The secretary of the board of education shall be elected by the board of education and may be a member thereof, who shall serve for 2 years, except that the board by resolution may establish a policy for the term of office to be one year. The secretary, if not a member of the board, may receive such compensation as shall be fixed by the board of education prior to the election of the secretary. If the secretary is a member of the board, he or she may receive such compensation not to exceed $500 per year as shall be fixed by the board and may vote on all questions coming before the board.
     He shall perform the duties usually pertaining to his office, or to the clerk of a board of directors, and such as are imposed on him by law, or by action of the board of education. If he is absent from any meeting or refuses to perform his duties, a secretary pro tempore who may but need not be a member of the board shall be appointed.