Board of Education

A school board member in New York State serves as a state official. The board's powers are derived from the state Constitution, laws of New York State, and rulings of the state Commissioner of Education.

As elected representatives, board members ensure that the school remains responsive to the needs of district residents by serving as a link between school and community. The Board of Education establishes official policy and sets goals for the school district. All board decisions follow logically from these goals and objectives. Board decisions can be made only by the board acting as a whole in a public meeting. No individual member may bind the Board of Education to a particular course of action.

Responsibilities of the Board

As the official policy-making body of the school district, the Board of Education has many responsibilities, including...

• Establishing policies for the operation of the school district.
• Determining the district's educational goals and standards.
• Authorizing the development or revision of curricula.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of programs and services.
• Authorizing personnel actions, including the appointment of professional educators,
  upon the superintendent's recommendation.
• Cooperating with school and community stakeholders to develop a budget consistent with
  educational needs and community resources.
• Representing the views of the community in educational matters.
• Communicating educational programs and needs to the community.

Rules of Public Address While Attending a Board of Education Meeting

The Board of Education is a body of school district residents, elected by the community and charged with conducting school-related business. The meetings are conducted under the Open Meeting Law, but are not open forums for the community.

On the meeting agenda, there is a time during which the public may address the Board regarding agenda items or other comments or questions. This time is usually shortly after the opening of the meeting.

All comments shall be directed to the President of the Board. If a question is asked, the President shall either respond directly or redirect the question to another member of the Board, to the Superintendent, or to a member of the administrative staff. Spontaneous discussions between a presenter and the audience are not permitted.

We, the Board, the Superintendent and the Administrative Staff may be contacted during the school day to set up appointments.

Thank you for your interest and cooperation.

Livonia Central School Board of Education

(front row from left: Terry McCarron, Theresa Pope, Colleen Shaw)
(back row from left: Andy Mattle, Dave Woodruff, Ron Fugle, Mike Mallaber)


J. David Woodruff - term: 7/1/06 - 6/30/09 - 3 years (President) 
Theresa Pope - term: 7/1/06 - 6/30/09 - 3 years (Vice-President) 
Terry McCarron - term: 7/1/07 - 6/30/10 - 3 years 
Colleen Shaw - term: 7/1/08 - 6/30/11 - 3 years 
Ronald Fugle - term: 7/1/08 - 6/30/11 - 3 years 
Andy Mattle - term: 7/1/07 - 6/30/10 - 3 years 
Rick Wilkins - term: 7/1/08 - 6/30/11 - 3 years