The School Board has the responsiblity for setting policy and establishing the rules by which the schools and the system are administered. The members of the Board are a vital link between the citizens of Escambia County and the public schools. Input from the community is necessary to identify the needs and set priorities for the efficient operation and general improvement of the school system.

Operating as an independent agency of consolidated government, the Board governs all local school matters within provisions of federal and state law, and within regulations set forth by the State Department of Education.

No official School Board business may be transacted except in a regular or special meeting of the Board.

The Board is comprised of five members, one selected from each of the five residential districts in Escambia County. Members are required to live within their district and are elected for four-year overlapping terms. In November of each year the Board elects its chairman and vice-chairman.

Regular Board Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month and begin with a public forum at 5:30 p.m. in Room 160 of the J.E. Hall Educational Services Center, located at 30 East Texar Drive. The Regular Board Meeting is televised live on Cox Communications Channel 4.

The Board also holds monthly workshops, typically the Friday before the Regular Meeting, to study and discuss issues on the agenda. These workshops are also open to the public but no formal action can be taken. Workshops are held in Room 160 of the J.E. Hall Center, 30 East Texar Drive.

Occasionally special Board meetings are called at the request of the Superintendent or the Board. All action taken at special meetings has the same effect as action taken at regular meetings.

In addition to Board Members and the Superintendent, a number of other people are actively involved in a Board meeting. The School Board attorney and members of the Superintendent's staff are on hand to answer questions, provide detailed information, or clarify items relating to the agenda.

A written agenda is prepared by the Superintendent's staff and reviewed by the Board members prior to the meeting. During the meeting, the Board must take some type of action on each agenda item.

During the meeting the Superintendent and/or a School Board member may, with approval of the School Board, introduce a topic that is not on the agenda.

Copies of the agenda outline are available one week prior to the regular meeting by calling the Office of the Superintendent, 469-6130. Copies are also placed at the entrance to Room 160 just before each meeting and are available for public review.

During the public forum, citizens may address the Board on topics of personal interest.

Persons who wish to speak during the public forum must fill out a form, stating their name and topic, and give it to the recording secretary. Two minutes is usually allowed for each speaker but may be changed by Board consent.

If the speaker reads from a prepared statement or makes reference to a prepared document, it is recommended that copies be provided to Board Members, the Superintendent, the Recording Secretary, and the media.

In addition to the public forum, any citizen may speak to any item on the agenda. The citizen must first fill out a speaker form and turn it in to the Recording Secretary thus indicating that the item should be pulled for discussion.