School Board

ISD656 School Board

The District 656 School Board represents community residents dedicated to providing a quality education for District children. Over the years, the School Board has recognized and faced some tough challenges, but through strong leadership and wise management, District 656 continues its tradition of excellence. The School Board is a policy-making body. They set the policies under which the Leadership Team guides the school system.

Faribault Public Schools is governed by a seven-member School Board elected at-large by district residents. Board members serve four-year terms. The Superintendent is appointed by the Board and serves as the Board's agent. Board meetings are held regularly with the dates published on the district website.  You are welcome to attend the School Board meetings. You may also watch the Board meetings on the school district website. Official meeting information and notes are available in BoardBook, also accessible through our website.


 

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Board Information

When does the School Board meet? 

Regular School Board meetings are held at 5:30 P.M. at Faribault Public Schools District Office and Conference Center, 710 17th Street SW, Faribault, MN 55021 and are live streamed on YouTube 

Work Session meetings are held at 5:30 P.M. at the District Office. School Board meetings are open to the public. Dates for all meetings can be found on the District Website. Exceptions are announced on our website and posted at the District Office. 

School Board Responsibilities

What does the School Board do?

  • Approves the School District budget. The Administrative Team is then responsible to operate within that budget. 
  • Can take no action as individuals. Rather, they act only as they meet together as a full Board. 
  • Serves as a liaison between the constituents of the School District and the school staff. 
  • Must be interested in gaining the best education possible within the financial limitations of this District for the students in the District. 
  • Works through the Administrative Team to accomplish established School District goals. 
How long is a School Board member's term in office?

In Faribault, we have a seven-member School Board. All Board members must be residents of our School District and be at least 21 years of age. The annual School Board election is held on Election Day in November. Members begin their term of office in January. Members are elected for a four year term. 


 

COMPENSATION:

Like most Minnesota School Boards, Faribault Public Schools offers a salary for School Board service. Directors receive $275.00 monthly and Board Chair receives $300.00 monthly.


 


 

School Board Public Comment Guidelines   

This is an opportunity for residents, business and property owners, parents, students and employees of the Faribault Public School District to address the Board.  You must sign up in person at the board meeting, and address the Board from the podium.  Members of the public will address their remarks with civility and respect. After being recognized by the Chair, each individual will identify themselves and the group they represent, if any.  Please state your reason for addressing the Board. This is not a time to debate an issue, but for the Board to hear your comments.  Public comment is not available at Work Sessions or Closed Sessions of the School Board.

The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act prohibits comment about specific student or staff matters, even without naming them, in open session. This includes the public comment portion of our meeting.  The Board respects and values input, but when it relates to a specific student, staff or to a specific matter, such input must be heard by the appropriate personnel, such as the building Principal or Superintendent, and not during an open meeting of the School Board.


HOW CAN I ADDRESS THE SCHOOL BOARD?

If a person wishes to address the Board on an item listed on the agenda, he/she will be recognized by the Chairperson at the time that item comes up for discussion on the agenda. Many items of business are considered at each School Board meeting and the Board wishes to give ample time to all issues. Thus, it is important that all persons addressing the Board be as clear and concise as possible. At each meeting there will be an opportunity under Community Comment to address the Board early in the meeting.

Anyone interested in making a Public Comment will be asked to complete an information card before the meeting starts providing their name, address and topic of their comment.  All comments must conform to School Board Policy 206 which is available for review on the district website.

  • Each speaker will have 3 minutes each to make comments on one specific topic.  
  • Each topic will have a total of 15 minutes allowed for comments.

 


 

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