The Board of Education acts through corporate authority, that is as if it were a single person. The will of the board is defined by resolutions adopted by vote at a board meeting.

Individual trustees may bring any question, concern or suggestion to a board meeting for discussion by trustees but only through board resolution can action be taken. Individual trustees do not exercise authority or direct staff.

In general, the following are the most important functions of the board:

• Formulating and interpreting policies and by-laws.

• Delegating administrative authority.

• Deciding on educational and budget matters that cannot be legally delegated or that in the board's judgment should be decided by the board.

• Appraising the district's education, administrative and planning processes in light of the board's stated goals.

• Administering public funds.

• Communicating with the citizens of Richmond for the benefit of the education of its children.

Responsibility for day-to-day operations are delegated to the superintendent of schools and through him or her to the administrative, teaching and support staff of the district.