Got what it takes? A quick guide to becoming a school board member?
CHENANGO COUNTY – With elections coming up Wednesday, May 16, local school administrators and school board members say a person doesn’t need to be any sort of educational, financial, or administrative expert to run for a spot on a Board of Education. Rather, all that’s required is expertise – or interest – in being an involved citizen.
What is a Board of Education?
According to the New York state School Board Association, a Board of Education is much like a corporate Board of Directors. But instead of guiding a company, a BOE is often a seven member group that helps develop and guide the future of a school system; acting as the eyes, ears and voice for the community that pays for – and ultimately benefits from – public education.
What does a Board of Education do?
First and foremost, a successful board acts as a team, NYSSBA and members of area BOEs contend. The goal is to work with – and oversee – a district’s superintendent to insure that student needs and public needs are being met.
“They define our kids education for us,” said David Blom, who runs board member training programs at DCMO BOCES in Norwich.
Norwich City School board member Chris Frank said an effective board should apply multiple perspectives – including a taxpayer’s point-of-view (and in some cases a parent’s) – in analyzing nearly every aspect of their local educational system.
“A school benefits from a diverse perspective across the board,” said Norwich City Schools board president Chris Frank. “We don’t always agree on everything – and that’s ideal. When you have diversity among your members...you get a better solution.”
The wide-range of issues board members examine and oversee include grading, curriculum, budget reviews, instruction methods, employment procedures, property maintenance and supply purchasing.
Who can be on a Board of Education?
Essentially the main qualification a potential school board member must have – aside from being 18 or older, literate, and at least a year-long district resident – is a passion for their communities its future generations, NYSSBA claims. Candidates have to fill out petitions provided by the district clerk and obtain anywhere between 25 and 100 signatures – depending on a district’s size – from eligible voters (that live within the district). Elections are at-large in most cases, meaning if two spots are open, those spots are filled by the top two vote recipients. Once elected, representatives officially take a vested interest in what, why, how well, and how much education in their community is being provided.
“You have to be kid oriented,” said Sherburne-Earlville Schools Superintendent Gayle Hellert. “This is a huge commitment for an individual – they need to go into it with a positive outlook.”
Why be on a Board of Education?
Because it’s a way to give back to the community and its younger generations, Frank said.
“It was education that gave me an opportunity,” he said. “That’s why I got involved; to give back where it helped me.”
I’m on the Board of Education, what now?
Blom, who is also the Assistant Superintendent of Management Services at BOCES in Norwich, said board members need to ask questions of each other, their school’s administrators, and of the information they are presented with.
“Do I understand this well enough to explain it to other members of the community,” said Blom, referring to how board members should approach each topic. “Will I ask a question if I don’t understand?”
According to NYSSBA, board members serve 3,4, or 5 year terms, and can expect to work about 6 hours a week on school related tasks. Districts usually have one to two meetings per month.
BOCES and NYSSBA both offer training programs for new or potential board members. For more information about BOCES’ School Board Academy visit its Website at: www.dcmoboces.com or call 335-1200. Visit NYSSBA on the web at www.nyssba.org.
What is a Board of Education?
According to the New York state School Board Association, a Board of Education is much like a corporate Board of Directors. But instead of guiding a company, a BOE is often a seven member group that helps develop and guide the future of a school system; acting as the eyes, ears and voice for the community that pays for – and ultimately benefits from – public education.
What does a Board of Education do?
First and foremost, a successful board acts as a team, NYSSBA and members of area BOEs contend. The goal is to work with – and oversee – a district’s superintendent to insure that student needs and public needs are being met.
“They define our kids education for us,” said David Blom, who runs board member training programs at DCMO BOCES in Norwich.
Norwich City School board member Chris Frank said an effective board should apply multiple perspectives – including a taxpayer’s point-of-view (and in some cases a parent’s) – in analyzing nearly every aspect of their local educational system.
“A school benefits from a diverse perspective across the board,” said Norwich City Schools board president Chris Frank. “We don’t always agree on everything – and that’s ideal. When you have diversity among your members...you get a better solution.”
The wide-range of issues board members examine and oversee include grading, curriculum, budget reviews, instruction methods, employment procedures, property maintenance and supply purchasing.
Who can be on a Board of Education?
Essentially the main qualification a potential school board member must have – aside from being 18 or older, literate, and at least a year-long district resident – is a passion for their communities its future generations, NYSSBA claims. Candidates have to fill out petitions provided by the district clerk and obtain anywhere between 25 and 100 signatures – depending on a district’s size – from eligible voters (that live within the district). Elections are at-large in most cases, meaning if two spots are open, those spots are filled by the top two vote recipients. Once elected, representatives officially take a vested interest in what, why, how well, and how much education in their community is being provided.
“You have to be kid oriented,” said Sherburne-Earlville Schools Superintendent Gayle Hellert. “This is a huge commitment for an individual – they need to go into it with a positive outlook.”
Why be on a Board of Education?
Because it’s a way to give back to the community and its younger generations, Frank said.
“It was education that gave me an opportunity,” he said. “That’s why I got involved; to give back where it helped me.”
I’m on the Board of Education, what now?
Blom, who is also the Assistant Superintendent of Management Services at BOCES in Norwich, said board members need to ask questions of each other, their school’s administrators, and of the information they are presented with.
“Do I understand this well enough to explain it to other members of the community,” said Blom, referring to how board members should approach each topic. “Will I ask a question if I don’t understand?”
According to NYSSBA, board members serve 3,4, or 5 year terms, and can expect to work about 6 hours a week on school related tasks. Districts usually have one to two meetings per month.
BOCES and NYSSBA both offer training programs for new or potential board members. For more information about BOCES’ School Board Academy visit its Website at: www.dcmoboces.com or call 335-1200. Visit NYSSBA on the web at www.nyssba.org.
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