The school board is responsible for the organization and control of the district’s public schools and is empowered to determine the policies necessary for the effective operation and the general improvement of the school system. The school board is a public corporate entity and can take action only when the board is meeting in official public session and a quorum is present. An individual member of the school board has authority to take official action only when sitting as a member of the school board in public session except when the school board specifically authorizes the member to act. The school board is not bound in any way by any action on the part of an individual board member or an employee except when such statement or action is in compliance with the public action of the school board.

A chair and vice-chair are elected annually by the School Board of Hillsborough County at its organizational meeting held on the third Tuesday after the first Monday in November; however, if the chair becomes vacant, the school board elects a chair at the next regular or special meeting.

The chair presides at all school board meetings, appoints committees and performs such other duties prescribed by law or by action of the school board. The vice-chair presides in the absence of the chair and performs other duties of the chair as required by circumstances. The chair and vice-chair are bonded in the manner prescribed by the State Board of Education.

The superintendent, as provided by law, is the secretary and executive officer of the school board. At any organizational meeting, the superintendent acts as chair until the organization of the school board is completed.

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