Being a School Board Member

There are nearly as many philosophical theories about boardmanship as there are board members.  However, there are some acceptable guidelines.  Your role is one of governance, not school management.  Consider adopting the following in your role as a member of the board of education:

While serving as a member of my board of education, I will accept the responsibility to improve public education.  To that end I will:
• Remember that my first and greatest concern must be the educational welfare of all children attending our schools.
• Obey the laws of Ohio and the United States
• Respect the confidentiality of privileged information.
• Recognize that as an individual board member I have no authority to speak or act for the board.
• Work with other members to establish and support effective policies.
• Delegate authority for the administration of the schools to the superintendent and staff.
• Encourage ongoing communications among board members, the board, students, staff, and the community.
• Render all decisions based on available facts and my informed, independent judgment rather than succumbing to the influence of individuals or special interest groups.
• Make every effort to attend all board meetings.
• Become informed concerning the issues to be considered at each meeting.
• Understand that the board meeting is not the place to grandstand or spring surprises.
• Improve my boardmanship by studying educational issues and by participating in in-service programs.
• Support the employment of staff members based on qualifications and not the result of influence.
• Cooperate with other board members and administrators to establish a system of regular and impartial evaluations of all staff.
• Avoid conflicts of interest or the appearance thereof.
• Refrain from using my board position for the benefit of myself, family members or business associates.
• Express my personal opinions but, once the board has acted, accept the will of the majority.