North Dakota School Boards Association
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RESOURCES

Each school board should keep certain vital sources of reference handy. The NDSBA works with business managers to help establish the concept and content of a reference library. Almost every item identified below is available either free of charge or at a reasonable cost.

Recommended items include:

  • The Handbook for School Board Members is produced by NDSBA and available on this website. Problems most frequently encountered by boards are addressed. Revisions are made as necessary.
  • A copy of the local district’s current written policy. This document is the working plan for the district. 
  • A complete copy of the board’s minutes from all past meetings. 
  • A copy of the basic North Dakota Century School Code with the latest supplements is vital. 
  • Various School Personnel Documents are included on this Web site for your convenience. From the menu, click on Resources, then School Personnel Documents for a listing of available documents.
  • Just prior to each legislative session, NDSBA publishes a legislative handbook for board members. One copy is provided to every member school district. During the legislative session, NDSBA posts weekly updates on this Web site. 
  • The Department of Public Instruction prepares an Educational Directory each year. 
  • School boards need to be familiar with the proper way to conduct a meeting. A copy of Robert’s Rules of Order, Revised, can be purchased for a few dollars at any book store. 
  • NDSBA publishes the Unemployment Insurance Operations Manual for Group Account members. The information contained therein is applicable to all forms of coverage and can be valuable to all districts. 
  • The Bulletin, published monthly by NDSBA contains information on current topics. We urge that a file of these newsletters be retained for reference. 
  • NDSBA has published a Negotiations Handbook that should be readily accessible — especially during negotiations. 
  • NDSBA publication So You Want to be a School Board Member. 
  • NDSBA publication Call to Order. 
  • School bus booklet. 
  • NSBA’s publication Becoming a Better Board Member.  

Any other printed resource that might be of value, particularly during a board meeting, should be obtained and stored where it is easily accessible to board members.