Q: What will be my main responsibilities?
A: First of all, as a school board member you must remember that you have no power of authority except that which results from participation in decisions and actions of the board in an official meeting. Actions, promises or commitments by individual board members are without legal basis and create no binding commitment upon the district. Also, as a board member, you are elected to represent the entire school district in all matters pertaining to education. Basically, school board members serve as:
- Local education leaders in establishing a program of quality instruction.
- School directors responsible for determining the general direction of the school system.
- Local policymakers who develop, monitor and evaluate the policies which guide the operation of the school system.
- Spokespersons and interpreters who serve as a communications link between the community and the school system.
Q: What is the relationship between the board and the superintendent? Who makes the final decisions?
A: The function of the school board is to direct the schools through hiring the superintendent, policy, budget and evaluation. The board provides guidance to the superintendent and approves, disapproves or modifies his or her recommendations. The superintendent is the person chosen by the board to translate the will of the board and board policy into action.
Q: What gives a school board the authority to act?
A: Local school districts were created by the Legislature to formulate policies for the operation of school districts in order to implement the requirements of the constitution and state laws. School boards are thus agents of the state charged with administering the school functions delegated to them by the Legislature. In general, boards have three types of power: (1) that which is enumerated by the Legislature; (2) that which necessarily is implied to carry out what the Legislature authorizes; and (3) that which improves public school programs and improves the administration of school districts.
Q: How does a board make sure that its district operates in accord with its wishes?
A: One of the most important functions of the school board is to formulate and adopt sound education and governance policies. These policies set forth the purposes and prescribe in general terms the organization and program of a school system. They create a framework within which the superintendent and staff can carry out assigned duties. The board should ask for periodic reports on programs and activities to ensure that its adopted policies are followed.
Q: Can anyone attend a board meeting? What about teachers? Executive sessions?
A: All meetings of the school board are open to the public, including teachers, except for an executive session or, in specifically defined situations, when the Open Public Meetings Act does not apply. Executive sessions must be limited to discussion of such matters as: sale or purchase of real property; hearing complaints or charges against an employee; or pending litigation. The Open Public Meetings Act does not apply to labor negotiations or appeals to the board. NOTE: The purpose and length of an executive session must be announced prior to the session. Only the announced subject may be discussed and no vote can be taken. Where the Open Public Meetings Act does not apply, the school board may make decisions closed to the public.
Q: Where do school districts get their money?
A: Districts receive the major portion, about 80%, of their revenue from the state. Most districts also receive some revenue through special programs funded by the federal government. In addition, a local board can ask citizens to increase their property taxes through levy and bond elections within certain limits and for specific purposes as established by state law.
Q: Who decides how this money is spent?
A: The school board establishes goals and priorities that provide a framework for the budget. The superintendent works with other staff members to draft a budget which meets board objectives, follows laws and regulations and stays within available district financial resources. The board approves the budget after a public hearing, then the superintendent is responsible for administering and living within its limits and for seeking board approval of expenditures. State law requires that the superintendent present a budget status report at each regular monthly meeting of the board.
Q: How much time does it take to be a school board member?
A: As a school board member, you and your fellow directors will be in charge of managing on of the largest businesses in your community. By accepting this responsibility, you in effect agree to attend the regular and special meetings of the board and to keep yourself informed about the numerous issues on which you will be expected to make decisions. Membership on your local school board does demand a significant amount of time and commitment, but it also is one of the most rewarding ways you can help shape the future for the children in your community and across the state.
Q: What if I have more questions?
A: Contact MASB via email, fax or phone. We are your association. Call 800.968.4627 or 517.327.5900; fax us at 517.327.0775 or contact us via www.masb.org. We are here for you.
