School board members –

Advocate and lobby for public education.
Study issues and regulations.
Discuss the issues at public board meetings.
Vote on issues.
Support the decisions of the board majority.
Promote public education in their local communities and beyond.

 

What do board members do?

* Sign an oath of responsibility as an agent of NYS for the education
of ALL children and youth of the state.

* At all times remember that the board is a corporate body that exists
only during its public meetings, and that its only authority to lead occurs
during those meetings.

* Learn district goals and policies set by boards in previous years.

* Participate in all scheduled board meetings—business, study sessions,
executive sessions—and provide input in the board discussions.

* Make decisions based on district policies and governmental regulations.

* Participate in periodic reviews of policies and goals to help determine
policy and plan for the district’s future.

* Work to influence laws and regulations being considered at federal
and state levels:
 

Often government mandates do not funding needed for
implementation.

Often legislation restricts local districts or interferes with
existing successful operations.

State and federal financial support are vital for the success
of public schools.
 

* Attend workshops and seminars on a wide range of topics to enable
sound decision making.

* Listen to concerned citizens at any hour of the day, as the need arises.

* Avoid involvement in district operations while receiving regular reports
regarding process and progress of implementation.

* Do not speak for the whole board unless delegated that authority
by the board.

* Once a decision is made by the board, support that decision and the
superintendent’s efforts to enact that decision.
 

What kinds of decisions do school boards make?

ROUTINE MATTERS
Approving agendas and minutes
Accepting treasurer’s reports, warrants or bills
Approving placements of students with special needs
Approving employment and tenure
Deciding when to meet.

ANNUAL DISTRICT BUDGET
Determining numbers of staff members
Reflecting changes in assignments
Supporting changes in program offerings
Providing a safe productive environment for students and staff.

EMPLOYEE CONTRACTS
Studying issues and progress of negotiations
Including funds for negotiated salaries in budgets.

SUPERINTENDENT RELATIONS
Selecting superintendent as needed
Allowing superintendent to serve as chief executive officer,
               implementing board decisions
Acting on recommendations of the superintendent.

CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES
Providing the best decision for students, not pressure groups
Gathering input from concerned citizens
Explaining controversial decisions
Defending and supporting board decisions.
 

HOME | Information | School District Directory | Board Member Directory | Calendar | Contact MCSBA | District Job Contacts | Legislative Matters | Educational News | Exemplary Programs | Facts & Figures | Higher Education | Other Links

© 2003 by [Monroe County School Boards Association]. All rights reserved.

Monroe County School Boards Association
1250 Scottsville Road, Suite 5A
Rochester, NY 14624
(585) 328-1972
FAX (585) 328-2494

e-mail contact: Judy_Wadsworth@boces.monroe.edu