As we prepare for the upcoming election and many of you are reviewing your options for the various candidates and taking stock on issues important to you, you might ask yourself: “what do school board members actually do?” The answer is two-fold, so let’s address both the role of individual board members and the role of the school board as a whole.
- Individual board members work collaboratively to address district needs, elevate community voice, and support school leadership to seek the best outcomes and opportunities for all learners. Board members serve as ambassadors and advisors. Tuned into the concerns, goals, and priorities of the community members, they serve as a liaison between the community and the school district.
They serve as advisors by sharing concerns and opportunities with leadership to address the community’s needs. They do not have authority to set policy on their own or make district decisions without collective agreement .
- From a technical standpoint, the school board hires, evaluates, and (if necessary) fires both the superintendent and treasurer. They create policies and procedures for the district, promote fiscal health, and serve as an extension of the community they represent. As a whole, the school board collaborates and creates policy in partnership with school leadership. Together, they identify goals, steward district funds, and seek the best outcomes and opportunities for all learners. The school board supports educators and school district staff to ensure all students can thrive.
Serving as a board member is a great commitment, not to be taken lightly. With this in mind, I am dedicated to supporting educators, school staff, students, and families to ensure Oakwood schools are the best they can be. When presented with decision-making opportunities, I commit to critically evaluating the information, seeking out all stakeholder perspectives, and objectively placing the best interests of students at the forefront.
I have been attending board meetings and working sessions over the past several months, as a way to further prepare myself for the role. I have been listening with ears wide open as I’ve been meeting with current board members and the superintendent, door-knocking, connecting with many of you at “meet the candidate” events (thank you to those who have graciously opened your homes to host these events!), participating in multiple forums, and engaging in online discussions to be effectively prepared to represent you on the board.
I value your input and am committed to continue listening.