Introduction
Board of Education
The mission of Summit Hill District 161, in collaboration with the family and the community, is to provide our students with the highest quality educational opportunities in a safe, supportive, and stimulating learning environment which will empower them to become productive global citizens and successful lifelong learners.
What is the Board of Education?
In Illinois, public education is the state's constitutional responsibility. The state delegates to local school boards the authority to govern school districts within the parameters set by state law. Boards are made up of seven school district residents elected at-large to serve terms of four years without pay. So, although the Board is politically responsible to District voters, it is legally responsible to the state.
Board of Education Duties
- Deciding what shall be taught in the schools;
- Hiring necessary personnel based on the Superintendent's recommendation;
- Providing and maintaining school buildings;
- Setting all contracts and paying bills; and
- Arranging for revenue necessary to operate the District.
The Role of the Board
- Adopt goals and policies that meet state requirements and reflect community needs;
- Provide the resources necessary to pursue its goals according to its policies; and
- Monitor District performance to see that results are consistent with goals and policies.