What is a School Board Member?
School board members are local leaders who help shape the future of education in their community. They represent the voices of parents, students, and the community to make sure schools provide a great education for every student.
Who Are School Board Members?
• Community Members: School board members live in the district they serve and care deeply about its schools.
• Unpaid Elected Officials: They are non-partisan elected representatives chosen by local voters, and they serve without pay.
• Team Players: The board works as a group to make decisions; no member acts alone.
What Do They Do?
1. Set Goals for Schools
• Decide what the schools should focus on, like academic success, safety, and community values.
2. Hire the Superintendent
• Choose and support a superintendent who runs the district.
• Review their performance to ensure schools are heading in the right direction.
3. Manage the Budget
• Approve how money is spent to ensure resources are used wisely for students.
4. Support Curriculum and Programs
• Decide on programs and materials that align with state standards and meet student needs.
5. Maintain Facilities
• Ensure school buildings are safe, clean, and meet the needs of students and staff.
6. Follow the Law
• School boards must comply with all state and federal laws related to public education. This includes laws about student rights, school funding, academic standards, and much more.
• They ensure district policies and actions meet these legal requirements.
7. Listen to the Community
• Stay connected with parents, teachers, and local residents to understand their concerns and ideas.
How Do They Work?
School boards make decisions as a group during official public meetings. Members discuss issues, listen to input, and vote on actions. All decisions focus on what’s best for the students.
Why It Matters
School board members make big decisions that affect your child’s education and the future of your community. They help set the vision and direction for local schools and ensure students have opportunities to succeed.
How You Can Get Involved
• Attend school board meetings to stay informed.
• Share your thoughts and concerns with board members.
• Vote in school board elections to choose representatives who reflect your values.
