APPENDIX 1—D

ORGANIZATION AND WORKING POLICY FOR THE GOVERNING BOARD OF RUTH MURDOCH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Amended and restated on June 10, 2024

Article 1—Name

The school whose governance is described in this document is located in Berrien Springs, Michigan, and shall be known as RUTH MURDOCH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (in this document, either “RMES” or “Ruth Murdoch”). The governance entity described in this document shall be known as the RUTH MURDOCH ELEMENTARY GOVERNING BOARD (in this document, “Governing Board”). This document shall be known as the RMES BOARD WORKING POLICY.

Article 2—RMES Governance

Ruth Murdoch is an elementary school operated by Andrews University (in this document, “University”) under the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of Andrews University, as periodically amended, and under the jurisdiction of the University administration, Board of Trustees, and Corporation membership. Andrews University owns the RMES property, facilities, and equipment and it employs the Ruth Murdoch faculty and staff.

By action 91-45 dated February 25, 1991, the University Board of Trustees delegated the governance powers and authority to the RMES Governing Board under the provisions of the University Bylaws, as amended on February 24, 1991.

The daily administration of Ruth Murdoch shall be in the hands of approved officers and supporting staff. If deemed in the best interests of Andrews University and/or Ruth Murdoch, the University Board of Trustees and/or its Executive Committee, may temporarily suspend any of the provisions contained in the Ruth Murdoch Working Policy. Before doing so, wherever possible and practicable, the University Board of Trustees and/or its Executive Committee shall consult with the Governing Board chair and/or the Governing Board.

Article 3—RMES GOVERNING BOARD

Section 3.1 Ruth Murdoch Constituency

The authority of the University Board of Trustees as constituency of Ruth Murdoch shall be expressed by way of the elected, appointed, and ex-officio representatives serving on the Governing Board. The elected and appointed representatives of the constituency are chosen as described below.

Governing Board members shall be regular members of the Seventh-day Adventist church selected by the University President, Pioneer Memorial Church (in this document, “Pioneer”), and the Governing Board. Ruth Murdoch employees other than the principal are ineligible for membership on the Governing Board.

Section 3.2 Ruth Murdoch Board Diversity

Ruth Murdoch values diversity and expects that its Governing Board will reflect that value. The desired diversity goes beyond narrow, immutable characteristics and includes such things as perspectives, personal and professional backgrounds, and breadth of involvement in church and community life. Ruth Murdoch does not expect diversity to be elevated above other needs and interests of Ruth Murdoch. Governing Board members should be selected first and foremost based on the contributions they can make to Ruth Murdoch through board service, but this statement emphasizes Ruth Murdoch’s general belief that a diverse Governing Board best serves its mission and purpose.

Section 3.3 Membership Categories

The Ruth Murdoch Governing Board shall be composed of nineteen (19) members from three categories of membership – elected, appointed, and ex-officio. The elected membership shall number ten (10), the appointed membership shall number three (3), and the ex-officio membership shall number six (6). All elected, appointed, and ex-officio members have full speaking and voting privileges.

Section 3.4 Elected Membership

Pioneer Memorial Church shall elect seven (7) members, including the Home and School leader. Three (3) additional members will be elected by the Governing Board, as recommended through its Governance Committee, to represent the diversity of supporting Seventh-day Adventist churches and community organizations.

Section 3.5 Appointed Membership

The University president shall appoint or reappoint three (3) members in consultation with the Provost. This will include the Governing Board chair and one teacher education representative from the School of Education.   

Section 3.6  Ex-officio Membership

The ex-officio membership shall number six (6), and shall include (a) the University Provost, (b) the Ruth Murdoch principal, (c) the Michigan Conference education superintendent or designee, (d) the Andrews Academy principal, (e) the Pioneer senior pastor, and (f) one other Pioneer pastor.

Section 3.7 Membership Term

The term for appointed and elected members shall be four (4) years, staggered so that less than half are new to the Governing Board each year. The membership year shall extend from July 1 through June 30. Members may be reelected for a second term, after which they may serve again after at least two years out of office. Ex officio and appointed members are not term limited.

Section 3.8 Remuneration for Members

Members receive no remuneration for serving on the Ruth Murdoch Governing Board.

Section 3.9 Removal of Members

Appointed or elected members may be removed prior to the expiration of their term upon: (a) missing three consecutive Governing Board meetings without notice, (b) violating any of their responsibilities (see Section 3.10, below), or (c) a two-thirds vote of all other Governing Board members then in office. If any appointee or electee is removed, the person or organization who made the appointment shall appoint a successor to complete the removed member’s term.

Section 3.10 Responsibilities of Individual Members

Individual Governing Board member’s responsibilities include:

3.10.1 General Responsibilities

1. Know the school’s mission, philosophy and objectives, programs, services, strengths and needs.
2. Serve Ruth Murdoch as an ambassador of good public relations.
3. Support the Governing Board and RMES according to personal knowledge, experience, interests, and skills.
4. Assist the Governing Board’s Committee on Governing Board Development, Policy and Procedure in identifying future possible Governing Board members to the appropriate people and boards. These possible nominees to the Governing Board are to be men and women of achievement and distinction who can make significant contributions to the work of the Governing Board and to the progress of Ruth Murdoch.
5. Give positive assistance in the resolution of problems, grievances, and misinformation by referral to established policies, procedures, and protocols and by calling to the attention of the principal or chair of the Governing Board, all matters of potential significance as appropriate.
6. Be informed of current trends in the field of education.
7. Support and counsel the principal as appropriate in their relationships with groups or individuals.
8. Support the Home and School Association in their volunteer service and fund-raising activities.
9. Encourage the Volunteers as a support organization in Ruth Murdoch.

3.10.2 Ethical Responsibilities

1. Avoid asking special favors of the staff based on the position as a member of the Governing Board.
2. Endeavor to maintain a position of independence and objectivity with respect to special interest groups or constituencies.
3. Avoid the appearance of conflict of interest, which might embarrass the Governing Board, Ruth Murdoch or the University and disclose any possible conflicts to the Governing Board.
4. Provide public support for all decisions of the Governing Board, even those decisions with which the Board member personally disagrees.
5. Maintain confidentiality and speak for the Governing Board or Ruth Murdoch only when specifically authorized to do so.

3.10.3 Financial Responsibilities

1. Assist the Finance Committee in securing adequate resources for conducting the school’s programs and services.
2. Faithfully examine and evaluate the school’s financial statements.
3. Adopt policies which protect the resources and improve Ruth Murdoch’s financial stability.
4. Help the Governing Board fulfill its financial monitoring responsibilities.
5. Support Ruth Murdoch’s financial stability and advancement through solicitation and encouragement of gifts.
6. Make direct financial contributions to Ruth Murdoch in amounts which are significant relative to the Governing Board member’s resources.
7. Assist Ruth Murdoch’s development efforts through personal influence with others.

3.10.4 Leadership Responsibilities

1. Serve in leadership and committee positions and undertake special assignments when asked.
2. Prepare for and participate in Governing Board and committee meetings, including appropriate organizational activities.
3. Present timely and substantive questions at RMES Board and committee meetings consistent with personal conscience and convictions.
4. Assure sufficient opportunity for the Governing Board to hear about responsible minority opinions, while supporting the majority decision on issues decided by the Governing Board.
5. Suggest agenda items for Governing Board and committee meetings as needed to ensure that significant policy-related matters are addressed.

Article 4—POWER AND DUTIES OF THE RMES BOARD

Section 4.1 Corporate Power of the Board

The power and authority of the Governing Board belong only to the members as a group, citing in a properly called meeting. No individual member has any legal right to act for the Governing Board unless designated to do so by the Ruth Murdoch Working Policy or by specific Governing Board action.

Section 4.2 Authority of the Board

Subject to the exceptions described below, the University Board of Trustees has delegated to the Ruth Murdoch Governing Board the authority to make all necessary and appropriate decisions regarding the operation of Ruth Murdoch, provided that such decisions are taken in harmony with the University Working Policy and the educational codes of the Seventh-day Adventist church (Michigan Conference, Lake Union Conference, and the North American Division).

The University Board of Trustees has reserved for the University president the authority to terminate the Ruth Murdoch principal and override decisions of the Governing Board when, in the judgment of the president, the Governing Board’s actions (a) is inconsistent with the University Working Policy or University’s legal obligations or (b) would negatively influence the University’s ability to carry out its mission. The University Board of Trustees has reserved for itself the final authority for hiring and promoting salaried administrators, faculty, and staff, approving the budget, and amending the Ruth Murdoch Working Policy. For these three reserved powers, the University Board of Trustees generally will look to a voted recommendation/action from the Governing Board.

Section 4.3 Administration of Policies

The Governing Board exercises jurisdiction and formulates policy in matters pertaining to Ruth Murdoch as stated in Section 4.2 above; the execution of those policies is delegated to the principal, who acts under the Governing Board’s general supervision and continues to serve at the pleasure of the Governing Board. The Governing Board’s policies shall be consistent with the University Faculty Handbook, RMES School Bulletin, RMES Student Handbook, RMES Faculty Handbook and the Michigan and Lake Union Conferences and North American Division education codes and such policies pertaining to the operation of Ruth Murdoch which it recommends to the University Board of Trustees for publication in the University Working Policy.

The Governing Board in adopting these publications and policies reserves the right to recommend changes in them. Before recommending changes in policies, the Governing Board shall consult the principal and the faculty of Ruth Murdoch. Faculty in session objecting to a proposed amendment may record their objections by forwarding them to the Governing Board through the Board Chair, the principal, or a faculty representative.

Section 4.4 Governing Board Officers

The officers of Ruth Murdoch Governing Board shall be the chair, the vice-chair, and the secretary. They are appointed with duties as follows:

4.4.1 Chair

Election. The chair shall be appointed by the University President. The chair shall be either the University Provost or a person appointed by the President in consultation with the Provost.
Duties. The chair’s duties shall be to:

1. Authorize regular and special meetings of the Governing Board.
2. Preside at all regular and special meetings of the Governing Board, conducted according to Robert’s Rules of Order.
3. Serve in an advisory role to (a) the RMES Principal, (b) University administrators, and (c) the Michigan Conference Education Superintendent.
4. When the University Provost is not the Governing Board Chair, the chair shall (a) serve for a two (2) year period which may be extended by the same method as the original process; and (b) act as counselor to the Provost.

4.4.2 Vice-Chair

Election. The vice-chair shall be elected every two years by the Governing Board from among themselves.
Duties. The vice-chair’s duties shall be to act in place of the Governing Board chair in the chair’s absence.

4.4.3 Secretary

Ex-Officio. The Governing Board secretary shall be the RMES Principal.
Duties. The secretary’s duties shall be to:

1. Serve as the executive secretary of the Governing Board.
2. Prepare Governing Board agendas in counsel with the Chair and distribute to board members no less than 72 hours before a board meeting.
3. Foster and promote an active Home and School Association.
4. Distribute minutes of Governing Board meetings and related reports to all members within thirty (30) days following each meeting.

The secretary may bring in a recording secretary of his/her choice to record the transactions of the Governing Board in session, except during executive session. The recording secretary shall be without vote.

Section 4.5 RMES Board Relationship to the Michigan Education Superintendent

The Ruth Murdoch Governing Board shall look to the Michigan Conference Education Superintendent for advisory educational leadership, and for specific guidance on the denominational governing codes as prescribed by the Michigan and Lake Union Conference K-12 Boards. They shall serve as a liaison between Ruth Murdoch and the Michigan and Lake Union Conferences with respect to appropriate denominational educational matters and procedures for cooperation.

Section 4.6 The Role of the University Provost

The University Provost shall serve as a liaison between the Ruth Murdoch Governing Board and the University President in routine matters in his/her domain, and in matters relating to salaried staff and faculty, budget, and the RMES Board Working Policy that need action by the University Board of Trustees.

Section 4.7 The Role of the Ruth Murdoch Principal

The Ruth Murdoch Principal is responsible to the Governing Board. The principal shall perform the following functions:

1. Serve as secretary of the Governing Board.
2. Conduct the administrative functions for the internal operation of the school program. They shall also serve as a link between the Governing Board and the Provost for routine matters in his/her domain and for items pertaining to salaried staff and faculty, budget, and amendments to the RMES Board Working Policy which require transmittal to the president and the University Board of Trustees for action.
3. Confer regularly with the Board Chair regarding matters relating to the administration of the school.
4. Be responsible, with faculty consultation, for the routine disciplining of students.
5. Consult with the Board Chair regarding serious student offenses indicating the necessity for a student’s discontinuance in the school prior to Governing Board action.
6. Prepare the proposed annual budget in consultation with the faculty, for the Finance Committee to review and recommend prior to Governing Board action.
7. Implement Ruth Murdoch budget as approved by the Governing Board and the University Board of Trustees.
8. Recommend to the Curriculum and/or Personnel Committees matters concerning the recruitment, employment, evaluation, in-service training, and dismissal of faculty and staff.
9. Supervise the instructional and learning process.
10. Regularly evaluate the performance of each hourly-paid and salaried employee.
11. Coordinate curricular and co-curricular activities and plan for the scheduling and maintenance of facilities.
12. Recommend to the Personnel Committee the proposed teaching assignments.
13. Recruit students.
14. Coordinate an effective system of communication with parents, students, faculty, and the public.
15. Supervise the maintenance of student cumulative records and other reports and official documents.
16. Supervise the school staff personnel.
17. Serve as ex-officio member of Ruth Murdoch committees.
18. Report on a regular basis to the Governing Board regarding matters affecting school affairs.
19. Plan and supervise the elementary school registration.
20. Call and preside at Ruth Murdoch faculty meetings.
21. Ensure that the cooperative arrangements with the School of Education are safeguarded.
22. Facilitate the development of general school policy.
23. Administer Ruth Murdoch in harmony with the denomination education codes and the policies of the Ruth Murdoch Governing Board.
24. Collaborate with Andrews Academy regarding K-12 curricula and recruiting.
25. Cooperate with the elected Home and School leader and parents to enhance the educational program of the school.
26. Coordinate, encourage and support volunteers.
27. Recommend to the Governing Board the termination of salaried employees.
28. Hire and terminate hourly-paid staff, consistent with any University policy provisions.

Section 4.8 The Legislative Powers of the Faculty

Inasmuch as program and curriculum development and implementation are the proper professional responsibilities of the faculty under the leadership of the principal and the relevant denominational education officials, the Governing Board shall consider seriously all faculty recommendations on educational policies such as those necessary for conducting the academic, spiritual, financial, social, co-curricular and related programs. These policies are to be formulated within the framework of Ruth Murdoch’s mission, philosophy and objectives, general policies and the budgetary provisions voted by the Governing Board in accordance with the established education policies of the Seventh-day Adventist church. The mission, philosophy and objectives, general policies and budgetary provisions as voted by the Governing Board are interpreted to the faculty by the principal; conversely the principal interprets the policies of the faculty to the Governing Board.

Section 4.9 Ownership of Property, Facilities and Equipment

Andrews University owns the property on which Ruth Murdoch is located, the facilities in which it is operated, and the equipment with which the school program is conducted.

Section 4.10 Financial Responsibility

The Governing Board shall secure the funds necessary for Ruth Murdoch to properly fulfill its mission and purposes. The Governing Board shall regulate the ways in which the school funds shall be allocated through the adoption of an annual budget.

The University Board of Trustees approves the budget for Ruth Murdoch on recommendation of Ruth Murdoch Governing Board after being advised by the Finance Committee. Any major change in the University Board of Trustees’ approved budget shall require the recommendation of the Committee on Finance, the action of the Governing Board and the concurrence of the University Budget and Financial Management Committee.

Section 4.11 Personnel Responsibility

The Andrews University Board of Trustees has reserved for the University President the authority to terminate the principal as stated in Section 4.2. The University Board of Trustees has further reserved for itself the final authority to hire, reappoint, and promote all salaried administrators, faculty, and staff as stated in Section 4.2.

The University Board of Trustees has delegated to the Ruth Murdoch Governing Board the power to: (a) terminate all salaried administrators (except for the principal), faculty, and staff; (b) hire and terminate all hourly-paid staff; and (c) recommend to the University President the termination of the principal.

The RMES Governing Board has further delegated to the principal the authority to hire and terminate all hourly-paid staff. The University Board of Trustees approves this delegation of authority to the principal.

Section 4.12 General Powers

The general business and affairs of Ruth Murdoch shall be the responsibility of its Governing Board. The Governing Board may properly exercise authority for the total effectiveness of Ruth Murdoch programs in relation to the fulfillment of stated objectives but becomes directly active in the administrative domain only if the school is confronted with an extraordinary problem.

Section 4.13 Functions of the School Board

The school board is responsible for the operation of the school. The functions shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

1. To maintain the school as a Seventh-day Adventist educational institution as an integral part of its school system in fulfillment of the church’s teaching ministry.
2. To coordinate the formulation of the school’s mission and purposes and approve them within the educational framework identified in (1) above and in (16) below.
3. To develop and ensure adequate financial resources in order that the school’s purposes may be met.
4. To recommend to the University Board of Trustees the appointment or termination of the principal, vice principal and faculty of Ruth Murdoch.
5. To appoint or terminate hourly-paid staff to Ruth Murdoch within budget and the University policy provisions.
6. To delegate to the principal the power to hire and terminate hourly-paid staff.
7. To terminate any salaried administrator (except the principal), faculty, or staff, consistent with any University policy provisions.
8. To recommend to the University President the termination of the principal. 
9. To ensure effective, comprehensive, and forward-looking organizational planning; making assumptions about the school’s future and using those assumptions for strategic planning.
10. To manage the resources of Ruth Murdoch effectively.
11. To approve, monitor, and discontinue school programs and services in consultation with the principal and the faculty.
12. To enhance the school’s public image. To determine the criteria allowing for the participation of churches in the support and governance of Ruth Murdoch. To serve as a board of appeal for parents, faculty, and students.
13. To identify to the Governance Committee future potential Governing Board members who qualify by virtue of their knowledge, experience, interests and skills and convey that information to the organizations and persons who choose these members to serve on the Governing Board.
14. To coordinate the formulation and establishment of general school policy.
15. To ensure proper administration of the school by arranging for periodic review of administrative performance and to ensure that appropriate and periodic written faculty, salaried and hourly-paid staff evaluations are implemented.
16. To monitor compliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations by Ruth Murdoch administration.
17. To adhere to the highest ethical and moral standards of organizational behavior.
18. To monitor compliance with the education codes of the North American Division, Lake Union Conference and Michigan Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
19. To monitor teacher and administration certification requirements.
20. To recommend to the University Board of Trustees the annual budget after  approval by the Governing Board.
21. To delegate any power of the Governing Board to any ad hoc or standing committee, or to any member, officer, agent, or employee upon such terms as it may deem proper, consistent with any University policy provisions.

Article 5—OPERATION OF THE GOVERNING BOARD

Section 5.1 Meetings

Regular meetings of the Governing Board shall be held at such time and place as determined necessary. Special meetings of the Governing Board shall be called by the chair. The chairperson shall call a special meeting upon the written request of five (5) or more members of the school board. The authority of the Governing Board to act in a special meeting is limited to items contained in the notice of the special meeting.

The Governing Board shall meet at least four (4) times annually. A schedule of regular meetings is published in the minutes of the first meeting of each academic year. However, special meetings may be called by the chair with at least 72 hours of prior notice.

Section 5.2 Quorum

One-half (nine) of the Governing Board members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting, but if less than one-half of the members are present, a majority of the members present may adjourn the meeting without further notice. The act of the majority present at a meeting with quorum shall be the official action of the Governing Board.

Section 5.3 Visitors

Visitors are allowed to observe all meetings of the Governing Board except for executive sessions. In harmony with the Privacy Act (FERPA), minutes of executive sessions are available only to regular members of the Governing Board and are kept as appendices to the minutes of the regular and special meetings of the Governing Board.

Section 5.4 Ad Hoc Committees

The Governing Board shall appoint ad hoc committees as needed which may contain members who are bona-fide Governing Board members including faculty of Ruth Murdoch.

Section 5.5 Ruth Murdoch Standing Committees

Each member of the Governing Board is assigned to at least one of the following seven (7) standing committees by the chair after consultation with the principal:

• Governance
• Curriculum
• Personnel
• Finance
• Marketing
• School Health and Safety
• Plant Administration

Voting members of the Governing Board standing committees may include one (1) Ruth Murdoch faculty member per Governing Board standing committee elected for a two (2) year term in a Ruth Murdoch staff meeting.

5.5.1 Governance Committee

The committee on board development and governance shall have responsibility for:

1. Identifying potential Governing Board members of achievement and distinction for future election based on their knowledge, experience, interests, and skills and conveying that information to the organizations choosing these members.
2. Recommending committee memberships.
3. Attending to the orientation, continuing education, and development activities for the Governing Board and its members.
4. Ensuring that the Governing Board appropriately disciplines itself.
5. Proposing to the Governing Board the time for its regular meetings, which shall assist it to best fulfill its function and achieve its purposes.
6. Designing the school’s mission statement with the advice of the faculty and recommending it to the Governing Board for its action.
7. Reviewing the school’s mission, philosophy and governance policies annually and recommending to the Governing Board any proposed revisions for its action.
8. Designing the policies and procedures, which shall govern the way the Governing Board shall conduct its business and recommending them to the Governing Board for its action.
9. Designing current job descriptions for the administrators of Ruth Murdoch officers, and individual members of the Governing Board.

This committee shall meet a minimum of two (2) times annually.

Recommended advisory members include the University attorney and the Michigan Conference elementary superintendent.

5.5.2 Curriculum Committee

The Committee on Curriculum shall have responsibility for:

1. Associating with the Committee on Finance in providing the necessary funding for conducting the school’s programs and services.
2. Assessing the school’s programs and services, including teaching and learning, and professional development of employees to achieve strategic goals for excellence in Adventist elementary education.
3. Monitoring the school’s improvement plan and developing responses to the recommendations made by the accreditation organizations.
4. Reviewing the curriculum and accreditation status annually, ensuring that the school’s programs and services are demonstrably consistent with its purposes and mission and are of high quality and recommending to the Governing Board any proposed revisions for its action.
5. Monitoring and implementation of standardized and classroom testing, special education assessments and standards for effective teaching and learning.

This committee shall meet at least twice (2) annually.

Recommended advisory members include the University School of Education Chair or designee and the Michigan Conference elementary superintendent.

5.5.3 Personnel Committee

The Committee on Personnel shall have responsibility for:

1. Assisting the Governing Board with advice, criteria and proposed policies for the recruitment, selection, evaluation, promotion, in-service training, employment and separating of appropriate personnel to facilitate the program of Ruth Murdoch within the University Working Policy.
2. Ensuring that periodic salaried and hourly-paid staff, faculty, and administrator evaluations are scheduled, performed, and reported upon to the Governing Board.
3. Meeting at least once a year with the Committees on Personnel and Curriculum of the Andrews Academy to ensure proper coordination with respect to the K-12 curriculum.

This committee shall meet a minimum of twice (2) annually.

Recommended advisory members include the University Human Resources director or designee, the Michigan Conference elementary superintendent, the University attorney, and Ruth Murdoch teachers in the wing the new hire will serve.

5.5.4 Finance Committee

The Committee on Finance shall have responsibility for:

1. Assisting in seeking and recommending ways and means to ensure adequate resources to prudently fund Ruth Murdoch programs and services established by the Governing Board.
2. Assisting in the preparation of the annual operating budget for approval by the Governing Board.
3. Monitoring the financial operation, which includes seeking and implementing ways through the administration of Ruth Murdoch to maintain expenses within the amounts shown in the budget approved by the University Board of Trustees.
4. Presenting the Governing Board recommendations regarding financial policies and procedures.

This committee shall meet a minimum of four (4) times annually.

Recommended advisory members include the Ruth Murdoch Business Manager, the University Vice President for Finance, the Pioneer administrative pastor, and one of the University accounting professors.

5.5.5 Marketing Committee

The marketing committee shall have the responsibility for:

1. Designing a plan for effectively marketing the school, for consideration and approval of the Governing Board.
2. Monitoring the school’s marketing and recruitment plan.
3. Conducting a marketing audit annually.

This committee shall meet a minimum of twice (2) annually.

Recommended advisory members include the Ruth Murdoch Business Manager, the Pioneer Children & Family Discipleship Pastor, the Home and School Association Chair, a parent, a Ruth Murdoch employee, and a university marketing professor or recruitment specialist.

5.5.6 School Health and Safety Committee

The Committee on School Health and Safety shall have the responsibility for:

1. Serving as the communicable disease review panel in managing the school’s communicable disease policy.
2. Reviewing the communicable disease policy annually and recommending to the Governing Board any proposed revisions for its action.
3. Serving as the steering committee, with supplemental membership, for creating a drug-free school environment.
4. Monitoring the school’s programs and services which pertain to the health and safety of students and the faculty and recommending to the Governing Board any proposed revisions for its action.
5. Monitoring school safety practices and policies, including traffic flow.
6. Ensuring that proper emergency policies and procedures are developed and implemented, including but not limited to fire and tornado.

This committee shall meet at least two (2) times annually.

Recommended advisory members include the University’s Compliance Officer and School Resource Officer, Berrien Springs Police Resource Officer, and a University School of Nursing representative or parent with medical training.

5.5.7 Plant Administration Committee

The Committee on Plant Administration shall have responsibility for:

1. Serving as the advising and project management team for all facility maintenance and improvements.
2. Liaising with the Principal to prioritize projects and contract workman to finish budgeted repairs and respond promptly to emergencies.
3. Assessing repair and upgrade needs to keep the Governing Board informed of priorities to budget, recommended contractors to hire, and projected timelines to implementation.

This committee shall meet at least two (2) times annually.

Recommended members include the University Plant Admin Director and Plant Services Manager, the RMES Business Manager, and the RMES building safety employee.

Article 6—HOME AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATION

Section 6.1 Constitution

The Home and School Association will operate in harmony with the guidelines outlined by the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists for Home and School Associations.

Section 6.2 Funds

The funds of the organization will be deposited with the Pioneer Memorial Church for use as directed by the Home and School Association for the benefit of Ruth Murdoch.

Section 6.3 Authority

The Home and School Association shall be responsible to and operate under the authority granted to it by the RMES Board. The leader is elected by Pioneer Memorial Church.

Article 7—AMENDMENTS TO THE RMES GOVERNING BOARD WORKING POLICY

Amendments to the Ruth Murdoch Working Policy must be approved by the Andrews University Board of Trustees. The University Board of Trustees has the authority to amend the Working Policy on its own initiative, without needing the consent of the RMES Governing Board.

The RMES Governing Board can also recommend Working Policy changes to the University Board of Trustees. Before any such recommendations may be made to the University Board of Trustees, however, the proposed amendment(s) must receive support from at least two-thirds of the members of the Ruth Murdoch Governing Board. The Ruth Murdoch Governing Board may not vote to recommend any amendment(s) to the Working Policy in the same meeting such proposed amendment is first introduced.