A Governing Board is a legal entity for providing a system of public education within a geographic area of the State of Ohio. The system was created by, and is governed by, State statutes. Members of a Board are, therefore, State officers chosen by citizens to represent them and the State in the legislative management of the local schools.
The Governing Board has the dual responsibility for implementing statutory requirements pertaining to public education and for meeting the desires of the citizens. While the Board has an obligation to determine and assess citizen desires, it is understood that when the citizens elect delegates to represent them in the conduct of specified educational programs, they, at the same time, endow their representatives with the authority to exercise their best judgment in determining policies, making decisions, and approving procedures for carrying out the responsibility.
The Board declares and, thereby, reaffirms its intent to:
- Maintain two-way communications with citizens of the Educational Service Center. The Board shall keep them informed of the progress and problems of the Educational Service Center, and the citizens shall be urged to bring their aspirations and concerns about the Center to the attention of this body.
- Establish policies and make decisions on the basis of declared educational philosophy and goals.
- Act as a truly representative body for citizens in all matters related to programs and operations. The Board recognizes that ultimate responsibility for public education rests with the State, but the Governing Board has been assigned specific authority through statute, and the Board shall not relinquish or fail to exercise that authority.