Policy 4110 - Citizen Advisory Committees And Task Forces

The following guidelines have been prepared to assist a citizen advisory committee or task force: 

A. A specific charge or assignment will be made to the committee. Committees can be formed for the general benefit of the district to get valuable feedback from its constituents. 

B. The board members of each committee and/or superintendent will appoint committee member facilitators based on the individual’s interest and the board’s judgment of their potential contribution to the committee’s task. 

C. The committee will be advisory only. The board does not and, under the law, cannot relinquish its decision-making responsibilities. 

D. The committee will make periodic progress reports to the board; such interim reports as well as the committee’s final findings and recommendations will become matters of public record by virtue of their presentation to the board in a public board meeting. 

E. Minority recommendations, as well as those of the majority, will be welcomed by the board. 

F. The duration of the committee’s life will be specified when it is established, unless it is deemed to be an ongoing advisory body. The board may authorize the committee to continue its work beyond the original termination date. additionally, by a majority vote of the board, a standing committee may be dissolved. 

G. Staff consultants and other resource assistance will be made available. The committee may also elect to request advice or opinions from others, including representatives o the public. 

H. Committee meeting guidelines are as follows:

1. The frequency of meetings, meeting times, meeting places, and the nature of the meeting announcement will be determined by the committee in collaboration with the district and board. 
2. The committee may invite public attendance if it feels such attendance will facilitate the accomplishment of its goals; and 
3. The committee will develop meeting procedures to facilitate the orderly pursuit of its tasks. 

I. Expenses of the committee may be allowed only if authorized in advance. 

J. Appointment of the committee chair will be the prerogative of the board. 

K. By agreeing to serve on the committee, a person indicates their willingness to comply with the board’s guidelines for all advisory committees/task forces, as well as the specific guidelines and procedures developed for the committee. 

L. If the committee acts on behalf of the board, conducts hearings, or takes testimony or public comment, its meetings will be open to the public. RCW 42.30.020 

Adoption:

(Formerly #4220)