School board approves clerk job description to meet STARS Act requirements

The school board voted 6-0 to approve an updated clerk-of-district job description that officials said is required to comply with the STARS Act and to secure funding for the position. Board member Kelly moved to approve the job description and Board member Clark seconded; Chair called the ayes and announced the motion passed 6-0.

Board leaders said the job description uses language recommended by MCSBA and includes the duties and physical-demand statements the district must document to meet certification and auditing standards. The Chair told the board that although some duties (for example payroll and business-manager tasks) are routinely delegated to other staff, the clerk remains ultimately responsible when auditors review district records.

The Chair said the policy committee will formally adopt a policy containing the duties, but because policy changes require two readings and the law's enactment date is imminent, the board was asked to adopt the job description immediately so the district could comply in time. The Chair also expressed uncertainty about how OPI will interpret the statutory wording and said the district wanted the required language documented exactly as provided.

The motion approved language stating the clerk reports to the school board and enumerating duties required under the new statute. During the meeting the Chair asked a staff member named Felicia to confirm the version under consideration; Felicia indicated agreement. The Chair closed the item by calling for public comment; none was offered.

The board concluded its business and the Chair reminded attendees about graduation on Sunday.