e. Prevent, within Board policy, termination of discussion of any problem until each member has expressed an opinion or has indicated willingness to have discussion ended. f. Rule impartially on arguments turning on judgments of the presiding officer. g. Prevent decision-shaping influences upon Board members other than those in free, thorough, and democratic discussion in Board meetings. h. Refrain from discussing elements of Board deliberations outside of Board meetings except when the public interest requires an official statement. i. Hold that all decisions and actions of the Board are of all members until such decisions and actions are disavowed by a majority vote in legal session of the board. j. Ensure the authorizing, conducting, and reporting of all Board business in legal sessions of the Board. k. As presiding officer, ensure the good order of meetings with courtesy, tolerance, sincerity, and mutual respect evidenced in members’ relations with one another. 3. Induct new members. a. Determine the legality of the membership claimed. b. Declare the seating of the new member. c. Express the official welcome of the Board. d. Introduce the new member to other Board members, the superintendent of schools, and other school personnel. e. Provide informative materials concerning the school system, school district organization, Board practices and policies, duties of Board members, legal authorizations and compulsions, educational programs of the schools, current problems of the Board, and sources of information aiding in decision making in school board deliberations. f. Make accessible all records of Board business. g. Provide, according to Board policy, equipment such as binder covers for official copies of Board documents, Board membership list, school directory and calendar, school district map, population charts, statements of Board policy, state school code, books and magazines, notebooks, and file folders. h. Arrange tours of observation through the school system for new members. 4. Promote good relations with other school boards. a. Secure the exchange of information. b. Encourage reciprocal visiting of board meetings and school plants. c. Assist in developing area meetings of members of school boards. d. Ensure the representation of the Board of Education by Board members at county, state, and other meetings. e. Participate in planning for the general improvement of educational opportunity. 5. Maintain the preeminence of worthy educational objectives in all school board activities.
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