Ask AASB FAQs

Answers to questions we are frequently asked

• What is the consent agenda process at board meetings? Do most school boards in Alaska use consent agendas?
• What are the requirements to serve on my local Advisory School Board?
• What is the process for adopting or updating a board policy? Does our board need to take action at two consecutive meetings to approve a policy?
• We have five members on our board, but only three are able to attend an upcoming special meeting. When the board votes on an action item would we need a majority of the board’s entire membership (3 out of 5 total), or a majority of the members present (2 out of 3 present)?
• When a board appoints someone to a vacant seat, what is the correct order of steps? Should the new member take the oath of office before the board reorganizes, or does the reorganization come first?
• Where in board bylaw is it that requests for a large amount of information from one board member needs to be approved or agreed upon by the board as a whole?
• Is there a reduction in force policy for classified staff?
• When a new member is appointed to fill a vacant seat, should they take the oath of office before the board reorganizes, or does the board reorganize first?
• Is it typical for the Superintendent to sit on the dais with the school board? How do districts around the state handle seating arrangements?
• Our board meeting minutes have become quite lengthy and include details of board discussions. Could you provide any recommendations or best practices for what board minutes should capture?