Deciding who to vote for in school board elections can be one of the most difficult decisions to make.  Why? First, we easily grasp that the future of our children and our community is at stake. Do you or have you had students in the public school? 

Second, there is no training ground for board members, as they generally are selected from among common citizens. This is often their first experience at participating at the managerial level into a position that is authorized to conduct business concerning serious matters and that involves large amounts of public funds. Have you ever attended a school board meeting?

A successful board member must be able to set aside their personal agenda, friendships and biases to act on those items that are in the best interest of the students, parents, staff and community. Many cannot fulfill this requirement, yet there are often some who take it upon themselves to exercise their interests by attending meetings and engage in dialogue to voice their thoughts on the issues as a concerned parent.

The potential board member must also be fiscally responsible, always remembering that it is the taxpayer who foots the bill and often is not represented in the boardroom at decision making time, except that the board is elected to represent them, too.

The board’s only direct employee is the superintendent.  As such, the selection of the superintendent is the most pivotal decision the board ever undertakes. Board members must be able to critique, encourage and empower this person, not circumvent.

Expecting high levels of academic performance is always important. As you go to the polls, vote for those individuals who you really believe are capable of fulling these requirements. Remember this is not a popularity contest because the stakes are simply too high.