County Extension Board Purpose and Organization

The County Extension Board is made up of 14 "lay leaders" in the county. These leaders, through experience, know federal, state, and county extension educational responsibilities and general policies. They also help to formulate and carry out county extension programs and policies. These board members serve an important role in county extension program direction, county financial support, and personnel placement. County Extension Boards should be consulted and/or informed on major organizational and administrative changes made in the state and county Cooperative Extension Service.

The County Extension Board is to serve as the advisory and review group for the county extension program and professional staff. This organizational structure provides a system for county citizens to guide programs and marshal support for the informal educational work of the professional staff. The board is the link and focal point for program direction recommended by other county program planning groups in Agriculture and Natural Resources, 4-H Youth Development, Consumer and Family Sciences, and Leadership and Community Development.

Specific purposes of the County Extension Board are:

• Give advice and direction in planning the total county extension program designed to meet needs of county people

• Carry out budget planning and procurement of county funding for county extension service

• Assist Cooperative Extension Service administration, District Director, and County Extension Director in cooperation with other educators in selection and placement of county staff

• Cooperate with and provide representation to the P-CARET Council on Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Committee according to their state by-laws

• Appoint subcommittees for the following functions: (County Extension Director serves ex-officio on subcommittees);
   

  • Nominating committee for board member election;
  • Budget committee to help professional staff develop and support county extension budget;
  • Screening committee to work with Cooperative Extension Service administration in the replacement of county professional staff;
  • Others (i.e., audit annual meeting planning, County Advisory Council membership update, etc.).

The County Extension Board and county Extension Educators are responsible for having a well developed and balanced county extension program. Board members provide a knowledge base regarding the county. Therefore, Extension Boards can help the professional staff by setting long-range goals for the total extension program.

The County Extension Board gives leadership and support to the program committees and county Extension Educators. Program committees (4-H Youth Development, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Consumer and Family Sciences, and Leadership and Community Development) must plan, organize, and conduct effective educational programs.

The County Extension Board serves as an important advisory and counseling group for county Extension Educators, District Directors, and state extension administration. County Extension Boards have the responsibility to work with Cooperative Extension Service administration in the area of personnel performance.

Although Purdue University has the legal authority and responsibility for personnel placement, the Extension Board is normally requested to give advice and recommendations for appointment of educators in their county. The Extension Board should help newly appointed educators get acquainted with the people and the county situation. The board can help Extension Educators work with sensitive issues and give support for educational changes.

The County Extension Board reviews the county extension budget needs and provides support for submission to the County Council. The County Extension Director, with cooperation of the staff, has the responsibility for preparing the proposed budget request. The Extension Board will review and adjust the budget as necessary.   Following the budget preparation process the County Extension Board and the County Extension Director should make specific plans to contact and inform county council members about the extension budget. The budget becomes the request of the County Extension Board.