1.8 Role and Relationship Between the Board of Trustees and the Chief Executive Officer

adopted: Nov-1975
last revised: Nov-1975

The policy of the Board of Trustees is to recognize and maintain the distinction between those activities which are appropriate to the Board as the sole statutory legislative governing body of District 537, and those administrative functions and duties which are to be performed by the chief executive officer and his/her staff. The Board views the legislative authority that is vested within itself as a body of the whole rather than as individuals acting unilaterally.

Based upon the premise of mutual respect and trust, the Board encourages a shared governance relationship that is characterized by integrity and by open, honest, two-way flow of continuous communications based upon accurate, reliable information obtained from thorough study and analysis. In that regard, the Board looks toward the chief executive officer to provide recommendations, suggestions, and options relating to both short and long-term goals and objectives of the District. These recommendations will be presented in a manner that allows the Board an adequate period of deliberation, which will ultimately result in the adoption of policies that enhance the well-being of Richland Community College. The Board recognizes that if the chief executive officer is to be responsible for the prudent management of the district and its resources, likewise, the Board must also be fully informed and recognize its responsibility to be fully supportive of the chief executive officer by granting him/her full authority to carry out and implement the administration of District 537 in accordance with those policies adopted by the Board.

The Board will maintain an understanding and respect for the delineation of policy versus administration and will maintain a self-discipline that will avoid direct interference into the administrative functions of the College District. The Board will encourage and be supportive of an atmosphere that will allow the chief executive officer the flexibility and creativity to successfully exercise his/her administrative style necessary for successfully carrying out the administrative functions of the District.