Each school district is assigned to one of the state's 29 intermediate units, which is operated by a governing board composed of locally elected school directors from the school districts that make up the intermediate unit. IU board members serve three-year terms and may succeed themselves without limitation as long as they remain local board members. Boards are required to engage in planning by the regulations of the State Board of Education. Appropriate reports of such must be filed with the state Department of Education. The idea of local control of education means that policies governing the operation of schools are to be formed in response to local needs and desires.
Policy means actions of the board that set written goals and objectives for the school.
Evaluation completes the loop and leads to more planning. The selection of competent administrators who carry out public policies established by the board is one of the board's most important functions. Adopt courses of study in consultation with the superintendent. Specify time and place for board meetings, and meet at least once every two months. Take action on certain matters only by an affirmative vote of the majority of all members of the board, duly recorded, showing how each member voted.