, “An Act Concerning Remote Meetings Under the Freedom of Information Act.”

Bylaw adopted: September 23, 1991

Bylaw revised: February 7, 2000

Bylaw revised: November 19, 2018

Bylaw revised: May 16, 2022

Bylaw revised: December 5, 2022

Quorum

The majority of all members of the Clinton Board of Education (the “Board”) shall be necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

Voting Procedures

1. No member can vote on a question in which the Board member has a direct personal or pecuniary interest.
2. Members may vote for themselves for any office or other position.
3. While it is the duty of every member who has an opinion on a question to express it by vote, a Board member cannot be compelled to do so.
4. A member may abstain from voting (with the knowledge that the effect is the same as if the Board member had voted on the prevailing side).
5. The votes of each member of the Board upon any issue before the Board shall be recorded in the minutes of the session at which taken.
6. Board members shall have the opportunity to explain their votes, with the explanation to be recorded in the minutes.

Bylaw adopted: November 19, 2018

Bylaw revised: May 16, 2022