§ 1577. Duties and authority of Alternative Governance Board

The governance board of a CTE center authorized under this subchapter, in addition to other duties and authority specifically assigned by law to the governing authority of a CTE center, shall have the following duties and authority:

(1) To determine the educational policies of the career technical center. Policies shall be of general application to the center and shall be in writing, codified, and made available to the public. Board policies shall be adopted at regular or special meetings. A board shall give public notice of its intent to adopt a board policy, stating the substance of the proposed policy, at least ten days prior to its adoption. A board may also approve or disapprove rules and regulations proposed by the director for the conduct and management of the center.

(2) To take any action required for the sound administration of the center. The Secretary of Education, with the advice of the Attorney General, upon application by a board, shall decide whether any action contemplated or taken under this subdivision is required for the sound administration of the center and is consistent with law. The Secretary’s decision shall be final.

(3) To have the possession, care, control, and management of the property of the center, subject to the provisions of any agreement between the former board of the center and the alternative governing board.

(4) To keep the center buildings and grounds in good repair, suitably equipped, insured, and in safe and sanitary condition at all times. The center shall regulate or prohibit firearms or other dangerous or deadly weapons on school premises. A board’s policies in this regard shall be, at minimum, consistent with section 1166 of this title and 13 V.S.A. § 4004, relating to a student who brings a firearm to or possesses a firearm at school.

(5) To lease or purchase real and personal property, and to sell, relocate, or discontinue use of real and personal property, subject to the terms and conditions of the approval granted to it by the State Board.

(6) To establish and maintain a system for receipt, deposit, disbursement, accounting, control, and reporting procedures that meets the criteria established by the State Board pursuant to subdivision 164(15) of this title and that ensures all payments are lawful and in accordance with the budget adopted pursuant to terms approved by the State Board. The Board may authorize a subcommittee, a superintendent of schools, or a designated employee of the Board to examine claims against the district for center expenses and draw orders for such as shall be allowed by it payable to the party entitled to the payment. Such orders shall state definitely the purpose for which they are drawn and shall serve as full authority to the treasurer to make such payments. It shall be lawful for a board to submit to its treasurer a certified copy of those portions of the board minutes, properly signed by the clerk and chair, or a majority of the board, showing to whom, and for what purpose, each payment is to be made by the treasurer, and the certified copy shall serve as full authority to the treasurer to make the approved payments.

(7) To establish, with the advice and consent of the Auditor of Accounts and the Secretary of Education, a system of accounts for the proper control and reporting of center finances and for stating the annual financial condition of the center.

(8) To sue and be sued.

(9) To execute contracts on behalf of the center, including contracts providing for binding arbitration, by its chair or any person designated whose appointment is recorded in the minutes of the board.

(10) [Repealed.]

(11) To employ persons to carry out the work of the center and dismiss any employee when necessary. The board shall consider the recommendation of the director or superintendent before employing or dismissing any person.

(12) To provide, at the expense of the center, subject to the approval of the director or superintendent, all textbooks, learning materials, equipment, and supplies.

(13) To employ a public accountant every year to audit the financial statements of the regional career technical center school district.

(14) To establish policies and procedures designed to avoid the appearance of board member conflict of interest.

(15) To borrow money by issuance of bonds or notes, not in excess of anticipated revenue for the school year.

(16) To apply for grants and to accept and expend grants and gifts.

(17) To present informational materials, at the expense of the center, to the electorate on any matter to be voted; provided, however, that the materials shall be limited to those that are reasonably designed to inform, educate, and explain to the electorate the board’s position on the matter. (Added 2001, No. 33, § 3; amended 2003, No. 107 (Adj. Sess.), § 9; 2005, No. 130 (Adj. Sess.), § 2; 2005, No. 182 (Adj. Sess.), § 6; 2013, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 157, eff. Feb. 14, 2014; 2019, No. 131 (Adj. Sess.), § 78; 2021, No. 20, § 61.)