Berkeley SD 87 board reorganizes leadership, waives policy readings and confirms legal and audit firms

The Berkeley School District 87 Board of Education completed its reorganization at the April 27 meeting, confirming officer nominations, approving a package of policy updates and reappointing the district’s legal and auditing partners.

Board leadership steps followed from the absence of a contested election this year; the board proceeded with nominations and roll-call votes to confirm president, vice president and secretary for one-year terms. The board also set regular meetings for the fourth Monday of each month at 6 p.m. and kept the board secretary’s compensation at its prior level.

Chair (board president) told the board, “We ask that the board approve the revised board update new and rewritten policies as presented,” and later moved that the first and second reading procedures be waived for a broad list of policy changes that were described as legislative in nature. The packet included revisions touching fiscal and business management, accounting and audits, curriculum content, attendance and truancy, bullying prevention, and several personnel and instructional policies.

The board approved a resolution naming the law firm of Petrarca, Gleeson, Boyle and Izzo as legal counsel and reappointed Baker Tilly US LLP as the district auditor. Chair introduced audit representatives attending the meeting.

Board members recorded their votes by roll call on each motion; the motions to approve policies, retain counsel and reappoint auditors were carried with affirmative roll-call responses.

The board said the policy changes would be presented in open session at a regular board meeting; several trustees noted the updates reflected statutory changes and did not require additional public comment. The board closed the reorganization business and moved on to regular agenda items.