Committee asks legal review of board authority in dismissal and suspension cases

During policy review on Sept. 25 the governance committee identified language in the dismissal/suspension policy that states personnel actions (suspensions, demotions, reductions in pay/step) may be affirmed, modified or revoked. Several board members questioned whether that language overstates the board’s authority under state law or conflicts with collective-bargaining agreements.

A committee member said the policy’s wording “seems kind of confusing” and asked administration to determine from a legal standpoint what authority the board actually has to modify or revoke personnel actions for employees who are not covered by contracts. An administrator suggested the item may be a notification requirement (board report) rather than an authority to unilaterally reverse employment actions.

Action and next steps: administration will review legal authority and applicable contractual provisions, determine whether policy language should be revised for compliance, and return recommendations to the governance committee at a future meeting.